Foo Fighters - Medicine At Midnight (LP)

Foo Fighters' Medicine at Midnight, released in 2021, marks a stylistic shift for the band, incorporating elements of dance-rock and pop into their established alternative rock sound. The album opens with Making a Fire, featuring infectious grooves and soulful backing vocals, signaling a more upbeat and rhythmic direction. This evolution demonstrates the band's willingness to explore new musical territories while maintaining their core identity.

Produced by Greg Kurstin, Medicine at Midnight showcases polished production that enhances its danceable rhythms and melodic hooks. The title track delves into funk influences, with syncopated beats and a catchy chorus that highlight the band's versatility. This collaboration with Kurstin brings a fresh, contemporary edge to the Foo Fighters' sound, blending their rock roots with modern pop sensibilities.

Lyrically, the album balances introspection with social commentary. Waiting on a War reflects frontman Dave Grohl's concerns about global tensions, delivering a poignant message over a gradually intensifying arrangement. This track exemplifies the band's ability to address weighty themes within accessible and engaging compositions.

Medicine at Midnight received generally positive reviews from critics. AllMusic praised it as "a speedy, hooky, and efficient record, every bit the party album Grohl promised". However, Pitchfork noted that it "adds very little to their extensive catalog of interchangeable power pop and hard-rock sing-alongs." Despite mixed opinions, the album showcases Foo Fighters' efforts to innovate within their genre, offering listeners a blend of familiar rock anthems and explorative dance-rock tracks.