I am now obsessed! Foo Fighter's Vocal ANALYSIS of "The Pretender" and it's now on my playlist!

[@tankermike99]

The drummer who lost his front man only to become the front man who lost his drummer. Dave's story could be so tragic if looked at it in a certain light. But he continues to inspire the world.

[@courtney5796]

Well said!

[@santurius4235]

Its kinda sad that the greates art is almost always born from tragedy

[@tankermike99]

@@santurius4235 true. But like they say. Nothing great is achieved without struggles

[@Stringer13ell]

Woke poke merchant though

[@JontysCorner]

@@Stringer13ell You spelled 'decent human being' incorrectly. Not surprising though, lack of education is extremely common amongst your type.

[@Cadinho93]

Fun Fact: Dave Grohl actually blew out his vocal cords while recording the vocal fry for this song and continued to record through the pain. It ended up being the version they used for the album because he managed to stay in tune near perfectly despite the damage. Also, Dave Grohl is not only an excellent musician, he's also an excellent human being.

[@mleii1169]

I've often wondered how he has not yet lost his voice given some songs and their vocal intensity.

[@thatshortmusicmajor1]

​@mleii1169 just remembered one interview where someone asked about his voice & he was just like "i don't know man it just doesn't go away" 😂

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I've heard so many stories about how awesome he is, and have seen pictures of him donating his time and food to the homeless. I truly wish I get to meet him one day and talk shop.

[@Cadinho93]

@@TheCharismaticVoiceBelieve it all because it's true and I wouldn't be surprised if you were able to do an interview with him on here. That would be awesome to see!

[@grantego553]

@@TheCharismaticVoice we know he's friends with Justin Hawkins, maybe an in?

[@cathyn7640]

Elizabeth, honey, after my husband of 34 years died of brain cancer, I was desperate to find a way to voice my pain. I wished I could rip my throat open and release the trapped grief and fury my puny vocal cords couldn't voice. I found this song and played it over and over, loud, louder, LOUDEST, and felt like it had been written and composed and sung and screamed just for me. It felt personal in ways hard to explain. The lyrics felt like the event of his death was calling me out on my own personal bs, and simultaneously like it was my rage screaming into the void. It's been almost ten years now, and for a long while I've walled the pain off so I could get on with things, and just lately started taking down some of the bricks. Your delight and emotional sensitivity, the way you really feel every fierce bit of this gorgeous work, has validated and shattered me in the best, most healing way. You gave me a much-needed good hard cry. I love this, I love Dave Grohl, I love you, and dammit, I love and miss my sweetie, as I make my way through to the best, truest life I can build in honor of his memory. Thank you.

[@imfrcd]

sorry for your loss..

[@nicovega1831]

❤❤

[@neil2444]

Dave Grohl has a way with words, doesn't he? My brother went through a messy divorce, and the one song that he kept playing over and over again was Best Of You. I had never heard the song before, but the lyrics really ended up striking a chord with me as well. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been losing your husband, but I know the power of music to heal. The most difficult part in the healing process is taking down those bricks, believe me. ❤

[@cathyn7640]

@@neil2444 "Let it Die" also tears me wide open.

[@flor9389]

I’m sorry about your sweetie. This song got me through a divorce. Have you listened to the album But Here We Are? It covers the stages of grief in tribute to Taylor and his mother who passed away a few months after Taylor.

[@trevorsongary3431]

A lot of people forget that this wasn't a sound you heard when it came out. No one was writting or performing like this. The tones, the transitions, the mixes of themes....Dave put so many, seemingly, disparate pieces together in this one song! It changed how so many artists thought about HOW they could structure a song. Absolutely brilliant!

[@darrenmilo9565]

This song means so much to me. My daughter was having an awful time around 8years old living with her mother who was drinking heavily and not caring for her and she wanted to come and live with me. Her mother refused so we went to court and I kept fighting. In the end I was awarded residency and it was this song that kept me up for the fight. My daughter is 16 now, happy, healthy and just about to graduate from high school. And I could not be more proud of her. She had such courage as a child then and carries it forward now.

[@donbran92]

The first time I listened to this song was when it first came out. I was in 9th grade and shared the bedroom with my little brother, who was in 7th grade at the time. We were just about to go to sleep, and we so happened to have MTV on the TV. It was like 11pm and just before I turned the TV off, this video came in. Both my brother and I stood speechless during the whole song, from beginning to end. After that, I turned the TV off and went to sleep, neither of us said anything, not even ''good night''. The morning after we could not stop talking about how hard that song hit us both, and how neither of us could not sleep thinking about it. It definitely changed our brain chemistry that night.

[@Rystefn]

I'm jealous. I wish I was young enough to have heard this as a teenager. That must have been mind blowing. I mean, there's a bunch of Foo Fighters that I did head first as a teenager, and that was awesome, but this one still hits different.

[@brandonshuttleworth8374]

Around the same time, I had just graduated high school and heard it late night on Sirius radio, friend of mine, and I were on the phone, and I stopped everything in that moment. You just knew, the first time you heard it, and boy did that album live up to the hype. It’s between that one, but here we are, wasting light, oh, who am I kidding? They’re all good!

[@metalmark1214]

I don't think Elizabeth is Pretending to be a Foo Fighter fan. It's Times Like These that she's Learning to Fly for how Everlong she can to bring out the Best of You so she can be My Hero, maybe All My Life.

[@thaddeusbohn9516]

Nicely done 😂

[@user-scott-pearce]

I see what you did there lol

[@metalmark1214]

@CushtyCrow She could throw a Monkey Wrench into the whole thing and do Money Wrench.

[@kristvoiles484]

Boooooo! Okay, that was pretty funny. But the appreciation is coming from my "dad joke side". LOL

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I filmed an analysis to Learn To Fly already. I just couldn't wait. It's ready to release!!!

[@grantego553]

This is the Foo song I've been waiting for. For the couple you did prior to this, they surprisingly didn't showcase the power of his vocals. And his ability to maintain that energy over hours live is impressive.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

This song is insanely good - I literally listen to it every day now.

[@jons3808]

This band is insanely good with an incredible discography 😇​@@TheCharismaticVoice

[@dudeling2000]

@@TheCharismaticVoice It's my 6yo's favorite song. It just hits all the feels.

[@constructionbootgazer]

I don’t think you’ve heard the song Stacked Actors.. THAT song is Foos at their best. Low is a close second.

[@szakadtcsimpanz]

@@constructionbootgazer I love those two!

[@danielsharett2163]

I believe the reason most people watch this channel is because of a really great combination of *immense* technical knowledge of voice, musical theory, and an excellent ear combined with someone who genuinely feels the music and freely expresses those feelings. (What is music for if not to make us feel?) In general I am always amazed at how Elizabeth can stop and rewind during super intense moments in songs, focus, and analyze them... It was kinda fun to see her get swept away a little bit by a song that swept so many of us away... here here!

[@ameise7977]

How can you sit so still while listening to this song? My whole body immediately starts to rock

[@carolinelane9599]

Im in the kitchen cooking dinner. Bopping away.

[@courtney5796]

The way the Foo fighters ramp things up and then pull you back and then go hard again. This, DOA, Monkey Wrench, Feast and the Famine, All my Life, Times Like These, Breakout, These Days, Walk, Best Of You., Many more. Not to mention some of the greatest videos! Edit: Dave Grohl is simply the best. Absolute legend. Not just in music. In life.

[@evorock]

and all of those songs (and more) were played when I was playing bass in my foo fighters tribute band. It was brilliant. I'd love to play these again!

[@courtney5796]

@@evorock That is awesome! I'm so jealous. A few years ago, at age 50, I picked up guitar. I still stink, but it's fun!

[@jimmylazer]

His version of Darling Nikki is great as well

[@evorock]

@@courtney5796 practice practice practice, and you'll end up really good!

[@Hellblazer46]

100%

[@stephenridolfi6464]

My favorite all-time Foo Fighter song! When I'm feeling squashed by the world, I get in my car, blast this song on the stereo, and sing at the top of my voice. It always makes me feel better.

[@greenphoenix687]

Same for me. Elizabeth focalised so well the feeling I get listening to this song. Im hoping its on the playlist when I go see them in London next month. So excited.

[@robpierce4712]

Taylor Hawkins was not only an amazing drummer, but if his background vocals were removed from this and many other songs they would be very much missed. RIP Taylor. Edit: Sorry, I realize that I was in error and Taylor did not contribute vocals on this track (though he did when performing it live, I believe). Regardless, he did on so many others including Bridge Burning from Wasting Light. One of my favorite tracks!

[@laurieemme1534]

Agree!

[@The_Kirk_Lazarus]

Taylor Hawkins did not sing any background vocals on this track. All vocals are from Dave Grohl exclusively.

[@robpierce4712]

@@The_Kirk_Lazarus My apologies. You are correct that Taylor did not sing back up vocals on this track in the studio version, which this is. It's all Dave. He did so when playing live which this was made to mimic. You can see him Pretending to sing during the song. There. Happy now? RIP Taylor.

[@bsquinney]

You are so true and The Pretender showcased that. They were brothers from the time they met and loved them both as performers and human beings.

[@rikk319]

The song I love most from Foo Fighters is Rope--it came out when I was going through my divorce, and Taylor did great backing vocals on that one.

[@MEDlC92]

"That’s one of the great things about music. You can sing a song to 85,000 people and they’ll sing it back for 85,000 different reasons." - Dave Grohl. This song came out in my formative years of being a young teen. That quiet rage and anger that enshrines us, was let out by this and music like this. I was heard. I was understood. I was made seen. Without Music, without Grohl, I'd not be here today. Music keeps me alive.

[@conormurphy4328]

Teens are cringe in every generation

[@MEDlC92]

@@conormurphy4328 adults are cringe in every generation

[@ReklessStandard]

Same here, foo fighters spoke to me no one really has. High school was a shitty time for me. With dave not knowing music and inspires the world. Foo fighters never changed their sound and thats why they are always and will be my top number one favorite band.

[@ReklessStandard]

​@@conormurphy4328bro, foo fighters are everything a rocker is. And you will never change my mind on that. If your not a fan of foo fighters, you dont know good music. IDGAF what you gotta say.

[@conormurphy4328]

@@ReklessStandard I love FF, teens however are cringey shits

[@coepenigga]

I can hardly express in words how envious I am of you that you can hear a song like this for the very first time. Even after the hundredth time I am more than thrilled, but the FIRST TIME was an extremely special moment!!!!

[@andyhudson5720]

I HIGHLY suggest the documentary Sound City. Not only is Dave a fantastic musician but it also shows his love of music.

[@SuzakuX]

She should check out the performance of "Mantra" with Grohl, Reznor, and Homme. The one with vocals, natch.

[@wordgiesworld5483]

Excellent series! I already liked Grohl, but to hear his passion for all music made me a fan.

[@hammerhiem75]

From Can to Can't is as good a rock track as i've ever heard

[@black-eyedNed]

Plus, I think he directed it.

[@WileECoyote0001]

And Sonic Highways. Awesome series.

[@peterbenson2185]

I love the fact that you have fallen in love with Rock/ Metal... And you can "Deconstruct" a line, a melody, a scream, or a chord ... Then explain to our (mostly) untrained ears the very building blocks that go into creating the sounds we love. Your enthusiasm and open hearted giddyness when you find something that catches you, is, quite frankly, a JOY to witness. LONG may you discover more music that brings you that unbridled happiness.... Because you spread that happiness every time someone watches one of these videos.

[@mtnkid85]

Well stated. Listening to music with @TheCharismaticVoice is like drinking wine with a Master Somm. They can talk you through what they are picking up on, leading to an enhancement of your own experience!

[@greenphoenix687]

So well said. I really loved this reaction from Elizabeth. Im seeing them live in London next month. So excited and hoping this song is on their playlist.

[@Jabarri74]

I'm sure there's science behind making good music but sadly the 'pop' of today isn't it

[@MetalmcBiff]

Dave Grohl has such a distinct rock voice. Really looking forward to this one!

[@surfboarding5058]

One of the last great rock legends!! Extending Kurt’s legacy imo

[@jimcollins7962]

I saw the Foo Fighters for the first time 2 weeks ago. Been on my bucket list for several years. They did not disappoint, I love Dave and what he has given to so many people through his music.

[@beaurector352]

I always find myself thinking, “just wait, it gets better!” Every time you enjoy something. Love listening to someone appreciate music the way I do. Thank you for your videos.

[@sensationaldenny]

That walking Bass line that Nate plays through the chorus is magic as well

[@BladeTheSuperior]

Remember foo fighters said run and they also said walk.

[@dylandenney3980]

​@@BladeTheSuperiorand they did it right. They walked before they ran

[@Eisenhower42]

The two things that always gives me chills with this song are: 1) the sort of counter-melody the guitars are weaving under the vocal melody, heard in the verses in unison with the line, "you know they all pretend" but then used again in the chorus when the melody is vastly different. And then, 2) the killer passing chord during the pre-chorus under "Are you ready?" ... that is just some masterful composition by Mr. Grohl who I also think possess one of the finest singing voices in rock, past or present. From buttery smooth Alan Parsons-like, to a shred no one can compete with - a voice that can just do it all.

[@xzBorn_]

This song really showcases Dave's ability to write lyrics that play on words. I love it.

[@grzegorzkwiatkowski8967]

I'm what's left, I'm what's right...

[@williamkrieger7932]

Its a remnant from the grunge movement of the early 90s but Dave really mastered the whole quiet - loud -quiet - loud dynamic that you hear between verse and chorus in many of their songs. His vocals are usually doubled on the studio recordings from this time frame. They are one of the best live shows you could ever see. 3 hour shows are routine. One thing I haven't heard you pick up on his singing as of yet. He does it all while chewing chewing gum, every single show.

[@jackstrawful]

I’ve long thought that the defining characteristic of Grohl’s songwriting, and what makes it great, is his knack for the build-up. This song, Walk, My Hero, Learn to Fly, Best of You, Everlong, are all so wonderfully structured, gradually layering in one element after another, leading to a perfectly full crescendo that ties everything together. It really is a very writerly approach - his songs are composed like little pieces of literature.

[@Salmacis99]

Elizabeth, I LOVE your happy maniacal laugh when the 'red explosion' happens! Thanks for the great reactions you do-makes me smile when you have so much fun!

[@neil2444]

I get such a frisson at that part of the song. If I had to pin what it is precisely that I like about Foo Fighters, it is that they understand how to build a song up well.

[@courtney5796]

@@neil2444 The build, the build, the build and then the take away........ AND then the build, and build! There really is no singular 'drop' like most songs, They (he) just suck you in and then let you go and then suck you in again. Opera and classical music do this often, but hard to pull off in R&R! Yet they do it so well.

[@Justajackalope369]

That moment had myself and my hubs fricken bouncing around laughing like lunatics the first time we watched the vid. It raises that adrenaline so much it just burst outta you. Watching it for the 500th time still gives me a fantastic buzz!

[@ninetySuh]

You never doubt the sincerity and authenticity of a foo fighters preformance

[@MrRoboto5572]

If you haven't watched it, I would recommend the series "Sonic Highways". It focuses on the belief that Dave has that a place has an influence on the music you create. Each episode has a different city as a focus, and the band interviews and interacts with incredible talent with a connection to that city. It is a fantastic piece of filmmaking that taught me a lot of respect for where music comes from. As for another FF song recommendation, I have a very deep connection with the song "Walk". The day I heard about my grandfather's passing, I was in a sort of sleepwalk throughout the day. At the end of the day, on my way home, I hit shuffle on my music player and Walk came on. I started to bawl my eyes out while laughing at the perfection of that moment, as the song felt like a goodbye from him. I'll never forget that moment.

[@scottwhitt2570]

Agree about Sonic Highways. Great series

[@mistyy1872]

All his documentaries are gold imo. It's because he is such a fan of music. He is truly iconic to me.

[@tadkramp2508]

I would love to listen to your reaction to standing in the audience of a Foo Fighters show and experiencing the 2 1/2 to 3 hours of non-stop energy and awesomeness that Dave brings. It is like no other concert experience that I have ever felt.

[@DMA3918]

I think this is the first video I have seen where Elizabeth has clearly shown moments of being awestruck as a regular fan! Especially around 17:46 that's just the fan talking. Always loved the deep analysis you do, but moments like this are cherry on top! Many thanks for doing this video 🙏

[@NameOptional-p9u]

I remember when this song hit the radio airwaves... I was in Army Basic Training and we were doing some training out at one of the ranges (weapons ranges) early one morning. Well I drew the "short straw" and had to meet up with one of the Drill Sergeants even earlier (like 2/3AM) and go with him to fill up the water tanks and then station them at the ranges before anyone showed up. And I remember getting in the truck with him and at some point on our drive this song came on the radio and my DS cranked up the radio and was rocking out. I had never heard the song but loved it and really had a "human" moment with someone I thought was just a DS 24/7. So long story short... The Foo Fighters gave me a memory I will always laugh about lol.

[@Jemraine]

The build up and sudden drop of sound just before the final chorus puts me in mind of a car going off a cliff in a movie. You see the car heading at speed toward the cliff, often jumping between different angles. Then when it goes over the cliff there's a short moment of slow-mo, usually with silence, before it jumps back to normal speed and comes crashing down.

[@rafamencarini]

The next one MUST be “All My Life”. One of my all time favorites, as well as The Pretender 😍🤘🏼

[@joshyaash]

Times like these!

[@CamJamsTube]

Most Definitely!👍

[@el-bov8034]

100%

[@petert4032]

I remember hearing this for the first time thinking, "Did they just make the perfect rock song!". Love watching people react to great music but Elizabeth is easily the best I've heard. Makes me understand the music I love in new ways I never previously understood.

[@bearkiti9974]

The Warning did a cover of this song when they were 15 13 and 11 and wrote "This is our tribute to Foo Fighters a band that truly inspires us." And they killed it. Got to believe this was one of the reasons they opened for the Foo Fighters in CDMX years later on what would be Taylors last concert. RIP

[@Hans_Reese]

Yes. Elizabeth should really do a reaction to their cover. She has reacted to them before, but the cover they did was actually a live outdoor recording, with their signature harmonising vocals.

[@BlackJackLopez]

For me, the 'secret' of this song taking me over from the very first time I heard it, is that little motive that goes along the "keep you in the dark and so they all pretend" melody line. As a bassist, playing that but 'increased' at full speed in the chorus is just... everything... Great video!

[@mattg.7832]

Ooohhh, my favourite Foo Fighters song and one of my favourite songs full stop. Bargain!!!

[@BigRalphSmith]

I have never seen any other performer bring the level of power and passionate energy to his performance. Dave gives everything when he plays.

[@weizilein]

The best thing is his self-confidence, despite everything that happened to him, an not a bit of arrogance. Pure charisma. And of course his musical talent. But for me it's the charisma what makes him one of the greatest frontman.

[@cabstevens]

I lost my ability to feel music at an incredibly deep level 10 years ago as I entered college. Lately I've started to nurture myself to be able to go back to that place. Thank you. Your pure joy and "revved up" emotions took me there with you tonight as I watched this. I haven't cried this way in 10 years. Thank you

[@dronezrk]

Dave is also in Them Crooked Vultures along with the vocalist of Queens of the Stone Age and John Paul Jones of Led Zepplin. Don't hear people talk about them, but so much talent in that super group. Mind Eraser, No Chaser is probably their biggest song and is absolutely worth your time.

[@jangugerell8084]

i totally agree, i have the whole album downloaded on my playlist. although i would have suggested she check out "No One Loves Me Neither Do I" :) but "Mind Eraser, No Chaser" is also really good IMO. :))

[@mrdragoon3344]

Think she should listen to Queens first, but that would be sick too

[@lindacoy7165]

I’ve been begging for her to check out QOTSA. I think she would love Josh’s voice.

[@ReklessStandard]

Well, them crooked vultures dont have very many songs. But was only a fill in for QOTSA.

[@mistykincaid5913]

🤘 I ❤ TCV!!

[@msgSharke]

“At some point you can’t just sing you have to scream that you will be yourself “- absolutely love what you said. Wow! You just defined why it’s so important to scream an emotion rather than sing it. ❤❤❤❤

[@EdwardRLyons]

All I can say, Elizabeth, is that you already achieve what Dave Grohl said. Your channel, along with just a couple of others, teaches me more about music than I learned in five decades of listening to music. That alone is both invigorating and inspiring, along with your innate ability to entertain. Thank you!

[@matthewgonzales3970]

Growing up listening to my brothers' music: Zeppelin, Kiss, Purple, Sabbath and on through the 80's, I cannot understate the fact that Dave Grohl has taken his rightful place in my top 5 most influential musicians. The man is just a whirlwind of musical ideas, and his lyrics, songs, and beautiful humanity are brought to light in everything he does. I describe the Foos' music as "beautiful ferocity." And the way Dave's voice can emote those words within a raging wall of guitars just brings so many layers to their songs. I didn't know what to make of their debut album because Dave's voice was so unconventional, but they grew on me quickly, especially as Dave began to reveal more of his personality to the public. Love this band!

[@jakekatzsound]

Hi - really big fan of your analyses and channel! I’m also a professional live audio engineer for bands (I go on tour and mix their shows). To put a little bit of a spotlight on how great this band is: that sensation of the frequencies being “filled in” around 7:20 is ALL Taylor Hawkins. The only change in arrangement here is a change from only snare drum quarter notes to a full drum kit with bass drum and high hat. Then they add the bass, then the third guitar part (the Foos are also quite unique for having 3 guitar players). It’s a masterclass in tension and release.

[@letsseewherethisgoes]

One of the things I love about this whole album (and often Foo Fighters in general) is how much they master the "space" and dynamics in a song. It makes the songs so much more addictive to listen to.

[@Snikliw]

This^. They do it so well live with Pat now. They really take you on a ride with a jam and then explode!

[@fenner1986]

Your reaction was everything we went through when hearing this song for the first time. Goosebumps all over and the unleash was just pure emotional mayhem that hits the human psyche at all angles. Love that you were able to experience this as we all did way back when!

[@DontCallMeScooterrr]

I actually got goosebumps watching her reaction, and I've probably listened to this song 1000 times (but it's been a minute)

[@spyrule]

The cinematography for this song is simply spectacular....

[@brandonjenkins1960]

I highly recommend seeing them live. I go every time they come around and its an amazing performance every time

[@TardisNerdGirl]

I remember seeing this video for the first time and just being speechless and LOVING it. The music, the vocals, the visuals, Dave looking around like, "Oh, it's about to go down," Taylor playing with all the red flying by... I watched it over and over for WEEKS. The only music video I legit bought from iTunes so I i could watch it on my iPod when I wasn't around my computer. I liked the Foo Fighters before, but this song and this video made me fall in love with them. They're so good at finding a balance of starting a song softer but, when necessary, ending hard and loud and making you feel awesome releasing that energy when you're rocking out with them.

[@ocrOPK]

The bass line picking up the initial theme from the beginning during the chorus amazes me every time again 😍

[@cherylhurst7093]

What a fantastic song by the Foo Fighters. I love Dave's voice and the energy.

[@joelpinckney9782]

Foo Fighters will never surrender. Thank you, guys.✊✊✊

[@tylerlynn69]

I have always said that foo fighters are like soul food for musicians. It’s just something you can always come back to and enjoy to help refresh you.

[@PirateAndArmadaCo]

Another master class by Dave. Song will go on for generations. Adding in: When FF first started, it was Dave playing every instrument himself on the first album. His Career is well worth the deep dive and he is super chill and would probably come on your show if you reach out.

[@laurieemme1534]

VERY EXCITED for this one! Dave Grohl is one of my anytime voices. SO many good things about this song - the high energy, the overlaid melodies (is there a musical term for that?), the time signature, the shifts into the different parts of the song - I could go on and on! I suggest "Rope" as your next Foo Fighters song!

[@hegemonycricket2182]

"Polyphonic" or perhaps "counterpoint"

[@stevetremblay961]

Saw the Foo's on Saturday (the 3rd time) and somehow they keep this energy throughout the show. They are a consistently amazing band live as you've seen with the Taylor tribute shows. This is a 'shut up and listen/sing along' Foo song along with Everlong and Walk. No disturbances, just let it play

[@kristvoiles484]

Argh! I will likely have to miss this one, which is a real bummer (huge Foo Fighters fan here!). In my mind, Grohl is incapable of writing a bad song. Definitely the coolest rock star on the planet. One of very few musicians I would really like to meet in person.

[@kristvoiles484]

P.S. Elizabeth, please do "Everlong" by the Foos. It's easily their best song (and my favorite!). [Edit] I see you've done Everlong already, but only the live version which is way too toned down for my liking (for the first half anyway). So how about another song by the Foos....it's really hard for me to choose just one but I'm gonna throw out a vote for "Run". It has some great softer singing by Grohl as well as some great screaming by him. 😁

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Kirk and I have talked about this extensively, and he suggested I do the studio version of Everlong so I get the full effect of it. I know it's near to his heart, so I'll tackle this one again sometime!

[@laurieemme1534]

​@TheCharismaticVoice The studio version of Everlong would be wonderful! It's one of my top favorite songs of all time!

[@kristvoiles484]

@@TheCharismaticVoice Awesome! I absolutely love the studio version of Everlong (I think it's safe to say that the Color and the Shape album is my favorite of theirs!) I'll give you another "for your own enjoyment" assignment, Elizabeth (to go with the Björk one!). Have a listen to the acoustic disc from the Foo's "In Your Honor" album. It is a double album. Disc 1 is their normal rock and disc 2 is almost completely acoustic. I LOVE the acoustic disc! My favorites from it are "On the Mend", "Over And Out" and "Razor". "Friend of a Friend" is good but sad, knowing it's about Kurt Cobain. "Virginia Moon" with Norah Jones is also amazing!

[@ktc64]

@@TheCharismaticVoice yes please do the studio version. its so good

[@yautjacetanu]

The story of how nirvana got together where dave grohl was introduced to Kurt cobain bevause everyone knew Kurt had depression and they thought it woild be good if hung out with someone so relentlessly lovely, dave grohl is heartwarming

[@justsomedude7556]

My mother was an opera singer and sang professionally since she was about 9, and then helped start the Palm Beach Opera Company back in the 60's. I grew up on classical and opera, played many instruments, learn how to structure music, etc, but I also enjoyed the music of my day of the late 60's through the late 70's. I can remember when she would take me to school on occasion, I would set the radio to the rock station of which she was not a real fan, but as time wore on, she grew to appreciate many of the bands I enjoyed, especially as I was big into progressive rock scene, and still am. Most of those bands were classically trained and she could hear it. Your videos remind me of watching my mother learned to appreciate what these bands created and how they used their classical background to create non-classical, but classical, music. Thanks for helping my 60's year old self remember those days of my early teens as I watch my mother discover new music, that is such a lasting memory for me.

[@Exavias]

Once again a wonderful analysis, and as for what you said about how he is singing this with such a demand for the listener to hear the message, while also being mixed wonderfully with such a force behind this song, I think that's very much why this is many people's favorite song of their's, one other of their's that shares that demand and force in it, Is Best Of You, It is an incredibly powerful and emotionally motivational song, that I highly suggest you do an analysis on, and I would suggest the music video/studio version. Thank you for being such a wonderful person yourself Elizabeth, we appreciate you and your analysis every time! 🙂

[@martinpalleiro8135]

I'm in awe and full of gratitude for how generous you are with your reactions. Showing yourself so transparently and vulnerable and joyous is truly inspirational. You”re just an amazing soul. Thank you!

[@jonflomerfelt9031]

Just saw them this weekend at Rockville. What a great weekend.

[@NickD1972MusicMan]

Wow! You've managed to describe in words what I've been feeling all of these years listening to this masterpiece. Every time I play this track, especially on headphones, I have to repeat it at least once. I hear something extra in the song each time it's played. Thank you for the in depth breakdown review.

[@matBVB09]

I love the way you reach all the emotions of the artists you hear. I love the passion you have for all the songs you analize. You feel all the artworks with all your sense and I enjoy every Video you make. Just thank you!

[@murphymoerf]

Hell yeah! I'm not exaggerating when I say this is one of my favorite rock songs ever. I don't think I've ever skipped this one when it pops up on my playlist 😄 And it's super fun to play on the drums! Looking forward to it, this will be a good one 🙌

[@courtney5796]

Best band from the '90s as far as I am concerned. Should be a great reaction!! edit: Best Rock band.

[@mrufino1]

This is an extremely well written, produced, and performed song. The motion of the bass and guitar under the vocals and guitar in the chorus is such a cool part, and I love the harmonies in the vocals as well. And finally, when that snare first hits, that is a wake up call! Amazing contrast. If I remember correctly this album was produced by Gil Norton and he was very insistent on absolute precision. It shows. I haven’t heard this in a few months though, and listening again, just another reminder of what a special musician Taylor Hawkins was.

[@murphymoerf]

@@mrufino1 I remember Nate talking about Gil Norton in the Back & Forth documentary, and how much he was pushing the band members during their first real album together, The Color and The Shape in the late 90s. Seems like that attention to detail and the precision he taught and trained them over the years really paid off. Now they are one of the best and tightest live bands I know 👏

[@mrufino1]

@@murphymoerf absolutely. It’s an interesting contrast with the album they were recording at the end of the movie with Butch Vig, where it was still tight but because the editing ability wasn’t as fine due to remaining on tape, it had a slightly different feel. Both are great, just different. No doubt that the attention to detail earlier on paid off in any future work. Nate makes me laugh too, because the technique with which he plays should not work in getting a solid bass sound, yet it does. He mentioned that working on the album with Butch Vig taught him a lot about supporting a song in a more effective way. But his parts on The Pretender are also great in achieving that goal. All in all, Foo Fighters are definitely a band where the individuals are great but the sum of the parts is magic.

[@VaelryckSvitkona]

This is my favorite song by them and it's not close in my opinion. He recorded this through the pain he was going through and it's extraordinary. I've had this on my playlist for the longest time and never skip it when it does come on.

[@patrickhenry4675]

Foo Fighter song formula: softest/loud/soft/louder/softest/LOUDEST.

[@JFD120563]

Entire song is pure genius - one of the best crafted songs I have ever heard, and you manage to see it and speak to it

[@d-man9643]

I love that it's clearly visible with every blink and every giggle of you how much you love music :D

[@Mzinde1692]

I run a nonprofit, and one of the things we did was create playlists to help people deconstruct and process their trauma. The Pretender was the first song I added. When asked if it was a protest song: It isn't about anything specific, I try to keep my lyrics vague enough to allow as many people to relate as possible, and I think everyone has protested something at one time or another, so yeah, I guess it is a protest song.

[@woofspider330]

A band you may also want to check out, if you haven't yet, is Citizen Soldier. The singer is a psychiatrist and really channels that into his music. It's group therapy in the form of Alt Rock 🤘

[@courtney5796]

@@woofspider330 Am on it! Thank you!

[@amybrenton8659]

This song is about Daves fight with the record company and the promises they made. They didn’t come through so he created his own record company and leases his music to them so he can continue to own his own music. The SWAT team represents the record company.

[@murphymoerf]

This song is Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl in a nutshell. Energetic, loud, and fun! 😄

[@Besse109]

I think this is the longest I’ve seen Elizabeth go without pausing a song 😂

[@markvanderstelt8999]

ya only 20 times .😀😀😀

[@jansteyaert1]

@@markvanderstelt8999 I don't mind the pauses, I mind the let's go back a minute or two and listen to it all again. :)

[@suemiller2522]

This song live is absolutely fantastic. This band live is fantastic. Saw them last year in Milwaukee and they played two hours straight and I loved every second. 10/10 will see again.

[@UpLateGeek]

Always fun to see someone watch this music video for the first time, especially when they really get it, and you definitely got it!

[@jaron91]

His audiobook autobiography (narrated by him) titled "Storyteller" is outstanding and worth every penny. Dave is the best.

[@RobJowett]

Agreed - its fantastic.

[@andreaschneider6202]

@jaron91 Thank you for your comment. I have taken breaks from reading his autobiography myself (borrowed from a library) only because I know I will not like it to end.... I will complete the reading sooner than expected as the curiosity is overwhelming, and considering your opinion. Very best wishes, Andrea S.

[@flyingardilla143]

Dave's drumming chops are evident in his guitar playing and singing.

[@mraustinworking]

This is so great! I've been a Foo Fighters fan since like, '97 or '98, and watching this analysis is like hearing the song again for the first time!

[@SeanieMahony25]

I've never seen you fan over a music video as much as this!! The joy on your face watching this is amazing! Dave and the foos are one of the all time great rock bands and this song in particular is such a bad ass song! Thanks for reviewing it!!

[@Ayekonyk]

Elizabeth, I have been watching you for over a year. This may be the most animated reaction I have seen from you. It warms my heart to see you get this excited over listening to my all-time favorite Foo Fighters song. Looking forward to watching you go down this rabbit hole. Foo Fighters are a phenomenal rock band in my opinion.

[@franciscollingwood7372]

The ultimate song that vocalises the feeling of “imposter syndrome” so well. Great to hear you so invested in this quite brilliant band.🤟🤝

[@sethangel4334]

This is how I hear this song too. It's like he's psyching himself up and I love it. It resonates with me.

[@MaxHines]

I highly recommend watching the music video for their song "Rope" as it too is visually stunning. The mix is also incredible as it plays with locations all around both ears. Honestly the entirety of their 7th Album "Wasted Light" might just be one of the greatest albums ever made. Truly a masterpiece and the pinnacle of the band. They made a documentary on the making of the album, it's so special.

[@MaggieLuds]

Please watch the Foo Fighters Sonic Highways documentary. Each song on the album was recorded in a different city that has either personally impacted the band or had a significant influence on music history. Dave interviewed musicians based in those cities (or had significant ties) and used the transcripts to incorporate the answers into the lyrics for each corsponding song. The documentary goes so in depth into the local music history, the recording studio's history, the Foo Fighter member and band history. It should truly be a staple in any music history buff's, Foo Fighters fan, or general music lover's, watch list. SO GOOD!!

[@SlumberingChaos]

That documentary is unbelievably good, and the look behind the curtain really made the corresponding album resonate with me on such a deep and meaningful level. I could not reccomend it enough!!

[@jeffreed3420]

I grew up in church and classical music as a singer. As an elder gen-X, I loved the rock music of the '70s and '80s and fell into grunge in the early '90s after a short stint in the US Army. The cover band I was in when I came home did a few Nirvana songs but I fell in love with Grohl from the beginning of Foo Fighters. I've seen them perform a few times but Pretender wasn't my favorite until I saw this video from Elizabeth. She has given me so much more appreciation for so much of the music I love and has propelled this one to the top of my list. I have never subscribed to KZbin channels, even the ones I watch daily, but I am now a Charismatic Voice subscriber. Thanks for your knowledge and sincere enthusiasm of and for music. Please keep going!

[@rotten87]

There's something I want to say and I really hope you catch it between thousands of comments. Maybe people who feel the same can help me with that. Watching your reactions and analysis to the songs I love and heard a thousand times always make me tear up. The pure joy that radiates from you - smiles and giggles, but also the sorrow, pain and sadness I can see on your face and hear in your voice, explanations, your expertise, going back to hear a tiny part of a song over and over again - it all makes me see and hear these songs in a new light and experience them for the first time again. It feels like you are giving me back something that I lost forever listening to these songs for so many years. I guess what I really want to say is thank you. And please don't stop making me cry.

[@theslader]

honestly one of the best songs IMHO. This song just gives me the chills every time

[@R-Mouse2299]

I love this song. The amazing young ladies of The Warning covered this song years ago and really did a fantastic job. Also, when they bring the chorus back in at the end, Paulina sings that part of the backing vocals from the drums while Dany is singing lead. sorry for the shameless plug for The Warning but I gotta do what I can to help them out. As always, great reaction and thank you.

[@thegreatczarn]

The Pretender is the song that made me fall in love with the band! It has been my favorite song of theirs since, only recently being tied with In The Clear. So, so many great songs in their catalog!

[@waveymattdavey]

When you learn the guitar for these songs you realise how well they are arranged. You learn one of the parts and go "wait, that doesn't quite sound like the song", so you learn the second guitar part and go "that's still not it, but for all the opposite reasons". Then the same with the lead part. The parts are written to to work together to generate this singular wide guitar 'noise', never stepping on each other's toes except when they come together for more power. Some of my favourite songs to play.

[@Silieol_Nails]

I saw the Foo Fighters in New York in 2015 and it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. It was shortly after Dave fell off the stage and broke his leg so he had his guitar throne. He was having so much fun, after three hours on stage he was saying how he didn't want to stop and just kept playing random songs and brought out the Chili Peppers drummer and played some songs with him too.

[@paragrafenreiterinn]

Dave Grohl is the absolute best. His great personality really shines through in his voice and at their concerts. Definitely one of the best live bands out there.

[@miamiman24]

I love this song, but I think this is one of the best music videos as far as the message and how it was well done. The song had built up tension and the music video was insync to the music and brought home even more the build up and climax of the song. It's some symbolic too. And just legendary, the visuals how grohl and the band are rocking out while the swat crew is sprayed. They are slipping all over, while the band have it splashed all over them but unfazed and powerful. It's such a great visual, ultimate rock star visual there.

[@NateyCat]

Elizabeth. I’m going to echo what everyone else is saying. Your Analysis of music is just perfect. I love that I can share your videos to my 70 year old parents that they “can understand” if that makes sense. I wish I had the funds to support you on Patreon, but I just can’t. Thank you for what you do. My late 30’s self who is a musician as well gives you all the internet hugs. ❤

[@nscafe77]

This may be my favorite analysis of yours so far. Just seeing the absolutely VISCERAL reaction you had to the changes within that song rekindles the love I already had for it. Years ago I shared this video on my Facebook with a little snippet about how I think it might be a perfect rock song, but the way you broke it down and pointed out every single piece of why it’s perfect was fantastic. Keep up the great work. I love the way you hear music. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@xiaodown]

Before you talk to Dave, you really owe it to yourself to watch "Sound City", the documentary that he produced and directed, about Sound City Studios in LA. For a music lover, it is ... just incredible.

[@wholesomegamer]

What makes this song so great is that it feels like it is constantly shifting another gear up - excellent workout song btw!

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Liz, you've GOT to hear some stuff from the very first album, the self-titled Foo Fighters from 1995. There are some incredible singles on that album. This Is A Call is the very first one, but I'll Stick Around is just such a heavy heavy hitter. It's incredible. And then Big Me was their fourth single, and it shows you a totally different side of Dave, and it's beautiful.

[@keithrussell6766]

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

[@Kaiwr]

And add Them Crooked Vulture too !

[@libbybaker86]

I second them crooked vultures. Saw them live years ago and they blew my mind 😂

[@IoannisGyftos]

Yeah, Nobody loves me and neither do I, must happen.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

No this is the Foo Fighters you are Confused.

[@SorryImissedThat]

Watching you experience this song and music video reminds me of the joy I felt when I saw it for the first time as a kid. Pure energy. Thank you for pointing out new nuances for my ears to enjoy

[@richardjones7984]

Thank you for a wonderful reaction analysis to this powerful song. A decade or so ago I made a feeble attempt to be in a band in Germany. I am an introvert but because I was a native English speaker they wanted me to be the front man, which was never going to happen. I spent a week practising this song for hours on my own to be ready for our next meeting. But, they told me I was too quiet before I sang anything and I was out of the band. So I went to a crowded Karaoke pub in Dusseldorf and gave this song 100%. It was an awesome experience. The "Who are you?" line at the end really reaches the audience.