Four biblical themes turn up on “Equally Skilled”: life is seemingly futile; this world can’t satisfy us completely; no one is righteous apart from God; and only He is good and just. On other melancholy acoustic ballads, Foreman expresses a longing for home (“Southbound Train”), refuses to run away or jettison faith amid trials (“The Cure for Pain”), and asks for deliverance from the false hopes of consumerism and sexuality (“Lord, Save Me From Myself”). Despite conflict, he still wants to grow closer to his beloved on “Behind Your Eyes.” “The Moon Is a Magnet” seems to suggest that searching for salvation in romance is a dead end. “White as Snow” borrows heavily from Psalm 51, while “Learning How to Die” is about coming to terms with mortality and loss. We’re reminded that, although cast off by society, an unlovely homeless woman is still “Somebody’s Baby.” However …
A mild profanity, substance abuse and death by suicide are used to paint her tragic picture.
Taking a break from Switchfoot, the band’s frontman turns in thoughtful, biblically informed meditations on life, death, doubt, loss and futility.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
