I’m not the type to be chronically online. I shed social media a couple of years back and have even stepped away from perusing Reddit in recent times (outside of Philly sports happenings, of course). And one of the reasons for this is the absolute dogshit cesspool of opinion that’s presented in every corner of the internet. Hot takes for the sake of it. Pushing people’s buttons farms engagement, and I’ve just lost my patience for it all. Touch grass, indeed. The world is hard enough as is; can’t we just enjoy things anymore? And the most miserable people tend to be the loudest… So, much like Star Wars fans, no one seems to hate Foo Fighters more than Foo Fighters fans.

This album has been critically lauded, but the fandom appears divided. The number one complaint seems to be the production style. It’s raw. It’s guitar-centric and sounds more like self-titled or One by One than Wasting Light. Personally, I’m a fan.

The title track dips its toes lightly into noise rock tendencies, but, as with every Foo Fighters song, it can’t escape the injection of a hook. The whole album has a punchiness that stands in opposition to the shine of the past few Foo Fighters releases. And to many, this seems to be a problem. For me, I feel like the band is energized and past the pale of “bigger is better.” The album is quick, to the point, and, for me at least, fun.

And that’s kind of what makes this band what it is. Dave Grohl’s brainchild (it started as a solo project, as I assume most of you know) is the culmination of his vast love of rock and roll across every subgenre. From his hardcore roots to his time in Nirvana to the influences of the titans of classic rock and metal, Grohl has never shied away from wearing his immense love of rock music on his sleeve. And one of those influences is the poppier side of what rock and roll has to offer. It’s the Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen school of songwriting. Catchiness has been key for this band’s sustained success.

These days, often derided as “safe” or “dad rock” because of it, Foo Fighters’ popularity comes with a degree of gatekeeper, purist contrarianism, or just dismissal as “too mainstream.” If you hate this band and all they stand for, you do you. I’d never argue accounting for taste. But large-scale success has no bearing on the music's artistic merit. And I think 30 years into this band’s career, it's inarguable that they hold a meaningful degree of influence and that they have more than a few unequivocal bangers. The world would be an objectively worse place without “Everlong” and this is a hill I’m willing to die on.

Your Favorite Toy sees the modern Foo’s lineup of Dave Grohl, Chris Shiflett, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, and Rami Jaffee joined by former Nine Inch Nails touring drummer Ilan Rubin. He’s the first official drummer to record on an album since original drummer Taylor Hawkins’ tragic passing in 2022 (Grohl recorded drums for the previous record, But Here We Are). And as big as the lineup has gotten, this record balances it all without becoming muddled or overly experimental.

It’s tight and cohesive. It’s 36 minutes and 26 seconds of plain rock and roll. Nothing more, nothing less. It doesn’t seek to change your life or make a statement. Dave Grohl has only ever known how to rock, and that appears to be his sole mission with this release. To me, he’s succeeded.

I like this album. I have a lifelong love of the Foo Fighters. Their first four records, in fact, are among my all-time, life-defining albums. And while I’ve experienced intermittent disappointment with their output as a band, I’ve never grown to become a hater. With Your Favorite Toy, I can sincerely say that I’m pleased and happy to have another solid addition to the Foo Fighters’ ever-expanding catalog of releases.

There’s really nothing surprising here. This album won’t sway your opinion of the band either way. So, essentially, if you are a longtime fan, I feel like this album is for you. If you are a casual fan, you might enjoy it. If you just like straightforward rock, this should scratch the itch just fine. 

If not, then *shrug emoji*

You do you.

Editor's Note: FOO FIGHTERS will perform at Lincoln Financial Field on August 13 with support acts QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and MANNEQUIN PUSSY.