Fantasy Records/Concord Music Group
Release Date: April 17th 2020
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Switchfoot– JOY INVINCIBLE (feat. Jenn Johnson) – Single (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- JOY INVINCIBLE (feat. Jenn Johnson)
Switchfoot need no introduction. The San Diego rock quintet comprising of lead singer Jon Foreman, guitarist Tim Foreman, second guitarist Drew Shirley, drummer Chad Butler and keyboardist Jerome Fontamillas, have been making music since the 90’s- with the band being one of my favourites of all time, and one of the most influential of all time. Having one foot in the door of each the Christian and mainstream media with great skill and immense courage; these guys aren’t afraid to speak the truth, even when they’re the only ones speaking it. That’s certainly the case in their newest single “JOY INVINCIBLE”.
If you guys reckon you’ve heard “JOY INVINCIBLE” before, it’s because you have. You most definitely have. Cause the track was present on Switchfoot’s 2019 album NATIVE TONGUE, and way back then I predicted that the CCM and radio friendly nature of the track would garner it being recoginised as a radio single. I was right, yet I didn’t think that they’d try to source a guest vocalist for another re-recording. However in these crazy times of quarantine, being reminded of joy is necessary- and being reminded from another perspective is definitely quite welcome! While on the surface we are presented with a fun and bubbly CCM radio friendly jam, indeed a deeper listen results in something more heartbreaking yet hopeful. This song is probably one of the most meaningful in NATIVE TONGUE, and probably currently as well, as we are encouraged to keep singing ‘hallelujah’ and being joyful, even in the midst of suffering- something that I reckon keyboardist Jerome definitely held onto during his cancer operation, as evidenced in this interview: “Joy Invincible” became that [song]. We didn’t know that it was about Jerome when we wrote and recorded it, but after we wrote and recorded it, Jerome was like “That’s my song!” And we just said, “Yeah dude, that’s totally your song. ‘Joy Invincible.’” Basically, hallelujah nevertheless. No matter what the circumstances are with his health and cancer, he was like “I still have joy underneath, and I have hope.” That’s the one that became his anthem, and our anthem for him. So while we revisit this gem of a track, and then mine for more gold throughout Switchfoot’s discography; let us sit back and allow God to minister to our lives, and read about the story behind this particular version from Jenn below! Well done guys for a compelling new single- I can’t wait to hear what’s in store for you all next!
Score: 5/5
RIYL: Anberlin, Hawk Nelson, Skillet, Stellar Kart, OneRepublic, Train
Joy isn’t popular in 2023. Need it now more than ever. Raw. Inspiring.
My husband passed away at 57 years old in July of 2022. He had pancreatic cancer that spread to his liver. The oncology doctor gave him 8 to 11 months God gave him 18 months. He was told he would be a grandpa 1 month before he died. Our grandson is named after his deceased grandpas. There is joy and sadness every time I see our grandson. We were supposed to go through this life together as husband and wife grow old together and be grandparents. Joy invincible song hit too close to home for me. The song Prodigal Soul spells out my grief.