• Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Apr 12, 2011
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 237 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 5 out of 237
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  1. Mar 31, 2022
    10
    While their most iconic songs may lie elsewhere in their discography (although there are still plenty of hits to go around here), never have Foo Fighters sounded more consistently anthemic and fist-pumpingly life-affirming than on "Wasting Light," with livewire instrumentation, soaring singalong choruses, and lyrics rooted in themes of redemption, hope for the future and an unabashed loveWhile their most iconic songs may lie elsewhere in their discography (although there are still plenty of hits to go around here), never have Foo Fighters sounded more consistently anthemic and fist-pumpingly life-affirming than on "Wasting Light," with livewire instrumentation, soaring singalong choruses, and lyrics rooted in themes of redemption, hope for the future and an unabashed love for life combining for a listening experience that captures the band at the height of their powers.

    Choice Cuts: "Rope," "Dear Rosemary," "Arlandria," "White Limo," "Walk"

    (RIP Taylor Hawkins, 1972-2022)
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  2. Jul 14, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Considered to be the best album of all his discography, in this album you should know how to defend in the market and in his way, with the same sound so crude and great they have always had, accompanied by relaxing parts in some songs, if it is true that The acoustic seen in "In Your Honor" and adapted to "Echoes, Patience, Silence, Grace" with themes like "Statues" has been lost a lot in this album, returning to the most primitive and rock Foo Fighters in its beginnings, But that does not mean that it is an album of pure shouts, since with songs like "These Days" or "Walk" feels the above mentioned but more primitive, without a doubt, his best album, each song have the same quality and frequency that the others without exception, and with an impressive bonus track, should have much more attention than it currently has in my opinion, this return to the primitive and violent I love, every rock lover should listen, although the cl Hoop, do not put it as the best rock album in the world, I think I'm already going something higher. Expand
  3. Jun 4, 2017
    9
    It was this record that made me love Foo Fighters. They are one of the most consistent rock bands nowadays, in a time where rock music gets less and less attention. In that time, Foo Fighters manage not only to have a big audience of faithful fans who fill up big stadiums around the world, but they are are also capable of doing unusual things and take risks, as we can see with this record.It was this record that made me love Foo Fighters. They are one of the most consistent rock bands nowadays, in a time where rock music gets less and less attention. In that time, Foo Fighters manage not only to have a big audience of faithful fans who fill up big stadiums around the world, but they are are also capable of doing unusual things and take risks, as we can see with this record.
    You don't see it often in the digital age that an artist or a band goes back to real vintage equipment like real tapes. The last time I recall somebody do it on a large scale was with The White Stripes, who made garage rock popular again in the 90s and 2000s. Foo Fighters did the same thing with wasting light. They went back in time and used equipment that musicians used to have before digital sampling was a thing. And boy did they show us how it's done. Despite their"lack" of gear, they produce a really full, heavy sound on the record. One of their heaviest sounds, in fact. The opening track 'Bridge Burning', but also the song 'White Limo' demonstrate the heaviness quite well. With a lot of distortion on the guitars and an - as always - powerful and energetic drums, these tracks let the musical skill and the sense for arrangement of the Band really shine. Other tracks, such as the very dramatic 'Arlandria' aren't quite as heavy or dirty, yet they show an incredibly full and rich listening experience, without sounding like random instruments randomly mashed together. If you listen closely, you can still hear every one of the 3 guitarists, the bass and obviously the drums, also still in good detail.
    Overall, as you might guess, I love the sound of the record. Whether it's fast and dirty or slower but not less dramatic, it's a powerful and moving record, produced so well in a style which I would like to hear in some other modern rock bands. It would be interesting to see kind of a vintage-recording movement in rock, I think it would fit into the general trend towards older things very well.

    For me it's not a 10 simply because I didn't enjoy every single song to the fullest, but the production quality and detail of most of the record definitely deserve a 9!
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  4. Apr 25, 2016
    10
    OH MY DAYS, this album slapped me hard right on the face and gave me a bare mark on my face. This album is a head banging, rocking awesome album I've ever heard in my life. I don't even know what to say anymore, This album is just great. I think you should buy this essentially, it's really up to you.
  5. Feb 18, 2016
    10
    absolute my favorite album ftom the FF. when you start to listening to it, there's no turning back.
    Bridge Burnnig is a strong start, gives a nice momentum to the album. Rope still have the power. Dear Rosemary is a lighter song, then Rope, but the melodies and the rythhm gives a nice character to it, and Bob Mould has an amazing voice. Whte Limo is a song, that i've heard before, but not
    absolute my favorite album ftom the FF. when you start to listening to it, there's no turning back.
    Bridge Burnnig is a strong start, gives a nice momentum to the album. Rope still have the power. Dear Rosemary is a lighter song, then Rope, but the melodies and the rythhm gives a nice character to it, and Bob Mould has an amazing voice. Whte Limo is a song, that i've heard before, but not like this, the disortion to Dave's voice is unique, and makes the song special. Alandria is a really nice song to nid-nod to. Back &Forth is a song, where the album starts to turn around into a way, which is (in my oppinient) the Holy Grail of the rock music. It exists, but there's only a few people in the world, who actually knows, what is is. A matter of time, and Miss the Misery. Still great songs, has the right melody, and the passion.
    And here we are.
    I should have known.
    Well... I guess i've found the most emotional rock song. The structure of the song is so dramatic, and so intense. The guitars come with the keyboard, and the violin, and more guitars, and the base track by Krist F&@$in Novoselic is so well played, and perfect. You listen to the song, and it's keeps growing 'til the end of the song. Really hard to build a song like this. Strongest song of the album.
    Walk is a great finish. Starts lightly, then it hits you on the floor and steps on you 3 times.
    I have never been so enthusiasticabout and allbum, as i am about wasting light. The best since the colour and the shape. Hands down, points up.
    Thank you Foo Fighters
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  6. Oct 26, 2015
    10
    This is hands down the best Foo Fighters album ever made (The Colour & the Shape is a very close 2nd)! Every song is raw but melodic. The songs range from haunting (I Should Have Known) to hardcore (White Limo) and everything in between. Check out the bonus song "Better Off" on the deluxe version of the album - it's AMAZING. Dear Rosemary with Bob Mould is an incredible song, These DaysThis is hands down the best Foo Fighters album ever made (The Colour & the Shape is a very close 2nd)! Every song is raw but melodic. The songs range from haunting (I Should Have Known) to hardcore (White Limo) and everything in between. Check out the bonus song "Better Off" on the deluxe version of the album - it's AMAZING. Dear Rosemary with Bob Mould is an incredible song, These Days was a huge hit when it came out, as was Walk, and with good reason. If you look on YouTube there's a video of them in Studio 606 performing the whole album live, if you can check that out as well. I could listen to this album over & over every day! Expand
  7. Jan 4, 2015
    9
    Wasting Light was made for one goal and one goal only; to produce some awesome and straightforward rock music. And in my opinion, the album absolutely succeeded.
  8. Nov 11, 2014
    10
    Foo Fighter's best album by a long shot, and proves their worth in the industry on the decline. If you dont have a smile while listening to "Walk", you need to have your ears checked.
  9. Apr 14, 2014
    10
    The album of the year, a great album Foo Fighters never decepcioned the fans, album of the year 2011, I hope that the next album is good Fighter till the end
  10. Dec 12, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best albums of the last decade and a fantastic album for any rock lover. This is one of those albums that you listen to all the way through every time. The songs feature simple and catchy riffs woven flawlessly into sometimes complex composition to make an extremely fun album that just plain rocks. I have never been much of a Foo Fan but one time hearing it made me go out and buy it. Nothing feels redundant or forced while everything feels natural and heavy. The Foo Fighters boiled and concentrated their sound to make what is, without a doubt, their best album to date. A point of constructive criticism is that all of the songs have the same guitar tone as if the amps and guitars' knobs were all superglued to a specific setting; but having three full time guitar players makes it very difficult for tonal changes. One mean harmonized guitar solo would have fattened the sound a bit more (i mean c'mon there are three!) and it would have been nice to hear bit more tonal flexibility, but in the end it just belongs in your collection.
    p.s. i'd like to rate it 8.5 but for the sake of whole numbers i've rounded up!
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  11. Mar 21, 2013
    10
    Oh my, this album is amazing. While there are a couple duds, the rest of the album is so outstanding I can't help but give it a ten. There are at least 5 or 6 tracks that will get stuck in your head, and are easy to connect with. The melodies are great, and the songs 'Bridge Burning'/'Walk' have a quality that few songs of any genre possess: perfect pacing.
  12. Mar 9, 2013
    10
    That's for sure the best record by Foo Fighters. And it is also the best album of 2011, with R.E.M.'s Collapse Into Now. The sound is very good and I think Walk is one of their best song ever. Foo Fighters are most of the present of rock. Very well done!
  13. Dec 3, 2012
    9
    My favorite Foo Fighters album since The Colour and the Shape, Wasting Light is the only hard rock album I have liked since One-X (2006). Its raw and very catchy, I love the aggression of almost every song on this albums, White Limo comes into mind when I say aggression. My fav songs are Walk and Bridge Burning, which rank up with Everlong and My Hero as my favs by the band.
  14. Nov 17, 2012
    8
    The Foo Fighters churned out this gnarly LP in a garage, and with it claimed the title of the best rock band of 2011. Granted, being the best rock band in 2011 is like being the best athlete at a performing arts high school. It
  15. Oct 8, 2012
    6
    They have gone too heavy with this album, in my opinion. I liked their songs like 'Wheels', 'Big Me' or 'Long Road To Ruin' better. There is a handful really cool songs (exactly the 5 singles are my top 5 here! I really haven't seen something like this before!) on here and I also have to say, I enjoyed the album, but it's just their worst one yet, I think (even if critics say the directThey have gone too heavy with this album, in my opinion. I liked their songs like 'Wheels', 'Big Me' or 'Long Road To Ruin' better. There is a handful really cool songs (exactly the 5 singles are my top 5 here! I really haven't seen something like this before!) on here and I also have to say, I enjoyed the album, but it's just their worst one yet, I think (even if critics say the direct opposite). It's a good rock CD, but they can do better. Expand
  16. Aug 25, 2012
    7
    I was very excited when I saw that the Foo Fighters were coming out with a new album. While some of the songs are good (Rope, Dear Rosemary, Walk), others (White Limo, in particular) are not very good. I'm not sure if I liked this new direction they went. Dave Grohl is as great as ever, as is the band. Unfortunately, the new album didnt meet my expectations.
  17. Aug 6, 2012
    9
    This album is absolutely sweet. My favorite songs in this album is Walk, Rope and Bridge Burning. Sounds like I would recommend this album to someone.
  18. Jul 4, 2012
    10
    Best Album of the year hands down! Every song is awesome, even the sound, rough and intense. Awesome lyrics, masterfully recorded and would recommend to anyone who likes moving music!
  19. Jul 1, 2012
    9
    There is a reason why Cobain said Dave Groel one of the most talented muscians he'd known and Foo Fighters is proof of that statement. This album is another quality release from the group in a genre of clutter and crap. I can easily listen to this entire CD from track 1 to the last track and like all of the songs. Favorites include "Rosemary", "Back and Forth" and "Burning Bridges." WouldThere is a reason why Cobain said Dave Groel one of the most talented muscians he'd known and Foo Fighters is proof of that statement. This album is another quality release from the group in a genre of clutter and crap. I can easily listen to this entire CD from track 1 to the last track and like all of the songs. Favorites include "Rosemary", "Back and Forth" and "Burning Bridges." Would love to see them in concert. Expand
  20. Jun 27, 2012
    9
    one of the best foo fighters albums in recent memory every single song is worth to hear and pretty much single material. also for the first time in foo's history it feels like a masterpiece
  21. Mar 6, 2012
    9
    I regret doubting Foo fighters. This is there best work in a long time. There bringing back rock ever since hip hop took the food chain. Foo Fighters should of won Album of the Year @ the Grammy's but it didnt. You know i'll be listening to this album for years
  22. Feb 17, 2012
    9
    Really good album. My favorite songs are Dear Rosemary and Alandria. Only complaint is that These days and Walk sound similar.Still great though White Limo is really hard. Pretty sweet it was made in Dave's garage,which even makes it more badass
  23. Feb 12, 2012
    3
    Another in a long list of formally phenomenal rock bands that is lightyears past their expiration date. If you're rocking out to this album it's purely because you haven't heard that much music yet or you listen to music as background to your commute. I'd tell you what I think this album lacks, from the glossed-up production that Grohl said was going to be really raw but wasn't to theAnother in a long list of formally phenomenal rock bands that is lightyears past their expiration date. If you're rocking out to this album it's purely because you haven't heard that much music yet or you listen to music as background to your commute. I'd tell you what I think this album lacks, from the glossed-up production that Grohl said was going to be really raw but wasn't to the totally unoriginal everything but I won't get into that. I'll just let you know, from one fan to another fan, this is an album you're embarrassed you liked at one point five or six years down the road because you're not a teenager anymore and your horizons have been broadened. Expand
  24. Dec 21, 2011
    7
    Not a bad album but a bit disappointing considering how much DG hyped it up. With Butch Vig on board expected more. A lot of it is heavy rock by numbers and lacks some of the classic tracks they've had on previous albums.
  25. Sep 30, 2011
    10
    This album is fantastic. Most bands who stick around for a while start to sap, but honestly, this Foo Fighters album is TOE to TOE with anything the band has ever released, if not the very best album they've ever recorded... I can say one thing, as an audio engineer, the recording quality of this album is by far their best. I love it LOVE IT!! It's so inspiring to see a band SUSTAINThis album is fantastic. Most bands who stick around for a while start to sap, but honestly, this Foo Fighters album is TOE to TOE with anything the band has ever released, if not the very best album they've ever recorded... I can say one thing, as an audio engineer, the recording quality of this album is by far their best. I love it LOVE IT!! It's so inspiring to see a band SUSTAIN an amazing flow of music, and not just have 1 or two amazing albums, with the rest of their releases just tapering off into the shadow of their prime... Wasting Light is certainly the rock album of the year, maybe even the decade! Expand
  26. j30
    Sep 28, 2011
    7
    A nice addition to their already strong collection of songs. Disappointing in the fact that on the cover it says that it's recorded in Dave Grohl's garage. To me, that means the LP is going to have a raw feel like their self-titled debut. White Limo is the closest song to come to that promise. Butch Vig has a knack for over-polishing records (see Nevermind), but none the less a strongA nice addition to their already strong collection of songs. Disappointing in the fact that on the cover it says that it's recorded in Dave Grohl's garage. To me, that means the LP is going to have a raw feel like their self-titled debut. White Limo is the closest song to come to that promise. Butch Vig has a knack for over-polishing records (see Nevermind), but none the less a strong album. Don't get me wrong Nevermind would get a 10 if I were to rate it, but compared to the rest of Nirvana's records, that feels the most polished. Expand
  27. Aug 19, 2011
    8
    "Wasting Light" is the Foo Fighters seventh album, following up Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace, released four years ago. The lead singer Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear, who plays lead and rhythm guitars are former members of grunge rock band Nirvana, and the bass player for Nirvana Krist Novoselic, also has a cameo in the track "I Should Have Known". Since Nirvana, the Foo Fighters have"Wasting Light" is the Foo Fighters seventh album, following up Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace, released four years ago. The lead singer Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear, who plays lead and rhythm guitars are former members of grunge rock band Nirvana, and the bass player for Nirvana Krist Novoselic, also has a cameo in the track "I Should Have Known". Since Nirvana, the Foo Fighters have grown by leaps and bounds as one of the biggest rock bands worldwide. In 2009, the band released a "Greatest Hits" album, and this is their first effort since then. The album clocks in at 47 minutes and 11 tracks, which is about average for a Foo Fighters album.
    We start with â
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  28. Jul 13, 2011
    10
    Brilliant album, maybe their best ever. Consistently excellent throughout. Finally, a real ROCK album to listen to.
  29. Jun 23, 2011
    8
    Second best Foo Fighters album after Colour and the Shape. This album just made me feel all warm and nostalgic for old Foo. Even Pat Smear is back! No its not a game changer or innovative. Just solid rock and roll for the album's entirety. Something that hasn't been produced by Dave Grohl since well, the Colour and the Shape. Good work boys!
  30. Jun 22, 2011
    10
    One of those albums where every song on it is good. The album has its own general style, while at the same time each song is different. This is my favorite foo fighters album
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 37
  2. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Mojo
    May 16, 2011
    80
    Wasted Light finds Foo Fighters at their boldest, their most vivid. [May 2011, p.101]
  2. Q Magazine
    May 16, 2011
    80
    The defining album of his career, Wasting Light is the sound of Dave Grohl putting his whole life in context. [May 2011, p.110]
  3. Apr 29, 2011
    81
    Recorded in the garage of frontman Dave Grohl's home in Encino, Calif., the 11-song set is an explosive, high-octane burst of rock energy from a 16-year-old band that is tightly honed and righteously raw.