The Foo Fighters, led by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, have been a major player in the rock genre for over three decades. With their latest album, “But Here We Are,” they pay tribute to former bandmate Taylor Hawkins, who passed away last year. The record’s intensity and immediacy is a return to their roots, which seemed to have been forgotten in their past few albums. While their previous records were concept-driven, “But Here We Are” is driven by pure emotion. Grohl’s melodies are soaring and anthemic, and his vocals are passionate and heart-wrenching. Though some of the album’s slower songs suffer from predictable lyrics, the album’s finale, “Rest,” is a moving tribute to Hawkins and his raucous musicianship. Despite their loss, the Foo Fighters remain an enduring force in rock music.
