Sonic Highways (2014) User Reviews (7)

A Proper Recognition To Music Legends

[conceptoneproduction-1 · 10/10 · 17 October 2014]

In a day and age where social networking and other new-age website mediums are pointing a middle finger to artists who struggled to get where they are, Sonic Highways restores the inspiration that is slowly being lost. Today, the music world is being hacked by those who believe views from those looking into a computer screen is the best gratifying experience. The world of musicians only playing music for their own ears is getting lost into history. Now, people are wanting cameras around every note being played, so they can become the next online star who obtains the spotlight for a short amount of time.

Dave Grohl begins this incredible journey by taking us to the old blues and punk rock routes of Chicago. He establishes the fact that many of the musicians didn't expect to gain a bigger audience than the 50 people crammed inside of a local club, or those listening on the side of a street. This is what I personally enjoy; fellow musicians who can enjoy music, without ever expecting it to leave the room. The gratification of playing it for a small amount of people, or just for yourself is greater than millions of views.

Though the caparison to the online digital age isn't addressed, the feeling when watching this series is, "how I f**king miss those days." Watching Sonic Highways is like dusting off an old record while sitting in a room listening and remembering. The series is an inspiration within itself.

It just take us back....

[estercristin · 10/10 · 18 October 2014]

If you watched Dave Grohl's Sound City you already know how this is gonna go: You will be taken to a time where auto tune didn't exist, where the musician had to be great because he was great, not because he had a good producer that know's his way with a computer.

He interviews music legends, and a lot of the episode revolves around Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters... You see how much they influenced Chicago's music community...

You also get to know how Dave's love for Punk Rock started, and we thank his cousin Tracey Bradford for that, we wouldn't have Foo Fighters, and Nirvana as we know it if it wasn't for her.

We also get to see how the interviews influenced the lyrics of the songs, we get little pieces here and there, and in the end, it all makes sense!

I can't wait to see what it comes next, what will happen in New York, California, Texas, Washington and so on.

a monument on understanding music

[dennis-vanbart · 10/10 · 21 December 2014]

First of all, I have to make clear I do not play an instrument, can't read music I am merely an admirer of those who can.

And this documentary explains a lot! On why musicians make choices, how they get inspired, how they get influenced. Besides that it explains a lot on how the USA evolved when it comes to music, how musical as well as political influences from different states and across borders brought us the music we love so much.

A monument on music because this documentary really gives a good insight on how harsh the world of music is decade by decade. Showing respect to all the musical streams you can hardly imagine they even existed. A must see for everyone who wants to know why we listen to what we listen and how it deserved its footprint in history.

piece of advice, grab a notepad and write down the names of the artists you have never heard of or almost forgot about.

And don't forget that every episode comes to end which explains the lyrics of the songs which resulted out of this great project from the Foo Fighters.

Sonic High

[dougmacdonaldburr · 8/10 · 9 July 2017]

This series is great. I discovered it on Netflix thinking it was a film. It was a nice surprise to find it was actually a full series. I am a fan of the Foo Fighters, but, you don't need to be to enjoy the series. They visit some of the most famous cities in the USA and explore their musical histories. There are interviews with too many people to list here and every main genre is covered. The Foo Fighters record a song in each city, inspired by the history of that city and then perform it at the end of each episode. If you love music I highly recommend this.

This Is An Amazing Show

[natevanberkom · 10/10 · 26 June 2018]

I wish more bands would do this this show has really opened my eyes to more genres of music like for example i now love trouble funk and zac brown and fugazi but before this show i wouldnt even touch that kind of music this show isnt for every one but it is essential for everyone like me and maybe you

Americana: The Show

[whuntva · 10/10 · 4 February 2015]

This program is a showcase of more than just American music. This entire miniseries is a celebration of American culture and very distinct style to their music. The album itself isn't half bad either, with every song fitting the city well. Dave explores all the outlets to show the evolution and unity of out singular culture, giving us a loving tribute from a man in the business. The series has a little something for everyone, with every style represented in every city. The editing is beautiful, the cities are chosen well (though I personally would have included Atlanta, Detroit, and maybe San Francisco as well), and the songs are great. It's just a brilliant salute to our nation all around.

More than just making of an album...

[pritol · 8/10 · 5 March 2022]

If you love Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters, then you'll love this series! If you love the history of music, within the US in particular, you'll love this series!

The Foo Fighters travel to 8 cities, learn about how the music scene started and developed there, interviewing a lot of local music legends. They end each episode by recording a song inspired by that city. Each of these 8 songs would form the Sonic Highways album...

Every episode is different but it doesn't feel disjointed, there is a flow to it which holds your attention throughout. There is nothing better than seeing the incredibly successful and talented band members STILL geeking out each time they step inside an iconic studio or play with legends like Joe Walsh. They genuinely love everything about music, and it's that joy which puts a smile on your face while watching this!