Since interrobang in 2021, Switchfoot‘s new releases have been limited to bonus tracks, re-recordings, and a Christmas record. In this context, the announcement of a new collaboration with Buddy Guy came as a welcome arrival. “Last Man Standing” presented a chance for the band to record a song with one of frontman Jon Foreman’s favorite guitarists and pay homage to Guy’s successful career.

The track’s sound will excite fans who prefer Switchfoot’s 2000s era. The guitars featured throughout “Last Man Standing” come as a breath of fresh air for listeners who have missed the more rock-focused side of Switchfoot in recent years. At the same time, one would struggle to compare the song to anything the band has done before; the tune is a unique offering in the band’s catalog. The guitars remain the centerpiece, but unfortunately the heavily distorted vocals on both Foreman and Guy detract from the song. Some lines are hard to understand, and having the lyrics handy feels like a necessity. A change in the production to a more natural sound would make this a stronger song. The lyrics celebrate Guy’s decorated career, acknowledging its blessing as well as the reality it soon will end: “I know my days are numbered / But I’m still awake / I’m still alive / … / I’m the last man standing.”

“Last Man Standing” should not disappoint longtime fans of the band and may make some excited about what lies ahead for their sound. With a new album on the horizon, hopefully Switchfoot will take the good aspects of this track and leave the less desirable ones behind. If they do, a real treat could await later this year.

– Review date: 3/8/26, written by Noah Schmidt of Jesusfreakhideout.com