It’s official. Dave Grohl is now known more for being the lead singer of the Foo Fighters, than the drummer in that other band.

Cementing that fact is the release of this, the band’s twelfth studio album, that began 31 years ago with the release of their eponymous debut album in 1995.

And despite the growing trend of fewer albums being released year on year, the Foo Fighters are an album band and are still rocking hard, 30 years on.

And despite the growing trend of fewer albums being released year on year, the Foo Fighters are an album band and are still rocking hard, 30 years on.

To illustrate the point, the first track “Caught in the Act” comes flying out of the traps, all instruments blazing. It takes a breather, just over half way through, as it starts to build again, drums pumping, edging closer to a satisfying explosion.

“Of All People” follows quickly on its heels, a high tempo, not letting up, that even allows for a guitar solo, with Grohl growling out his lyrics.

The pace slows down dramatically, to good effect, with the opening of “Window”. Grohl’s vocals more of a whisper compared to his usual grunts. It’s got a steady groove, pleasingly melodic, with heavy undertones making it a highlight of the album already.

The second single release next “My Favourite Toy”, a toe-tapping, grinding guitars kinda track. It’s a little dark, weighty, allowing for Grohl to scream at the top of his voice, as is his want.

Lighter in tone is “If You Only Knew”, that bounces along from the start, that flattens out for a melodic chorus that sucks you in. As rock goes, this is an agreeable slice of it. It also slows down in the middle, with Grohl’s dulcet vocals on stage, up front, before turning up again. And dropping, again, for its finale. A gentle roller coaster ride.

Energy is full throttle with the arrival of “Spit Shine”, with the kind of vocals that you know just plays havoc on Grohl’s vocal chords, but hey, that’s rock for you. It’s got some drive, that’s fun to just grip hold of as it powers on through.

“Unconditional”, a slower anthem, with a pleasing Foo Fighters template, that’s well crafted, making for the ideal track to prick ears, driving late at night, with the radio on. The guitars help with the narrative too, as you look in your rear-view, catching the last fragments of the song in the distance.

Next the curiously titled “Child Actor”. A sympathetic take on young stars, pushed in front of cameras and fame, featuring an almost pleading chorus “Turn the cameras off, turn the cameras off.” Still, easy work when you can get it.

Loud arrives again, in the shape of “Amen, Cavemen”; it’s shouty and guitar-y, and another solid addition to the album, offering a stern concern over Society’s current flaws. If nothing’s gonna change, might as well write a song about it, “Down to zero, back again.”

And before you know it, the album’s finale arrives, “Asking for a Friend”. And it goes out with a rocking bang, not a whimper. It’s a weighty track, with Grohl asking “What is real? Asking for a friend.” If anyone knows the answer, please get in touch. It’s a hefty full stop, that even has the energy to give that little bit more for its conclusion.

And then, it’s gone.

At only just over 35 minute long (36:26 to be precise), Your Favourite Toy is the shortest Foo Fighters album yet. And it’s not a bad thing; the majority of tracks are between two and half and three and half minutes long, giving their all in a short space of time, instead of outstaying their welcome.

It gives the album a strong identity too; although it has single releases, natch, it has a cohesiveness of a tight album offering, that can be conveniently heard from beginning to end, as albums should be.

And to that end, it’s a classic Foo Fighters album, who prove, as if it needed proving, that Dave Grohl and his band’s DNA is rock, and 30 years on, they know what they’re doing.

It’s a fitting album title too, because just like your favourite toy, this one will have you going back to it and playing it, putting a huge smile on your face. Enjoy.