Only Hope

Jon Foreman penned Only Hope for Switchfoot's 1999 independent release New Way to Be Human, but the track found its true audience in early 2002. The San Diego band issued the single that January, backed by a production style from Steve Evetts that balanced raw energy with polished clarity. This version of the song introduced the world to an indie rock anthem blending spiritual themes with universal struggles.

The track achieved widespread recognition after appearing in the 2002 romantic drama A Walk to Remember. Mandy Moore recorded a cover for the film's soundtrack, adapting the arrangement under the guidance of composer Mervyn Warren to fit a school musical scene. Her rendition propelled the soundtrack to multi-platinum status and brought the song to listeners who might never have encountered the original Switchfoot recording. [edit]