"One by One" is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Foo Fighters, released on October 22, 2002, through Roswell and RCA Records. The album is notable for its troubled production, with initial recording sessions deemed unsatisfactory, leading to tensions among band members. They ultimately decided to restart the album from scratch in Dave Grohl's home studio in Virginia. The album includes successful singles like "All My Life" and "Times Like These," and is characterized by its introspective lyrics and a heavier, more aggressive sound compared to earlier works. This was the first album featuring Chris Shiflett as a member of the band and marked the first time Grohl did not play drums, with Taylor Hawkins taking on that role.
Production was marked by struggles, with initial sessions failing to capture the desired energy. After a tumultuous start, the band re-recorded the album in a two-week period, which Grohl described as a transformative experience. The production cost exceeded $1 million, and while the early sessions were not well-received, the final product won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2004.
Musically, One by One is considered the band's heaviest album, blending darker tones and aggressive themes, while the lyrics reflect Grohl's personal experiences and emotional struggles. The artwork was created by Raymond Pettibon, adding a punk aesthetic to the album's visual presentation. The album's release was a commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and selling over one million copies in the U.S., solidifying the Foo Fighters' place in rock music.
