The Early Years: 1997–2000 is a three-disc set consisting of the first three albums by alternative rock band Switchfoot. This set was released after the band's meteoric rise to mainstream popularity with the double-platinum breakthrough The Beautiful Letdown. The Early Years is seen as an introduction to Switchfoot's earlier material for fans who were introduced to the band with The Beautiful Letdown.

Switchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman, Tim Foreman, Chad Butler, and Jerome Fontamillas. Guitarist Drew Shirley was also a member of the band from 2005 to 2022. After early successes in the Christian rock scene, Switchfoot first gained mainstream recognition with the inclusion of four of their songs in the 2002 film A Walk to Remember. This recognition led to the release of their major label debut The Beautiful Letdown, which was released in 2003 and featured the hit singles "Meant to Live" and "Dare You to Move". Their fifth album, Nothing Is Sound peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, and included the single "Stars." Their seventh album, Hello Hurricane (2009) received a Grammy Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album. They have been noted for their energetic live shows.