CLEAN AND EARNEST

By: B

Jimmy Eat World has been routinely labeled as “emo” by critics everywhere. This is usually an admission of defeat, a sign that the reviewer can’t classify a band’s sound. The definition of emo is entirely too broad, but often signifies a band singing of emotional turmoil over a traditional punk sound. Though it’s debatable what the term emo actually means, there is no denying that Jimmy Eat World’s sound includes sensitive words of heartbreak and misunderstanding in front of a hard rock sound.

The crossover appeal of Jimmy Eat World can be heard with one listen to their previous albums. Their earlier work provided potential singles for every station on the dial: hard rock, alternative, progressive, top 40, kiddie pop and more. Jimmy Eat World’s versatility has been shown in both Clarity and Bleed American, two albums with different goals tied together by the trademark harmonizing vocals and supplemental guitar work that never overshadows the heartfelt lyrics.

Clarity was the sensitive teenager album, introducing their now-familiar harmonizing skills and anthem-like choruses. Bleed American was a superior effort with an edgier tone and sharper guitar work. Though it was one of the more uneven releases to hit the mainstream, the unevenness was also its most winning attribute: “Bleed American,” “Sweetness” and “Cautioners” sound completely different but remain as their best songs to date.

Jimmy Eat World’s latest release Futures is the most polished album, floating somewhere between the gentler Clarity and uneven Bleed American. The heartfelt lyrics are still the focus, but the production has become more mainstream and smooth. The peaks and valleys have been minimized, resulting in a steady effort not yet heard by Jimmy Eat World.

The title-track opener serves as the quintessential example of the Jimmy Eat World sound. It begins with a deep, powerful guitar hook, hinting at a heavier song. When the chorus emerges, however, the harmonies give the sound a glossier image, resulting in a “hard rock” sound suitable for any age and gender. Songs like the made-for-radio “Pain” and the slow “Drugs or Me” show accurate, if a bit watered-down, examples of the traditional Jimmy Eat World style.

Part grunge, part school boy emotion, Futures is a cleaner version of the familiar Jimmy Eat World sound. The cohesive flow results in minimal skipping of songs (something both Clarity and Bleed American lacked). Each song is shinier and more layered, and while the end product may also result in fewer hooks, Futures emerges as the most mature effort by Jimmy Eat World to date.

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POP RATING: 8

CRITICAL RATING: 7

B'S RATING: 7.5

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