Futures

by

Jimmy Eat World

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Jimmy Eat World's brand of punchy power pop is really something special these days. While I'm really enjoying the rise of all these arty indie rock type bands, like Wilco and Modest Mouse, sometimes I want to listen to something that's just catchy and fun, and with the exception of a handful of bands, there aren't many out there today doing that kind of thing that are really worth listening to. But, Jimmy Eat World is the perfect band for the occasion.

The most interesting thing about their music is that they can manage to be both sad and uplifting at the same time. A lot of their lyrics are rather depressing and melancholy, but the music is overall pretty upbeat, and doesn't really feel depressing. Jim Adkins apparently wants to share his thoughts and feelings, but he doesn't really want you to feel sorry for him, which I think is cool. That way, it never comes across as "whining", as is often the case with many bands in the "emo" style. Even when the lyrics aren't particularly cheery, the music still makes you feel good.

The album starts with the title track, a mid-paced rocker with big hooks, and a cool acoustic break. "Just Tonight" and "Pain" are faster-paced, with driving rhythms, and rousing choruses (the latter reminds me a bit of Thrice, but less metallic). "Work" and "Kill" are super-catchy melodic rock, and "Drugs or Me" and "23" are epic ballads, with huge arrangements. There's not a great deal of variety on this album, but the songwriting is strong enough to keep it interesting. The musicianship is excellent, with powerful melodic guitar hooks, and energetic drumming. Pretty much everything you could want in a straight-forward melodic rock album is here.

If you want something catchy and fun, with a great deal of songwriting talent, Jimmy Eat World is a can't-miss. Along with Green Day's "American Idiot", this is one of the best pop rock albums of the year (and look, you can get them both here for a great price). Buy today.

This is where the band starts to go down hill. This album is average at best. There are some good songs on here, but it pales in comparision to their last album. I'm starting to notice a pattern here. After a band becomes famous and wealthy they stop writing from the heart. It really is true. I mean this album is average. Their next album was terrible. I'm done with this band. D O N E (I'm editing this, their next album wasn't terrible. I just hadn't listened to it in a while. I actually like it a lot. But, I still think their best album is their 2001 album.