Rating:  -
Despite the teeny-bop bubble-gum rock tag that has unfairly been placed on the band, Jimmy Eat World's first release is definitely worth a listen. Not far from the original mid-90's Weezer sound, the tracklist bounces around from up-tempo, catchy rock songs ("A Praise Chorus", "If You Don't, Don't") to melodious, darker ones ("Hear You Me", "My Sundown"). "Your House", an uptempo acoustically-driven track, is one of the highlights, and "Authority Song" is a clever and harmonious throw-back to rock songs of yore. Where teenage girls may become frustrated that the album isn't chock full of "The Middle" clones, alternative rock fans will be pleasantly surprised by the band's range and depth. Don't let MTV's TRL fool you...Jimmy Eat World isn't out to sell records to the Backstreet crowd, they're out to make good rock music. So far, so good.
Rating:  -
There are three types of bad music. The first is of the obnoxious, atonal variety that induces headaches while it is on but does no lasting harm after it is silenced. The second consists of songs that are so simple and annoyingly catchy that they haunt your consciousness long after the radio is shut off.
Then there is Jimmy Eat World. It's cute, but not endearing. It's pleasant, but not interesting. It comes and goes and you take no notice. It's elevator music.
Every track on the album is an overproduced, underplayed tribute to blind juvenile optimism. Jimmy Eat World follows the nu-metal musical blueprint, but replaces chugging power chords with chugging major chords and hopelessness for happiness. The only saving grace for either is that the singer occasionally stumbles upon a memorable hook or two in the chorus.
This is not to condemn Jimmy Eat World for their lyrical outlook. Indeed, many great songs are born out of joy, not out of anger, but such songs should not be afraid to express that joy exhuberantly. Compare Robert Plant's wail on "Black Dog" or John Lennon's carefree charm on "I Feel Fine" to the half effort at encouragement on "The Middle." Jimmy Eat World's lyrics lack uniqueness of any kind. All good lyricists give their songs some narrative quality. A song does not have to tell a story, but the listener should at least know some of the details of the situation, details which will give the listener a reason to remember that song. Instead, these lyrics often sound like they were ripped off of Barney.
This is a shame, because the band often showcases some decent pop chops. Most songs on the album boast catchy choruses, and these alone seem to account for the band's popularity. Additionally, opener "Bleed American" has the makings of an authentic punk anthem, but drowns in the restraint and mundanity of the instrumentalists. For crying out loud, hit the distortion pedal, pound the crap out of your drums and rock!
You'll find many albums worse than this. In fact, Jimmy Eat World is among the best bands being played on radio these days. Again, this is an album that will enter and exit your speakers without so much that the turn of an ear.
Rating:  -
When I bought this album, I knew of only a few of Jimmy Eat World's songs: The Middle and Sweetness. I never expected to find so many songs I loved. There are 11 titles on this CD, and each and every one of them make it worth every penny. Hear You Me has solidified its place as one of my favorite songs ever, and was also very pleased with Bleed American, The Authority Song, Get it Faster, and every other song. Thumbs up to Jimmy Eat World for putting together such a wonderful album. Get this CD, you will never regret it!
Rating: -
First off I would like to say that JEW are NOT an emo band. They may carry some emo characteristics in their music but it is anything but emo, just good alternative/indie rock.
This album is really really interesting, probably my favourite as Futures was quite a dissapointment for me bar Pain. I haven't listened to it a great deal as of late but I'm mainly giving this cd the 5 stars it deserves over the other trash it's rated against, that being total sellouts, Green Day and newjack emo faggots, My Chemical Romance.
Just go out and buy this CD. You will not regret it.
Rating: -
Lets not call it emo. That is the worst name for music ever. This is just good alt rock music. This album is perfect every song is good. Im not just saying this because Im from there hometown.
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