It's a crazy name for a band and an impressive CD. It starts off hard hitting, but is still able to mellow into a steady rocker with emotion, energy, and fun. All 11 tracks are worth listening to, and there's enough variety to keep you interested.
'Bleed American' starts the album with a heavy hitting sarcastic rip on life in America. 'A Praise Chorus' is an aggressive rocker that borrows lyrics from other songs, and encourages standing up and making your mark: "Are you going to live your live wondering / standing in the back, looking around?" 'The Middle' is the catchy and well deserved radio hit (and best song on the CD) about being yourself and not worrying about what others think. If you get the chance to see the video, it's quite an interesting concept. It's like subverting MTV.
'If You Don't, Don't' is a borderline bubble-gum pop song about love and breaking up with strong chorus harmonies. 'Get it Faster' starts off slowly and then smacks you in the face with its intensitiy. Nice song.
Over all Jimmy Eat World has put in the time and paid their dues. They play good music, both hard hitting rock and mellow yet aggressive tunes that play well on the radio and easily get stuck in your head. The lead singer's voice is strong, and typical rock and roll--clear and raspy, and occasionally he carries a syllable with an impressive harmony. The backing vocals are also strong and add to the punch.
This is definitely a CD worth getting, and definitely a band worth watching.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth August 2001Reviewed by Michial FarmerEmo scenesters hate Jimmy Eat World almost as much as they do The Juliana Theory (if that's possible), and, looking from their perspective, it's not that difficult to see why. JEW have precious little in common with the razorblade guitars and broken vocals of Fugazi or Rites of Spring. My advice to the scenesters who want to like the band but can't is to drop the "emo" from their "emo-pop" tag…ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksModern rock with attitude, edge, and introspective, hopeful lyrics. They know when to hit hard and heavy, and they know when to lay back and let the music build slowly. It's well-produced and still has plenty of attitude. This is a disc worth checking out.The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstThe casual listener might not be too impressed with the band Jimmy Eat World and their self-titled fourth album. Their sound is nothing really original or outstanding, and their melodies are strong, but not spectacular. The casual listener might dismiss Jimmy Eat World as just another hotshot rock band. A deeper look might surprise you, though. There is more to the music of Jimmy Eat World than…Similar sounding releases
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