Emo 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 and view them as what they've really been since their first record: a pop band.
Sure, lead singer Jim Adkins' voice is whiny sometimes. And sure, Bleed American, like all of JEW's records, contains its share of emo-pop clichés--"If you care at all, please don't go now / If you love me at all, please don't tell me now," "Hey, don't write yourself off yet"--but that doesn't matter. These things melt away when one realizes that Jimmy Eat World has written great pop songs for this record, melodies that pop up in your head while you're trying to sleep. There's nothing here with the pure pop sheen of "Lucky Denver Mint" or "Blister" from the band's masterpiece-thus-far, 1999's Clarity, but the title track's driving urgency and the emotional impact of "Hear You Me" bring out their respective melodies, and "Sweetness" can go head-to-head with any Britney Spears or *Nsync track in terms of throwaway catchiness.
Musically, Bleed American is a bit of a departure from Clarity. Whereas Clarity was slow-moving and sedate, Bleed American is faster and more aggressive. Guitars are much more dominant here, and they're more distorted and jagged than on the last record. The pianos, bells and chimes that permeated Clarity are here relegated to only the background of a few tracks. What this means in a practical sense is that Jimmy Eat World stand out less from the rest of modern rock--they're starting to sound similar to other alternapop bands on the radio.
No, there's nothing groundbreaking here. Bleed American isn't going to save or destroy rock and roll. But it's something pleasant to listen to until someone comes along who will.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksIt'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…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
2004Number One FanCompromises
2002PlankeyeWings to Fly
2005The Evan AnthemSens
2000PodstarPodstar
2003The Jealous SoundKill Them With Kindness
2005This Day and Age...Always Leave the Ground
