Jimmy Eat World are one of those bands who don’t receive the attention that their talent undoubtedly deserves. Their last release, 1999’s Clarity, gained much critical acclaim but sold poorly, leading to them being dropped by Capitol. Bleed American is studio album number four, and their first release under the DreamWorks label. If there is any justice in the world, this album should finally see them reach a large audience, as it deserves to sell millions.
The Album opens with the title track ‘Bleed American’, a song full of punk energy, which is probably one of the fastest tracks on the album. Fear not though, long time fans of the band, this is not an indication of what is to follow, although it is a very good song. ‘A Praise Chorus’ is a very infectious, poppy tune that stands up well against comparisons with the new Weezer album. ‘The Middle’ is a classic tune, a song that epitomises the sound of summer, even if it is raining outside. The track also features a very catchy, uplifting chorus, something that the band excels at.
‘Your House’ is a slower song that is packed full of emotion, another trend that can be seen throughout the album. ‘Sweetness’ picks up the pace again, and is certainly heavier than the title would suggest. ‘Hear you me’ is one of the best tracks on the album. It is simple, yet heart-achingly beautiful and the female backing vocals add extra depth. Believe me when I say that I cannot do this song justice with words alone, you will have to hear it for yourselves. The next track, ‘If you Don’t. Don’t’, sounds like something from the Foo Fighters third album, and deserves to be put in the same class of song writing.
‘Get it Faster’ has an eerie, creeping introduction that works in tandem with occasional notes from the guitar. You know the song is going to explode, but the band keep you guessing as to when that explosion of pace is going to come. ‘Cautioners’ is probably the weakest track on the album. The problem here being that it is dependent on too much electronic wizardry. ‘The Authority Song’ is quite simply fantastic. It is a poppy, infectious tune that hits you like a tidal wave of music, with huge backing vocals and handclaps. ‘My Sundown’ sees the album end with the band in a reflective mood. Again, it is a superb song that is packed full of emotion.
Bleed American is, put quite simply, one of the albums of the year. Jimmy Eat World have produced an album that is breathtaking, beautiful and brilliant. The album mixes a wide range of musical styles and is all the better for it. It is punky, poppy and always emotional. Bleed American has confirmed Jimmy Eat World’s place at the top of the emo tree, nestling easily alongside Weezer and The Get Up Kids. What more needs to be said, other than BUY!
Mark