Formed in Mesa, Arizona twenty years ago, Jimmy Eat World are a band that have written the soundtrack to the lives of many twenty somethings who grew up listening to pop punk in the late 90’s early 00’s. Some of their output during that era is looked upon as some of the genre’s finest, but as the band have matured their last few albums haven’t quite reached the cult like status of the likes of ‘Clarity’ or ‘Bleed American.’ It’s been three years since their last studio album ‘Invented’ largely passed everybody by, so now it’s the turn of Jimmy Eat Worlds eighth studio album ‘Damage’ to prove that they still have what it takes to remain fresh.
Things get off to a good start with ‘Appreciation’. Jim Adkins voice sounds as good and identifiable as ever, and while the whole structure is relatively simple, the melody transforms it. There are also great sing-alongs to be had with ‘Byebyelove’ which has the potential to be a live classic, I’m imagining a total “lighters in the air as the sun goes down at a festival” kind of vibe.
Things go from strength to strength from here – lead single ‘I Will Steal You Back’ has the potential to be THE big moment from the album. Carrying a huge chorus and a trademark guitar solo, it has all the ingredients that makes a classic Jimmy Eat World song. ‘Lean’ features a bit more experimentation with the use of a drum machine but it’s laden with energy and is one that’ll be revisited many, many times by fans.
The album comes in at just under 40 minutes long, so it’s important that Jimmy Eat World leave somewhat of a lasting impression – they do that impeccably with ‘Just Say No’, a song that shows off Jimmy Eat World at their very best. As with many of the great Jimmy Eat World acoustic moments, there are points which trigger certain emotions. It’s just as great as fan favourites ‘Hear You Me’ and ‘Drugs Or Me’, and a fantastic way to close the record down.
Overall, Jimmy Eat World have made an album that is worthy of sitting alongside some their more revered work. ‘Damage’ is an album that is jam packed with emotion and uncomplicated but fantastic songwriting. This is the sound of a band having gone back to basics and it has worked wonderfully. If there is any justice then Jimmy Eat World will be recognised for putting out one of 2013’s best albums so far, and it’ll be up there in my top 10 come the end of the year.
CHRIS MARSHMAN