Jimmy Eat World

Clarity

Some great songs, others are so-so, production's to blame

Review Score:

(6/10)
This is a hard album for me to review because I think that these are really talented guys. I think the main problem with this album is the lack of focus. They were willing to experiment so much that some things were bound not to work so well. For example, Goodbye Sky Harbor: I mean, it was great trying to build some atmosphere but 16 minutes was stretching it a bit too much. I think 12 minutes would have done. Leave that stuff to Yo la Tengo or Sonic Youth, which do it much better. 12.23.95 is a pretty song but it doesn't really need the drum machine. What was up with that? They could have used actual drums and make it so much more powerful. I don't mind the pianos, cellos and vibes used on many of the songs. Actually they enhance the mood. But the programming really waters down these songs. It may be to some degree the fact that I think with emo the actual instruments make the songs so much better. I think that the over-production tends to be the curse for the band. You hear something like Your New Aesthetic and feel like you're hearing a truly great indie band but then something like Ten just makes you think of the Smashing Pumpkins circa Mellon Collie. I don't know, it just seems the band it's trying to please everyone.

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