The release of Jimmy Eat World’s newest album Chase This Light comes amid a slew of big-time releases from the likes of Radiohead and Thrice. Nonetheless, the highly anticipated record has ignited message boards and caused a dizzying whirlwind of reviews.
Fans and critics alike stand divided in their assessments of the album in a heated love or hate debate. One side claims that the new record, with its undeniably pop sound, is the final progression for Jimmy Eat World. The other side argues that this album is painfully mediocre and over produced. Chase This Light carefully walks the line between both camps.
Since, Jimmy Eat World burst onto the music scene in the mid-1990s, fans have been enthralled by its uniquely disheveled sound. The band has come a long way since its raucous debut album Static Prevails without losing its signature sound. Chase This Light embodies the invigorating liveliness of Clarity and Bleed American with a consistently upbeat mood.
Lead vocalist, Jim Adkins commands each song with a confidence and flair like never before. “Here It Goes” showcases this new depth with Adkins’ sharp melodies penetrating the synth-infused dance beats. Opening track and lead single “Big Casino,” establishes a triumphant sound the carries throughout the record with its hypnotic guitar riffs and catchy lyrics. From this point, the album only gets better. “Electable (Give It Up)” screams hit as its fierce energy and catchy chorus begs to be sung along to.
While most of the album lends itself to hyper pop rock tunes, the addition of a few mellow tracks creates a balanced record. “Gotta Be Somebody’s Blues” stands out from the perkier tracks on the album. Combining bluesy undertones with haunting strings, the song creates a distinctive sound reminiscent of Clarity.
The other ballad, “Carry You,” is a guilty pleasure full of acoustic appeal and melancholy lyrics. Perhaps the most heartfelt song on the album, “Dizzy,” possess a subtle vulnerability that is scarce on the new record.
Chase This Light showcases Jimmy Eat World’s knack for creating songs with infectiously quick-tempos and expansive choruses. However, it lacks the dark undertones of Futures that many fans adored. The result is an album laden with ear-pleasing, sugarcoated tunes that lacks the emotional profundity of previous albums.
Despite the clashing opinions about the album, Chase This Light offers a delightful array of spunky and somber songs that is definitely worth buying.
Whether you are a fan of Static Prevails and Bleed American or Clarity and Futures, Chase This Light melds enough elements of each album to please just about everyone, at least for a song or two.
