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As the music business continues its downward spiral in 2007 sales, a light at the end of the tunnel may have finally been discovered in Jimmy Eat World's latest release, "Chase This Light."
The power-pop pioneer from Tempe, Ariz., that is Jimmy Eat World has returned to the "emo-rock" roots that solidified its name in the music scene on 2001's self-titled release, also known as "Bleed American." On "Chase This Light," front man Jim Adkins and his bandmates have no trouble recapturing the same sound that caught the eyes and ears of devoted rock fans across the globe.
After working with its third producer, Jimmy Eat World delivers one of the more feel-good records of the year by mixing mainstream rock with powerful, progressive indie flavor. Executive producer Butch Vig (Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana) collaborates with the band from the desert to create a distinct sound that's reminiscent of the band's early days.
"Chase This Light" does the exact opposite of its 2004 laid-back release, "Futures" and in this case, that's definitely a good thing. While the theme of "Futures" was based on growing up and gearing up for the future, "Chase This Light" instead inspires a feeling of living in the moment. On "Carry You," Adkins sings "I could never be the one that you want, don't ask/ Well here's to living in the moment/ 'Cause it passed, it passed."
After touring off-and-on extensively for three straight years and releasing its "Stay on My Side Tonight" EP in between, Adkins and company kick off the record with an astonishing single in "Big Casino." Clashing guitars, powerful drums, and Adkin's prominent vocals all combine to complete a record worth playing on repeat for years to come.
Throughout "Chase This Light," Adkins portrays a kind of attitude that is unlike ordinary "emo" lyrics. On "Let It Happen", the singer reflects on turning the page in life rather than dwelling on the past: "Every minute is arranged/ Every moment lasts a day/ Out thinking about it can't help me let go, I know."
And then there's the token political reference recording on the album in "Electable (Give It Up)" where Adkins shouts "Give up acting unaware you can't ignore the crime/The enemy is you as well the enemy is I."
On the title track, the band fully orchestrates what they're known for both musically and lyrically. Adkins' vocals perfectly compound with Zach Lind's up-tempo drumming and Tom Linton's artistic guitar choruses backed by Rick Burch on bass. On the song "Chase This Light", the theme of the album all ties together in two lines: "I've seen the best of love, the best of hate, the best reward is earned/ I've paid for every single word I ever said."
Jimmy Eat World achieves great success yet again with their latest release "Chase This Light," and by returning to the sound that put them on the map, the band is only beginning to see the light of success that will soon follow.
Artist: Jimmy Eat World Album: Chase This Light Label: Interscope Records Grade: A
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