Review Summary: Classic within its field.
”You're not bigger than this, not better. Why can't you learn?”
There are few pop-punk releases that are actually of high quality. This may be down to lack of proper originality and catchy-for-it’s-own-good songs. While Jimmy Eat World’s second release Clarity isn’t the epitome of originality nor is it inaccessible, this is still a first class album from a band that rely on catchy hooks and choruses. The album never falters in any sense as the production is clean but the sound is never too powerful. Every song has a hook around it, there is no denying that. Without these hooks the band would never survive. So with that state of mind it seems a bit pretentious to put a slow, incoherent song as the album’s opener but as the song moves along it’s easy to see why it’s even on the album. From the slow arpeggio lead line to Jim’s slow emotional (note: emotional, never whiny or aggravating), the track very easily subsides into the boisterous “Lucky Denver Mint” which then follows onto other tracks which follow the same sort of sound. Note that this album is very poppy but please do not let this distract you at all, it’s an extremely marvelous album.
It’s obvious that for a band like this, the members won’t be virtuosos at their selected instruments but they are still musically minded either way. The guitars have a melodic, smooth sound while still managing to sound rough and edgy. The bassist Rick has some hidden talent but as with this form of music, essential bass skills are not needed. In other words he keeps everything going and that’s all that can be asked of him. Jim’s vocals are piercing and at times feel very emotional but they never seem to be annoying or painful to listen to. That’s quite an accomplishment since a lot of vocalists from bands similar to Jimmy Eat World seem to over-do it and then result in an excruciating vocal style. Zach is simply a steady drummer. When he wants to do something a bit more creative then it shows but he usually keeps in the background trying to prevent everyone else from screwing up and that’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Aside from the basic rock instruments, there is also strings added to some songs (more specifically in “A Sunday”), piano and a lot of extra things added to the mix.
Jim’s lyrics are very simple. There is no major meaning or more precisely any deep meaning to the songs. The lyrics are usually emotional but never border onto any angst as far as I can tell, overall the lyrics are never a problem and simply do their job. Getting hooked on this album is fairly easy considering the accessibility of all the songs. “Lucky Denver Mint” is the main single from the album and is probably the song that started them off (the song was added to most college radio stations and boosted the band’s popularity). The drums start this one off and this simple but cool sounding drumbeat is played throughout the verses. Jim almost whispers during the verses but he really brings his voice during the irresistible chorus. In general a positive, catchy pop song that doesn’t wander or drag. Just the way pop songs should be. “Your New Aesthetic” comes in like a continuation of the last track but while a different track, it still contains that sweet pop sound that most of the tracks on this album show.
Normally with catchy songs, after about a few listens, they tend to get old really fast. With Clarity, it’s a total exception to the rulebook as while every track here is laden with pop hooks and catchy choruses, the songs themselves never get old. The only thing I didn’t like about the record is that while the songs are extremely well done, there really isn’t a moment that makes my jaw drop. There isn’t a magical feeling around it but hell to that when the album is still this good. The LP is essential listening to rock fans and to people who don’t listen to this type of music then this is quite a good place to start anyhow. This is the band’s strongest effort and it’s clear to see why.
