Review Summary: Just when you think they're dead...
Underrated is defined as “underestimate the extent, value, or importance of (someone or something).” To be honest, it should read “underestimate the extent, value, or importance of (Jimmy Eat World).” Back in the day, it was hard to avoid Jimmy Eat World. ‘The Middle’ played practically every hour.
Bleed American was *the* album for a bit back in my youth. Somewhere in the 2010s they dropped off the face of the Earth, but it wasn’t until I heard ‘Get Right’ stream on the radio in the summer of 2016 that I had a flashback to that time. I’m not sure what contributed to their downfall. Perhaps a couple forgettable albums: maybe a lack of interest in alternative altogether. Either way, it was nice to spend a summer listening to a crisp and refreshing addition to Jimmy Eat World’s discography.
Integrity Blues is a very slick experience from Jimmy Eat World. The album experiments with various sounds. It has a nice indie chill accompanied by some dirty basslines, moody atmospheres, and their usual blasts of high energy.
Integrity Blues modernizes the band in a good way and continues their easy listening sound for modern alt fans as well as those of old. The album is just the right length clocking in around 46 minutes with 11 tracks. Jimmy Eat World tends to experiment a lot through this album. ‘Pass the Baby’ takes some math rock influence in its airy riff and subtle atmosphere. ‘Get Right’ swings us back to their emo days with a grinding drop tuned riff and rougher vocals. However, the album normally sticks to Jimmy Eat World’s nostalgic and emotional vibe for the most part. ‘Through’ stands out for its surprising solo section. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a huge climactic solo, but it’s surprising to here from the band.
Justin Medal-Johnson, the producer of this record, really helped in streamlining this album. Known for his work with Nine Inch Nails and Paramore, Johnson clearly has a diverse set of clients. The production in this album really amps the indie setting
Integrity Blues tends to carry. A lot of the songs carry more of a bass presence than previous efforts. It’s a good shift for Jimmy Eat World since their previous emo sound is stale and dated for today’s genre. The transitions between each song are done well. Most are seamless, but each song is individual in their own right. No track feels out of place or imbalanced.
Lyrically the album steps away from the usual shtick. Instead of focusing on naivety and youth, Jimmy Eat World is a lot more self-aware this time around. ‘Pretty Grids’ takes a more mature look at relationships. “Someday we might not bother. Line up the way we should, why not? The sun just feels too good. Sometimes the right one finds us. Who cares why they do? Why not? We jump because we could,” the chorus from the track, completely ignores the usual teen romance we’re normally treated to.
“When you pull away, I say it matters. With a quiet face, I break, I shatter,” an excerpt from ‘It Matters,’ continues the more thoughtful lyrics exposed during
Integrity Blues. ‘It Matters’ deals with expectations during a relationship. “Slow things down, baby check your motives. Sleep at night and stand up straight. Keep in mind, there's a big, big difference between letting go and running away,” from ‘Through,’ explains how dealing with your problems is more beneficial than running away. ‘Get Right’ details the concept of destination addiction – a disorder in which one is addicted to accomplishing goals. It’s probably the most introspective I’ve seen Jimmy Eat World narratively. We never are treated to this side of Jimmy Eat World. Aside from a few past tracks like ‘Pain,’ Jimmy Eat World has never played on this side of their lyrics.
I really enjoy the cover for the album and how they used a similar visual tone for the music videos produced for the songs. The videos made for ‘Get Right’ and ‘Sure and Certain’ play on a similar filter to the one used for the cover.
Integrity Blues is a generally excellent album put forth from the alt veterans. It’s immersive, captivating, and unique in many ways. From a flawless production from Justin Medal-Johnson to the lyrics,
Integrity Blues does nothing but shine from start to finish. I couldn’t recommend this album enough for both past and present fans of Jimmy Eat World. It’s not only a good Jimmy Eat World album, but for anything going on in the current alternative scene, it works even more. It’s in my top 5 albums for 2016 and certainly earns its keep.
Standout Tracks
Get Right
Pass the Baby
Through
It Matters
Pretty Grids
Pol Roger
