Album Review: Jimmy Eat World - 'Chase This Light'

Chase This Light has

been one of the most anticipated records of 2007 and upon hearing it

I can understand why. While their breakthrough record Bleed American

had a harder edged guitar sound, CTL has traded in the jagged

riffs for the warmer guitar tones of Clarity (which is still

my favourite JEW record) while still retaining the more direct song

writing of their more recent work. Rarely can a band come full circle

and combine musical elements which span their entire career, but Jimmy

Eat World have done just that, and in the process they've released one

of the albums of the year.  

“Big Casino” is an obvious

choice as the album's lead single. The guitars are as catchy as anything

that was on Futures and Jim Adkins trademark vocals have made

the song an instant classic in the JEW catalogue. “Let It Happen”

has a straight forward, four to the floor verse which acts as the perfect

introduction to the punchy chorus. With its staggered drum beat, harmonized

vocals and layered guitar work it is a standout track on album which

doesn't have a weak tune on it. 

While not as sonically diverse

as the album's first two songs, “Always Be” is a catchy pop tune

that has sing-a-long written all over it and “Carry You”, which

sits at the softer end of Jimmy Eat World's repertoire is as effective

as anything else on the record.  

If you discovered JEW through

their Bleed American era pop hits then you'll love “Electable”.

It's an easy to digest tune and one that I can't wait to hear in the

live setting. “Gotta Be Somebody's Blues” is a great way to break

up the record. Jim's almost whispered vocals and the inclusion of strings

gives the song a really sombre feel which reminded me of The Smashing

Pumpkins contribution to The Lost Highway soundtrack (I believe the

song is called Eye if you want to check it out). 

“Feeling Lucky” has single

written all over it. Clocking in at under three minutes and with a chorus

that's so catchy it's almost sickening this tune is a summer anthem

if I've ever heard one. “Here It Goes” and the album's title track

are both excellent songs and it's great to see a band write an entire

record rather than relying on a few strategically placed hits.  

If you're a fan of Jimmy Eat

World then you are going to love this record... simple as that! If for

some strange reason you are yet to fall in love with this band then

this might be the record that convinces you.

1. Big Casino
2. Let It Happen
3. Always Be
4. Carry You
5. Electable (Give

   It Up)

6. Gotta Be Somebody's

   Blues

7. Feeling Lucky
8. Here It Goes
9. Chase T