From the opening guitar strumming on "Appreciation," the first track, you will be acutely aware that Jimmy Eat World is staying true to their sound on “Damage,” their eighth full-length studio album. By the end of the song, you will also be acutely aware that they've kept their hearts on the same sleeve they've always had them on. The beautiful thing about a band like Jimmy Eat World is that they have maintained their musical identity throughout their 20-year musical career, but with each new album there seems to be something original created.
This album brings subtlety to the front lines, with its lyrics being the most powerful part of the track list. There lacks a rocking anthem akin to past hits like "Pain" and "The Middle," (although "I Will Steal You Back" tries for this status, it doesn't quite get there) but that's balanced out by the especially honest lyrics featured on tracks like "You Were Good." With confessional lyrics like "So I'm not who you wanted but /You're still the one who sets the fire in me / Guess I'll drink what I'll drink / Until the loving touch I need is not a need," lead singer Jim Adkins reminds everyone of their deepest relationship insecurities in the most cathartic way possible.
Early tracks "Damage" and "Book of Love" play like the most classic of Jimmy songs, with emotional and very real lyrics played over solid upbeat rock tunes. This will most likely be the more frequently played part of the album in your iTunes because the back end of the album tries to balance out the more upbeat openers with slower, more saddening tunes. "Please Say No" and "No Never More" achieve their goals well, but the album hits a little bump with the too-slow "Byebyelove." The song might have worked better if two of the three preceding songs hadn't been slowing it down since the rocking high point that is "I Will Steal You Back." However, “Byebyelove” is almost unbearably slow surrounded by more slow songs. This space in the album could have been utilized much better with something angry and fast to keep the listeners more interested. Instead, "Byebyelove" might even lose its listeners before the last (and best) song of the album, "You Were Good." Consider this explicit advice to keep listening because that last track is worth it.
“Damage” won't leave your ears awestruck with musical brilliance, but maybe it's not supposed to. This compilation is the mac n' cheese of Jimmy albums, offering the honest lyrics and solid melodies that fans have come to love over their long and lucrative musical career, but maybe not quite living up to the almost impossible expectations set by "Futures" and "Bleed American." Overall, it's essential for the die-hard Jimmy fan and a good introduction for the Jimmy newcomer.
Grade: B+
Download This: "You Were Good"
Sounds Best When: Trying to be less angry about past failed relationships.
