Customer Reviews

Bleed American [Vinyl]

5 star:		(226)
4 star:		(71)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

When I first bought Jimmy Eat World's self-titled album, I only really knew that I'd like their initial hit The Middle, while I hoped that there would be a few more songs I would like. I ended up liking the whole CD. To me it is a rarity when you find a group that can produce so many good songs on one CD. Well this is the group and this is the CD. It has easy to remember songs such as The Middle and A Praise Chorus and then lyrically intriguing and slightly heavier songs such as Sweetness, Bleed American, and Get It Faster. This just shows how Jimmy Eat World can make so many great songs of different varieties. This is a terrific CD, you'll like every song.

From listening to this CD, you can tell that Jimmy Eat World has matured as a band since Clarity. As another reviewer mentioned, this is an album that'll get you hooked from the first listen. Highlights (for me anyway) are "Bleed American", "A Praise Chorus", "The Middle", "Sweetness", "Hear You Me" (what a beautiful song!), and "Cautioners", which is perhaps the most Clarity-esque song on the whole CD. Musically, the songs seem a lot simpler than their previous efforts, and while I do miss the awesome 7:00+ songs with constant changes like "Digits" and "Just Watch The Fireworks", their matured sound suits them very well. While all the songs don't stand out as much as the highlights mentioned above, they're still very enjoyable, making this an album to listen to for the entire album rather than just a few great singles that you have to skip through filler songs to get to. Jim Adkins' vocals are also in fine form; they've come along way from the band's early days. If you're a fan of Jimmy Eat World, you'll like this album. If you're a fan of pop-ey, rock-ey, and maybe a little punk-ey music like Sloan or Weezer, it's a pretty safe bet that you'll love this CD. If not...well, it's a good enough CD that it's worth a listen. You might be impressed!

Jimmy Eat World is not one of the first bands I got into when I got into the whole "emo" thing. When I first heard Clarity, though, I knew I had to hear more. Eventually, I bought Clarity, totally played it out, never got sick of it, then got both Static Prevails and the Singles collection. When I saw them live back around December, they played a song or two from the new album, Bleed American. I was impressed. They also put out 3 new songs on a split EP with Jebediah, and the songs were reassuring that Jimmy Eat World hadn't gone the way that lots of bands have been these days, radically changing their sound just for attention. Then a few months ago, I read that they had signed with DreamWorks, and was thinking "oh great, Papa Roach." Then, a few weeks ago, I began to notice the video for "Bleed American" on MTV2, and very much liked the song. It misled me to think that they were returning to a sound very much like that on Static Prevails. I also assumed that Tom Linton was going to get to sing more, like the J.E.W. of old. Yesterday, after much anticipation, my friends and I went to the local record store and bought this album. At first listen, this album leads you to believe that they have gone poppy and commerical, but when you really delve deep into the album, allow yourself to get lost in the music, you realize that, much like Clarity, it's very well textured and takes you on a journey of moods. With the near-angelic voice of Jim Adkins, the exceptionally melodic guitar work of him and Tom Linton, and the more than adequate playing of Rick Burch and Zach Lind on bass and drums, as well as the masterful production from Mark Trombino (Clarity, Blink-182), it's a musical expediton into the worlds of both pop and emo, without comprimising J.E.W's integrity. Rachel Haden provides back-up vocals on almost half of the tracks, adding the male-female interaction that makes bands like The Anniversary and Bis sound so intriguing. One has to wonder if on the next record, she'll be fully integrated as a member of the band. Guest appearances include Davey from The Promise Ring and Ariel from the Hippos. The only gripe I have with the album is no vocals from Tom Linton, but that's only a minor nuance. This album is incredible and just might pass Clarity in my list of favorite albums. Standout tracks include Bleed American, Your House, Sweetness, and If You Don't, Don't.

This is the first disc I own by Jimmy Eat World, but it definitely won't be the last. This album is superb, revealing a band with a multitude of musical talents. On Bleed American, Jimmy Eat World demonstrates that this band can produce pounding rockers to introspective ballads, intelligent and frequently uplifting lyrics, and variable musical textures all in one well-crafted and well-performed CD.

There is some great songwriting here, which combines with masterful musicianship to deliver a memorable musical journey. "Bleed American," all over the radio, is well-known, high-energy ride. "A Praise Chorus" and "The Middle" are upbeat songs with inspiring messages. "The Middle" in particular is one of my favorite tunes, an infectious track with pop rhythm and the repeated assurance that "everything will be alright." I loooove "Hear You Me," a softer song with unforgettable lyrics: "May angels lead you in, hear you me my friend..." And "Get it Faster" begins mellow and ever increases its intensity until a vigorous in-your-face climax that is most enjoyable. "Sweetness" is great, "Cautioners" is wonderful, and "My Sundown" is a chilling though perfect ending to this engaging collection of songs.

You want my recommendation on Bleed American? Play it loud on high quality speakers, kick back, close your eyes, and enjoy the ride!

Jimmy Eat World has come a long way from their early beginnings and releases of Static Prevails and Clarity. Early releases like Static Prevails include raw, powerful tracks with faster guitars and the majority of the vocals done by guitarist Tom Linton. Its follow-up, Clarity, is a little more emotional, and overall, a slower paced album that picks up where Static Prevails left off but is a little more polished and clean sounding.

"Jimmy Eat World" (formerly "Bleed American") pushes the envelope of popular music today, combining sounds of Static Prevails and Clarity and is full of potential chart-toppers. It has Static Prevails' power as heard in tracks like "Bleed American" and "Get It Faster." The 'sweetness' of Clarity is apparent in tracks like "Hear You Me," "Cautioners," and, "My Sundown."

Also included on the album are tracks like "A Praise Chorus," Jimmy Eat World's current single, and "Authority Song": two uptempo tracks that are so good, they'll have you pushing the repeat button on your CD player.

If the above information just isn't working for you, I've included a brief track synopsis below. Enjoy!

01. "Bleed American" - This is a powerful rock track with heavy guitars and powerful vocals. The lyrics may seem a little confusing but it was intended that way. Jim Adkins wrote this song out of pure emotional frustration and it just came out this way. The lyrics ARE very interesting, though, so check 'em out. This was J.E.W.'s first single from "Bleed American" in the summer of 2001.

02. "A Praise Chorus" - A great upbeat track with a great message. The lyrics tell you not to let life pass you by and to get out there and make something out of yourself, depicted in the verse "Are you gonna live your life standing in the back, looking around? Are you gonna waste your time? Gonna make a move, or you'll miss out." This song has great harmonies and a reference to the classic tune, "Crimson and Clover." This is Jimmy Eat World's current single.

03. "The Middle" - A very catchy and radio friendly song you had to have heard by now, so I'm not going to say much about this one other than it has a good uplifting message, an upbeat tempo and an amazing guitar solo. This is Jimmy Eat World's most popular single, released in late 2001.

04. "Your House" - This one's a little different than anything on the album. Its message speaks about a past relationship that ended in heartbreak for Jim. He's in the process of healing and doesn't want to revert back to his old feeling; hence the line, "If you still care at all, don't go tell me now."

05. "Sweetness" - A strong rock track with amazing vocals by lead singer Jim Adkins. The lyrics refer to a potential relationship that's a little confusing and a little elusive but seemingly anxious is Adkins of an outcome. "Sweetness" was released as a single in 2002.

06. "Hear You Me" - Easily the sweetest song on the album. This song was written for Weezer fan club proprietors, and friends of Jimmy Eat World as well as Weezer, Mykel and Carli who were tragically killed in a school bus accident. Their favorite saying, "Hear You Me," is also written in Weezer B-Side, "Mykel and Carli." Despite the tragic inspiration to this song, "Hear You Me" is a heartwarming song that can bring a tear to your eye as well as my personal favorite.

07. "If You Don't, Don't" - This song is an uptempo emotional song with cool guitar effects and sweet harmonies. It's likely to have been written about being afraid to tell someone how he really feels for fear of change to the current situation and the dissatisfaction with his lack of courage. She also may be leading him on a little. The possibility exists in lines like, "If you don't, then honey would you just say so cause I need this now more than I ever did."

08. "Get It Faster" - This is a great rock song that starts out a little dark but later opens up and rocks till the end. This song seems to be about walking out on a relationship due to confusion and argument and settling for something easier and more pleasing. Included in this song are thick guitars, nice harmonies and an awesome dueling guitar solo.

09. "Cautioners" - A dark ballad that starts with choppy bass and drums and leads into more melodious Jimmy Eat World style chops. Overall, a different sounding, but good song. The lyrics suggest a nervous expectancy for rejection although things are probably fine. Maybe even too good to be true.

10. "Authority Song" - This is a very upbeat and happy song with strong harmonies throughout. There doesn't seem to be a real lyric sructure to this song other than a basic rhyme pattern but that doesn't take away from it's catchy feel and sound. Overall, a great song.

11. "My Sundown" - This is a nice sweet slow one to finish out the CD. Its sweet harmonies and snapping are unique to this song. The lyrics speak of a willingness to make himself a better person although his efforts go unnoticed. He's also asking someone for help in his personal reform.

Overall, I feel Jimmy Eat World's self titled effort is the best release of 2001, as well as the band's best release to date. Released in the summer of 2001, "Jimmy Eat World" is still releasing singles, including its current, "A Praise Chorus." This is an album you can put into your CD player and let play through without skipping a track. Although some tracks are better than others, there isn't a track on the album you should skip.

So whether it's heavy guitars, emotional lyrics, pop hooks, or sweet slow songs you're looking for in an album, "Jimmy Eat World" will not disappoint.

Bleed American should just about satisfy Jimmy Eat World fans of the past while reeling in thousands more. Why? Well, this time they're going to get a lot more exposure -- AND they've crafted a more mainstream album, but not so mainstream that we mistake them for Blink 182 (though they are Tom DeLong's favorite band) or alienate fans of albums like Static Prevails. The songs range from pure pop gems ("The Middle", "If You Don't", "A Praise Chorus") to the haunting or complex ("The Cautioners", "My Sundown") to edgy and hard-rocking ("Bleed American", "Get It Faster") to the just plain beautiful ("Hear You Me"). And who can forget "Sweetness"? Does this not deserve to be called one of the most incredible songs of all time? Bleed American is one of the most complete albums I've heard in a long time. There's not a track to be skipped on here; a wonderful follow-up to the amazing album Clarity.

I completely confess to being a newcomer to Jimmy Eat World. I wasn't ignorant of their existance before this album, I had heard about them, but hadn't heard anything by them. When the title track hit the radio (The CD was originally titled "Bleed American") I found myself singing along and was instantly hooked. However, I sort of forgot about them for a while and didn't buy their CD until back in December. Now I am glad I did. It is one of the few CD's out there that I can say is perfect. Every song is great and is different from the one before it. I don't understand the Blink 182 comparisons AT ALL, this band is so much more talented and multi-dimensional than them. You can call it emo, pop-punk, whatever, but they cover so many genres, you can't really categorize them. They do everything from emo to pop to punk to acoustic to alternative and even dabble in some 80's new wave sounds (Maybe not, but Sweetness reminds me of something that would come out of the 80's). The song writing is great and doesn't come across as forced or cheesy. Standouts: Praise Chorus, Hear You Me, My Sundown, If You Don't, Don't and Sweetness. Pick this up if you like MUSIC. I think everyone can enjoy this album, no matter what kind of music you listen to.

JIMMY EAT WORLD is a rare accomplishment that stretches across musical genres, the Billboard charts, and audiences of all ages. The young can appreciate the honest lyrics and the power of each song, and while the old may not be blasting this album in their stereos, they can appreciate the great melodic structures of the songs.

The one cohesive bond that ties each song together is the strength and clarity of Jim Adkins's voice. This is a voice that only comes along once a while. Songs like "Sweetness" and "The Authority Song" display his raw power while "Hear You Me" and "My Sundown" show the expressiveness of his voice. When Adkins sings: "You rip my heart right out," in "Your House," it doesn't sound like it's a hard process, but rather, something he is enjoying. He has a way of making the most unexpected lyrics seem everyday, much like the band ELBOW.

Some of the songs are more poppy that others, like the radio champion "The Middle." Others are darker and less conscientious of the mainstream listener, like the Red Hot Chili Peppers or PJ Harvey at their most melody-conscious and least angsty. I appreciate Jimmy Eat World's strong sense of melody and thoughtful lyric crafting. The lyrics are triumphs in themselves, like in "Bleed American:" "I bled the greed from my arm / Won't they give it a rest now?"

JIMMY EAT WORLD is a great album, one I can listen to all the way through without skipping tracks, and I can't do that very often. Jimmy Eat World has the power to take over the airwaves, and I personally hope they succeed.

I listen to ALL types of music. I'm a pianist and a natural singer. Music has had such a deep impact on my life. I've gone through stages of Punk, Rap, Hip Hop, R&B, New Age, Grunge, Techno, Trance, Alternative, etc ... even Country, but this is the one CD that I can NOT live with out!!

I don't believe that everyone needs to have the same outlook as me, that would make the world boring. Jimmy Eat World is one of those bands that you have to get in order to appreciate their music. Because Jimmy Eat World isn't just another label manufactured band, they have substance and they have heart. You can practically hear the rythm of their hearts beating throughout their songs.

I was first introduced to Jimmy Eat World when I used to skateboard. My friends and I were all piled into a truck and I heard one of the songs from Clarity, and I just became hooked. I never forgot about the band, just hadn't heard them again until 2 years later. I was in Monterey, traded my skateboard for Army fatigues, and my friend played "Hear You Me". The song just blew me away. ALL of the songs on the album have such meaning that is personal to me, it's as if this album echoes my life. When I listen to this CD, I become so emotional. No music has ever had quite this impact.

I'm in Bosnia now. Although I have had this CD since 2001, I had to reorder it as it's in Arizona and it's the one CD I cannot live without. I usually get bored of a CD easily, but I can listen to this on repeat for the rest of my life.

Jimmy Eat World is absolutely brilliant, but this is their best -- in my opinion. I don't care what anyone else says, EVERY song has a significant meaning no matter how many times I play it.

Like some people, my first taste of Jimmy Eat World was through The Middle. Although at first it wasn't my thing, I found myself liking it. So I went uptown and bought it cause I'm need of liking some new bands so I bought it uptown(it still has Bleed American on the cover). Overall, this is such a great album. It seems a lot more poppier than Clarity(which I also bought).

Bleed American: very guitar driven. good riff too. 9/10
A Praise Chorus: I love the "crimson and clover" part. 8/10
The Middle: the couple times 9/10 after a LOT of repeated listens 7/10
Your House: mainly acoustic with some added elements. good song. 8/10
Sweetness: mixed bag- it's a awesome song but the original that started with the guitar(this one starts with vocals) was much better. 7.5/10
Hear You Me: slower number. It's such a melancholy and great track. 9/10
If You Don't, Don't: rock edged song. It's pretty good. 8/10
Get It Faster: this one is actually pretty catchy. 9/10
Cautioners: slow song. it's good but not the better of the slow ones. 7.5/10
The Authority Song: good song to blast in your car. 9/10
My Sundown: another melancholy song but my favorite of them. The song seems to be about suicide so the song cuts off right at the end. (Dream Theater's Pull Me Under had this too.)

It's a great album. It's a good song to blast while you're driving or playing sports. Not as good as Clarity but it's a great album.