This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Jimmy Eat World secured their own musical futures when they made emo safe for the masses with their deservedly acclaimed 2001 disc Bleed American and its breakthrough hit single The Middle.
Three years later, these Arizona rockers have turned in their Get Out of Indie-Land Free cards with the aptly named Futures, their fifth and most calculatedly commercial set. Powered by radio-ready rhythms and wave after wave of chiming guitars, these 11 gorgeously soaring cuts are meticulously constructed to play to the band’s strengths: Singer-guitarist Jim Adkins’ plaintive high-angle quaver and his ability to put across lines like “If you only once would let me” without making you want to give him a wedgie.
Trouble is, too many of these songs also highlight the band’s Achilles heel: Their lyrical content hasn’t grown up with their music. Angst-filled tales of trying to score at the prom, making out in the backseat and the milestone of turning 23 are fine when that’s your reality. But when you’re closer to 30, they start to sound creepy and contrived.
Ultimately, either scenario is worrisome enough to make you reconsider investing too heavily in Jimmy Eat World’s otherwise-attractive Futures.
