Better Than Ever Before (Chase This Light - Jimmy Eat World)

Member Name: ollie19

Product:	Chase This Light - Jimmy Eat World
Date:	10/07/08 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Improved songwritting, a more complete album

Disadvantages: Lacks originality

The problem Jimmy Eat World faced in 2006 was the same problem that any band would encounter when trying to write a sixth studio album. What Jimmy Eat World wanted to say and wanted to do had been achieved. In over 15 years of the alternative rock circuit they have produced some outstanding songs which have rocked festivals and stadiums across the world. From this position many band may have tried to create a new sound, or deviated from their tried and tested song writing formula - Jimmy Eat World however have not. Without the tiniest intent of deviation from their familiar style, Jim Adkins and co's sixth studio album, "Chase This Light", had to be representative of their best song writing abilities and it is.

What "Chase This Light" lacks in originality it more than makes up for in its improvement on previous Jimmy Eat World efforts. Their songs feel better produced, more sophisticated and just cry out to be played at high volume and sung along too. Every song on "Chase This Light" feels like it's been written to be played in a stadium. "Chase This Light" represents a development from previous albums not because of its change in style but because every song is well polished and executed to perfection.

The album starts with the massive sound of "Big Casino." With thoughtful lyrics and an instantly classic chorus the song, which was realised as the first single, announces Jimmy Eat World's return. Reflecting upon the bands achievement and fame "Big Casino" provides the ideal start to this album. The album continues with "Let It Happen" and "Always Be." Both songs continue to reflect Jimmy Eat World's best work with great chorus's and melodies. The album as a whole doesn't contain a hint of a weak track and continues with sophisticated songs and a new higher level of song writing.

The title song "Chase This Light" is a slower song than most of the rest of the fast pace album. Jim Adkins near perfect vocals makes this song one of the most memorable of the album. This slower song is followed by my personal favourite track "Firefight" before the album is concluded perfectly by "Dizzy." Other stand out songs on this album include "Electable (Give It Up)" and "Feeling Lucky."

Jimmy Eat World has always been capable of producing albums with great songs but their whole album have never felt quite perfect, let down by a few weaker songs they have always been "four star" albums. What "Chase This Light" finally manages to do is represent Jimmy Eat World's true potential in writing a complete album.

Summary: A great album representing Jimmy Eat World at their best