Jimmy Eat World - Clarity [ECD] (CD 2002)

Its a good album without doubt, but hardly as polished as the later Jimmy Eat World albums. Although this isnt necessarily a bad thing the music of Jim Adkins and co. lends itself well to a little bit of extra time in the studio. Its no accident that it was the follow up record, Bleed American, that catapulted this American band into the mainstream. Guitarist and original vocalist Tom Linton hadn't yet fully relinquished microphone duties at this point in the band's career, and sadly this doesn't really enhance Clarity at all. Best track on the first few hearings would have to be single "Lucky Denver Mint", as the other tracks just cant quite seem to hold your attention.
On the other hand its still good, clean, inoffensive alternative rock from Jimmy Eat World, which makes ideal background. Hardly the greatest of all compliments but Clarity does contrast nicely with the more aggressive tracks to be found in "Bleed American", "Futures" and "Chase This Light".