Surviving | ||||
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Released | October 18, 2019 | |||
Recorded | 2018–2019 | |||
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Length | 36:29 | |||
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Jimmy Eat World chronology | ||||
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Singles from Surviving | ||||
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Surviving is the tenth studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. The album was released on October 18, 2019, through RCA and Exotic Location Recordings. After touring in support of Integrity Blues (2016) concluded in mid-2017, the band began writing new material. Following various tours throughout 2018 and early 2019, the band recorded their next album in their home studio in Arizona, with co-producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen. Described as an alternative rock, arena rock, emo, pop rock, and pop punk record, Surviving was compared to the band's earlier albums Chase This Light (2007) and Damage (2013).
Preceded by a co-headlining US tour with Third Eye Blind, "All the Way (Stay)" was released as a single in September 2019. The band appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! prior to the release of Surviving. It was promoted with a music video for "555", and tours of the UK and the US till the end of the year.
Surviving reached number 90 on the US Billboard 200. Outside of the US, it charted in Australia, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK. "Love Never" achieved some airplay, appearing on the Billboard Alternative and Rock Airplay charts.
Jimmy Eat World released their ninth album Integrity Blues in October 2016. [1] The band promoted it with headlining tours in Europe and the United States, and a supporting slot for Incubus, leading up to an appearance at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in mid-2017. [2] Though they started writing new material around the release of Integrity Blues, the band started working substantially towards a new album following its touring cycle. [3] In May 2018, Jimmy Eat World released a 7" vinyl single that consisted of new songs "Love Never" and "Half Heart", both of which were produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen. Between May and July, the group embarked on two US tours, which bookended a stint in Europe. [4] Following this, they played a variety of festivals between July and October. [4] In January and February 2019, the band supported Frank Turner on his UK arena tour; around the trek, the band play two heading shows. [5] [6]
Jimmy Eat World recorded their next album at their own studio in Arizona with Meldal-Johnsen co-producing. Adkins used his Fender Telecaster Thinline running through a Marshall cabinet, with minimal effects, while guitarist Tom Linton used his Gibson SG running through an Orange cabinet. [7] They recorded 14 tracks, though some never made it beyond having basic tracks. [8] The band decided to write more songs, hoping that they would match what the band had already finished. [9] Drummer Zach Lind said in May 2019 that the group's new album had been mixed and mastered. [10] He mentioned "Love Never" was remixed for inclusion on the album. [11]
Musically, the sound of Surviving has been described as alternative rock, [12] [13] arena rock, [14] [15] [16] emo, [17] pop rock, [18] and pop punk, [19] drawing comparison to the band's own Chase This Light (2007) and Damage (2013) albums, [12] as well as the work of the Foo Fighters. [16] The heavy guitar sound recalled the guitars heard in Bleed American (2001). When the band was listening to a pre-show playlist, songs from Mötley Crüe's Dr. Feelgood (1989) were played, which they admired for its production. With Surviving, the members attempted to make their own version of that. [20] The political commentary heard on Bleed American and Futures (2004) is continued in the tracks "Criminal Energy" and "Congratulations". [21] Discussing the themes, Adkins said: "Everything comes down to a choice - a really simple choice. You're either going to do the same thing that you're doing or you're going to do something different." [22]
The opening title-track talks about moving forward and not letting one's self be defined by the past. [23] It features one guitar riff that is heard throughout the entire song, as well as different drum parts for each section. [24] "Criminal Energy" features hair metal-esque guitar riffs. Adkins heard the phrase while in Germany. [23] [25] He said: "[I]t’s something like moral sickness that you are unlucky to have or lucky you don’t have." [23] The dance-rock track "Delivery" is about acknowledging important memories as they happen. [23] [25] The electro-influenced "555" channeled was the band's attempted at pop rock in the vein of Imagine Dragons. [26] [27] It utilizes 808s, a synth bass, alongside R&B-style vocal phrases from Adkins. [7] Adkins named it "555" after he envisioned a person unable to catch a break with the universe being against them. [23] "One Mil" is about letting opportunities pass one by; the acoustic intro was recorded through Adkins' iPhone in the garage of their studio, and transferred it into the Pro Tools session file. The chorus was reminiscent of the Futures track "Work". [7]
"All the Way (Stay)" features a saxophone solo, played by Fitz and the Tantrums member James King, as well as vocals from Rachel Haden. [12] [26] It talks about building up an image of yourself, and failing to meet it, until you let the real you show through. [23] On the saxophone, Adkins said the band had wanted to include a gag that is heard in 1980s music, which is include a solo from an instrument that isn't heard anywhere else in the song. [13] "Diamond" is about dealing with small changes in life, and making improvements. [7] [23] Adkins employs the usage of gemstones forming in the earth as a metaphor for change that doesn't happen overnight. [3] It was one of the songs that came out of the writing period partway through the recording. [28] The guitar riff evolved out of Adkins' idea to write a 1980s-esque rock song. [29] The ending features a gong played by Lind, which was given to the band by Chase This Light engineer Chris Testa. [30] "Love Never" incorporates guitar bends; Adkins said it was about the assumption of what love is, against the true reality of it. [12] [23]
The penultimate song "Recommit" evokes the sound of Garbage. [31] It talks about fighting against what society tells one they should be doing. [32] The closing track "Congratulations" sees the band change into thrash metal with its minute-long breakdown, which recalled "Pass the Baby" from Integrity Blues. [12] Consequence writer Ben Kaye noticed that it featured the words "clarity" and "future", names of their past releases, "so it’s not inconceivable Adkins was reconciling his modern outlook [on life] with that of his younger self by referring to early album titles". [33] The song includes vocals from AFI frontman Davey Havok, which were recorded through an iPhone. [25] Before asking Havok, Adkins felt the backing part sounded like something AFI would do. Jimmy Eat World stayed in contact with AFI when both acts appeared on the 2001 Warped Tour. With the intro to "One Mil" in mind, Adkins told Havok to record it through his phone instead of going to a studio. [13] Adkins said the track "ponders what happens when rigid ideology meets disaster." [23]
Between June and August 2019, the group went on a co-headlining US tour with Third Eye Blind, with support from Ra Ra Riot. [34] In early September, the band performed at the Gunnersville Festival in the UK. [35] On September 23, Surviving was announced for release the following month, and "All the Way (Stay)" was released as a single. [36] A music video was released for the song, directed by Daniel Carberry. It shows two parallel adventures of drifters, who play pool, smoke in bowling alleys, and get naked in laundromats. [37] On October 10, the band appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! , where they played "All the Way (Stay)" and "Love Never". [38] Surviving was released on October 18, 2019; analysing the artwork, Kaye viewed the album as "making your way forward when you’re 'holding on but just barely,' like you’re working through the maze of life". [36] [33] On the same day, a music video was released for "555", which was directed by Michael Gill. [39] [40] Adkins said he had always admired the music video for "Bop 'Til You Drop" (1984) by Rick Springfield, which featured a reptilian overlord that eventually gets defeated by his workforce. With the video for "555", Adkins donned the role of an evil galactic master who is in charge of an army that tends to his bidding. [40]
Following this, the band played two release shows in the UK, before embarking on a US tour in November with support from Pronoun. [36] On January 29, NPR Music released a Tiny Desk Concert of the band performing "Love Never" and "All the Way (Stay)". [41] In August and September, the group were planning to go on a headlining US tour, with support from the Front Bottoms, Turnover and Joyce Manor. [42] However, it was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [43] After initially being scheduled as a headlining act for the 2020 Two Thousand Trees Festival, the festival was moved to July 2021. [44]
Aggregate scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 78/100 [45] |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [26] |
The AU Review | [46] |
Clash | 8/10 [17] |
DIY | [31] |
Exclaim! | 6/10 [47] |
Kerrang! | 4/5 [48] |
NME | [49] |
Pitchfork | 6.9/10 [15] |
Punknews.org | [25] |
Sputnikmusic | 4.3/5 [12] |
Surviving received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 78, which indicates "generally favorable reviews", based on 10 reviews. [45]
AllMusic reviewer Neil Z. Yeung said Jimmy Eat World forgo "late-era stagnation with the balanced, advanced Surviving." He found it to be "straightforward and relatable, cycling through highs and lows as powerfully as anything on Clarity or Futures". [26] Sputnikmusic staff member SowingSeason proposed that a "better title might have been Thriving, because this record continues their remarkably consistent run and proves that they are still very much at, or at least near, the top of their game." [12] Clash writer Dave Beech said that in spite of the album's short length, "it feels succinct, even elegant. Striking the balance perfectly between Classic Jimmy Eat World and a band with their eyes to the future". [17] Jodie Sloan of The AU Review wrote that the album was "yet another showcase of solid songwriting and killer sounds." She said the "fact that Surviving sits so neatly amongst its predecessors says much about the work Jimmy Eat World have put in over the years in creating and refining a sound that is uniquely their own." [46]
Kerrang! 's Tom Shepherd said that while it "might sound a tad overblown ... these grand, skyscraping episodes are frequent on Surviving". It is an album that "isn’t trying too hard to be anything more than a strong collection of Jimmy Eat World songs – and on that level it expertly delivers." [48] Punknews.org staff member Renaldo69 said the album "deliver[s] another simple yet elegant rock and roll novella from a band not afraid to embrace tomorrow while still sticking to the core roots of old." [25] Pitchfork contributor Thora Siemsen wrote that "listeners might find themselves wanting more risks. But the album on the whole is a solid, self-aware addition to Jimmy Eat World’s catalog". [15] Exclaim! writer Eva Zhu said "it's not their best work." She elaborated that if one was a "diehard fan, you could give Surviving a chance, but if you're only a fan of their pop punk and emo efforts, it's best to skip this one." [47] Will Richards of NME noted that was little "musical deviation" from the band's previous works, however, "‘Surviving’ sees the drums hitting harder, and the guitars packing a greater punch, audibly backing up these lyrics of hope and rebirth in their own way". [49] DIY reviewer Ben Lynch said "Suggestive of a life just clinging on, ... the title to Jimmy Eat World's 10th album felt more than a little foreboding ... ‘Surviving’ was intent on going down a route with decidedly less sheen." [31] Loudwire named it one of the 50 best rock albums of 2019. [50]
Surviving peaked at number 90 on the US Billboard 200. [51] Outside of the US, it charted at number 21 in the UK, [52] number 44 in Germany, [53] number 56 in Australia, [54] number 70 in Switzerland, [55] and number 72 in Austria. [56] "Love Never" charted at number 31 on Alternative Airplay, [57] and number 46 on Rock Airplay. [58]
All tracks written by Jimmy Eat World (Jim Adkins, Rick Burch, Zach Lind and Tom Linton).
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Surviving" | 3:04 |
2. | "Criminal Energy" | 3:11 |
3. | "Delivery" | 3:13 |
4. | "555" | 3:41 |
5. | "One Mil" | 3:07 |
6. | "All the Way (Stay)" | 4:05 |
7. | "Diamond" | 3:13 |
8. | "Love Never" | 2:54 |
9. | "Recommit" | 3:50 |
10. | "Congratulations" | 6:11 |
Total length: | 36:29 |
No. | Title | Length |
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11. | "Party Hard" (Andrew W.K. cover) | 3:15 |
Personnel per booklet. [59]
Jimmy Eat World
Additional musicians
| Production
|
Chart (2019) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australian Albums (ARIA) [54] | 56 |
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) [56] | 72 |
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) [53] | 44 |
Scottish Albums (OCC) [60] | 13 |
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [55] | 70 |
UK Albums (OCC) [52] | 21 |
US Billboard 200 [51] | 90 |
Jimmy Eat World is an American rock band formed in 1993 in Mesa, Arizona. The band is composed of lead vocalist and lead guitarist Jim Adkins, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Tom Linton, bassist Rick Burch, and drummer Zach Lind. They have released ten studio albums, the last nine featuring the current line-up.
Futures is the fifth studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World, released on October 19, 2004, through Interscope Records. After touring in support of Bleed American (2001) for two years, the band returned home and began working on new material by mid-2003. Following fruitless sessions with producer Mark Trombino, the band re-grouped and recorded with Gil Norton. The sessions lasted from February to May 2004 and were held at various studios in California and Arizona. Described as encompassing several rock styles, Futures included more solos and complex guitar parts than past releases, intended to expand on the atmosphere of their third studio album Clarity (1999). The songs on the album were compared to the work of Jets to Brazil and Maritime, while some of the guitar parts echoed the sound of Fugazi and Hüsker Dü.
Bleed American is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Jimmy Eat World, released on July 24, 2001, by DreamWorks Records. The album was re-released as Jimmy Eat World following the September 11 attacks; that name remained until 2008, when it was re-released with its original title returned.
Static Prevails is the second studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World, released on July 23, 1996, through Capitol Records. Following the release of the band's self-titled debut album (1994), they signed to Capitol in mid-1995 for further releases. Carrier member Rick Burch replaced bassist Mitch Porter, who left to become a Mormon missionary. Recorded at Sound City in Los Angeles, California, and at Big Fish, in Encinitas, California, Wes Kidd, Mark Trombino, and Jimmy Eat World acted as producers for the album.
Clarity is the third studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. It was released on February 23, 1999, through Capitol Records, with which Jimmy Eat World clashed several times while recording their second studio album Static Prevails (1996). The band recorded a follow-up with producer Mark Trombino in May and June 1998, and were free to make it however they wanted without interference from Capitol. The recording sessions began at Sound City in Van Nuys, California, before moving to Clear Lake Audio in North Hollywood, California. Clarity, which is described as an emo, pop punk, and punk rock release, marked the beginning of frontman Jim Adkins' tenure as the band's main vocalist, taking over from guitarist Tom Linton.
"Pain" is a song by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. It was released in September 14, 2004 as the first single from their 2004 album Futures and became their second number-one hit on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Although its album is not their most successful and "Pain" is not the highest-charting single, the single has received Gold status by the RIAA, making "Pain" Jimmy Eat World's second best-selling single, after 2001's "The Middle".
"Bleed American" is a song by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. It was released in June 2001 as the lead single from their fourth album Bleed American. The song was originally titled "Bleed American", but similar to the name change of the album after the September 11 attacks, the song was retitled "Salt Sweat Sugar" after the first line in the song's chorus.
"The Middle" is a song by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. It was released in October 2001 as the second single of their fourth album, Bleed American (2001). It was a number-five hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2002 and reached the top 50 in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The song was a breakthrough hit for Jimmy Eat World, who had self-financed the recording of the Bleed American album after being dropped by Capitol Records in 1999. It is considered the band's signature song.
"Sweetness" is a song by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. It was released in June 2002 as the third single from their 2001 album, Bleed American. It was originally written soon after the band finished recording Clarity but before the label had finally decided to release the album. However, "Lucky Denver Mint" became a surprise radio hit off of Clarity before the album was even released, driving the label to release Clarity before "Sweetness" could ever be added to its tracklisting. The band also played the song live many times during the Clarity tour, and a demo recording of it was included on the 2007 re-issue of Clarity.
Chase This Light is the sixth studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. The band began working on the follow-up to Futures (2004) by late 2005, and had made demos by early 2006. They started recording their next album with engineer Chris Testa between Arizona and California. Butch Vig was enlisted as an executive producer, acting in a consultancy role, where he would provide feedback on the material. Sessions began in August 2006 and lasted until May 2007, with tours of the US and Europe in between. Described as a power pop, pop rock and pop-punk record, the guitars drew comparison to the Outfield and U2, while individual song comparisons were made to the likes of the Killers, the All-American Rejects and Shout Out Louds.
"Big Casino" is a song by American rock band Jimmy Eat World from their sixth studio album Chase This Light, which was released on October 16, 2007. The single was released on August 28, 2007. The song impacted radio on September 11, 2007.
"Work" is a song by Jimmy Eat World from their 2004 album, Futures. It was the second single released from that album. The song was written by Jim Adkins and features backing vocals by Liz Phair. "Work" was released to radio on December 7, 2004.
The American rock band Jimmy Eat World has released ten studio albums, twenty-three singles, seven extended plays, three live albums, one compilation album, one video album, and one song on the "various artists" compilation What's Mine Is Yours.
Invented is the seventh studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. Following the release of Chase This Light (2007), frontman Jim Adkins began a writing exercise that involved writing about photographs, which would serve as the lyrical basis for their next album. Recorded primarily at the band's home-based studio, the sessions were co-produced by Mark Trombino. Described as a power pop album, it featured guest vocals from Courtney Marie Andrews and Rachel Haden. Several of the songs earned comparisons to Foo Fighters, the Offspring, and Rites of Spring, among others.
"My Best Theory" is the lead single from Jimmy Eat World's seventh studio album Invented. The song began receiving its first radio airplay on August 10, 2010, and impacted radio on August 17. The UK digital release was September 26, 2010.
"Coffee and Cigarettes" is the second single from Jimmy Eat World's seventh studio album, Invented. The song was played on the radio on November 23, 2010. This is one of the five Invented tracks where singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews provides guest vocals.
Damage is the eighth studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. It was released on June 11, 2013, through RCA and Exotic Location Recordings. As touring in support of Invented (2010) was winding down by late 2011, the band started writing new material in early 2012. The band spent September and October 2012 at producer Alain Johannes' house in Los Angeles, California recording their next album with analog tape and Pro Tools. Described as an adult breakup album, Damage is a power pop and rock album.
Judah & the Lion are an American folk band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2011. They have released four studio albums and five EPs. Currently the band consists of Judah Akers and Brian Macdonald.
Integrity Blues is the ninth studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. It released on October 21, 2016, by RCA and Exotic Location Recordings. After touring in support of Damage (2013), the band members took a break. They reconvened and began writing with producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen, with recording beginning in late 2015. Sessions were held at Sunset Sound, Chez JMJ, and Unit 2. Described as an alternative rock, emo and pop rock album, Integrity Blues was compared to Silversun Pickups and late period Death Cab for Cutie.
"Something Loud" is a song by American rock band, Jimmy Eat World. It was released on June 10, 2022 as the band's first independent single on their label, Exotic Location.
Citations
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