nosmiles agrees:
Jimmy Eat World are a brilliant band, which is likely due to them presiding from AZ and not L.A. Everything about Clarity is amazing, especially since the songs are slightly catchy yet did not catch on commercially. Every single song on the album is beautiful. The public worships beautiful people, not beautiful songs.

Each song sounds different and sends a different message although the album as a whole is very cohesive. The mood is very solemn regardless of a particular song's tempo. This not a depressing album by any means. Rather, it is instrinsic. The music and lyrics makes you look inside yourself and think about everything. However, the songs are not downers. They are not 'woe is me I am sad' as is Dashboard Confessional. The lyrics are simple statements. Sentences I wish I had thought of which perfectly describe situations. Such as "I didn't mean to leave you hanging on / I didn't know what to say," which is almost the entire lyrics to "12.23.95." The song is beautiful yet simple. However, the song is also complex enough for one to not realize right away that the lyrics are comprised of three sentences. The vocals on the song, the music, everything is perfect. Simply perfect.

The lyrics are absolutely brilliant. They tell open stories in a non-storyteller way (the best way). Abstract statements which compile thoughts. Clever wording; beautiful syllable placement in the song. Open stories in particular are great for the consumer because anyone can relate to the song through any situation. The lyrics are filled with emotions just as much as the music is. Anger nor sadness is thrown around. There are no pity-parties nor bitterness. Reflective. The lyrics are merely reflective. An aspect that one might not notice right away is that choruses are few. Actually, song structure is to a minimum. There are about ten or more sentences which are used continuously through out the song, repeating one or two every now and then. But there is not a standard verse-chorus-verse or even bridge of any sort. Yet the songs sound great. They do sound structured and you can sing-along with parts without waiting for a chorus. Granted "For Me This Is Heaven" does have a semi-structured chorus, where as "Just Watch The Fireworks" does not.

Few bands are able to produce a sound that is as emotional as the lyrics. Jimmy Eat World pulls this off flawlessly. "Just Watch The Fireworks" is a perfect example. The few lyrics which tell the open story of promising someone to watch something with them, are quite heart-felt. Although they are repeated numerously throughout the song, one wouldn't notice since it is only the words which are repeated, and not the way they were said. This singing tactic is used a plethora of times throughout the album and it is simply marvelous. The song goes in an out of tempos and sounds and emotions. If one were to stop and listen to the entire song, you will find your body going in and out of feelings and thoughts and smiles. This song features strings in the background. They are not overwhelming nor for the band to show-off. The strings, as well as many other aspects thrown into the music, adds texture to the songs. Most of the songs from Clarity are simply wonderful, but not simple.

It is the textures that make each song very different yet still just as amazing as the one before. The piano in "For Me This Is Heaven" makes the song. One might also notice integrated background vocals, err vocal-esque sounds. And not once do the added textures come off as too strong.

Even though the songs are all filled with textures and emotions, they are far from being slow, depressing tracks. There are many rock-out tunes. However, Jimmy Eat World's version of rock is not nonsensical but still just as emotional-laden as ballads. "Blister" becomes heavy but is restrained. This restraint (which is unexplanatory) keeps the song serious and not fun-poppy. This album is far from poppy, which makes it closer to good.

Best Aspect: Eclectic mix of goodness
Worst Aspect: Nothing.
Yay: Your New Aesthetic, A Sunday
Nay: Nothing.
The hits: Lucky Denver Mint
Similar: The Promise Ring, Jets To Brazil
Style: Rock, Punk-Pop, Emo