By Ryan Getz

Damage is long overdue in my book. Take that as a backhanded compliment but whatever. Point is, Jimmy Eat World have been one of the most consistently solid bands in my library. From the classic Bleed American to the underrated but breathtaking Invented, this band is a pillar of modern emo influenced alternative. Damage is a solid effort but following Invented, and especially in comparison to Futures I’m left semi-wanting.

It wouldn’t be a JEW record without a rousing opener, and fortunately Damage holds up this precedent. “Appreciation,” while not being a stadium shaker like “Bleed American” or a soaring anthem like “Futures” gets the job done. Midtempo tunes are the backbone of Damage though, with such highlights as “No, Never” and the title track. A haunting ballad makes an appearance, and it may be one of the best of the band’s career. “Please Say No” is one of those tracks that is haunting in that way that makes you return again and again, yet never crosses into the “gosh, this is so depressing I can only take this in small doses” territory. I’ve seen bands try to accomplish the latter and sometimes it really works, and sometimes it is just plain cheesy (I’m looking at you, Skillet).

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn8kmgv8xjM&h=297&w=450]

Damage has influences from other parts of the band’s discography all over it. “How You’d Have Me” sounds a bit like “Stop” from Invented, while “How’d You Have Me” (the other straight up rocker on the album, by the way) sounds a bit like “Electable (Give It Up)” from Chase This Light. Actually, it would fit well on that record in general. First single “I Will Steal You Back” has that Futures-esque familiarity that blends optimism with melancholy pensiveness that emerges as a satisfactory single. I much preferred “My Best Theory” as a lead single, or “Pain” for that matter.

JEW continues to evolve into something new. That something new finds beauty in simplicity and wistful ponderings, while the JEW of old found its solace in a wider dichotomy of emo-alternative anthems and power ballads. There is no “The Middle” or “23” on this record, but in retrospect I think people will find that Damage fits into the JEW discography quite well. Fans need the other records to appreciate Damage, and Damage to appreciate the others. This album is recommended.

If you skimmed this review and found it to be overly negative, read it again. Carefully. Then buy the album. It will still be one of my favorites of 2013.

Score: 4/5

Jimmy Eat World: Official | iTunes