Jimmy eat world, Jimmy grow up
Some of us like to preserve our favorite artists in a state of eternal musical adolescence, but—believe it or not—growing up can be a good thing. Jimmy Eat World’s decidedly more adult Chase This Light finds the Mesa, Ariz., foursome bartering their former angst and fitful ennui for sophisticated, toothsome power pop. Much of this transformation is due to former Nirvana producer (and Garbage drummer) Butch Vig, who helps tracks like the college-radio-ready opener “Big Casino” transcend formulaic pop by employing fierce, jangling guitars. “Gotta Be Somebody’s Blues” is a sultry take on shoegaze with droning guitars, delicate strings and slithering synth effects, while “Here it Goes” is anthemic hand-clapping pop with a chanting “hey hey hey” chorus that will make any jaded adolescent—and those of us still looking to temporarily revisit our youth—rock out with abandon.