Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World - Work

I couldn't stop myself from writing about this or sharing it. If this song is not 10 times bigger than "The Middle" I would be awfully surprised. I really hate "The Middle". This song, on the other hand, is absolutely amazing pop genius.

The song starts with an arpeggiated guitar setting the mood and a solid drum beat. As the rest of the band comes in, it's apparent that something is building. Normally bands will build up to the chorus and slam it over your head so hard it blisters by the end.

When the band gives you that half chorus before they go into the "oh-oh's", it is audio sugar. Audio chocolate. Whatever your preferable sweet is. You crave more of it. And more of it. It doesn't come too hard or too soft. Just perfect.

There is nothing about this song that is wrong, except that they use an ordinarily overused chord progression in the chorus (1-5-6-4 for those keeping score) and use it so well that it sounds like they shouldn't be allowed to do that.

The guitar solo is just right. The drums are just right. The little breaks the band makes here or there are just right. The vocal harmonies are dead on. The song is mixed like it needs to be. The lyrics are specific enough, yet vague enough for each listener to make their own decision about what the song is about or what it means to them. Did I mention the "Oh-oh's" yet? The less is more mantra fits speaks for them.

"Can we take a ride? And get out of this place while we still have time."

I think Jim Adkins acheived his idea of a perfect pop song. He did it for me.

Song of the year.