Q (8/02, p.142) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...A focused and affecting effort....it boasts addictive chuggers aplenty..."
CMJ (2/15/99, p.26) - "...feels like an outpouring of underscored emotion....the perfect soundtrack to feeling overwhelmed; when you're reeling, the album is an adequate salve to dull the pain."
Kerrang (Magazine) (p.52) - "Overflowing with flawless melodies backed up not only by magnificent musicianship but a ton of heart..."
Kerrang (Magazine) (p.49) - "From start to finish, it's shot through with an emotive grace, beautifully crafted melodies and a warmth that ensures that you feel the songs every bit as much as you hear them."
Jimmy Eat World: Jim Adkins (vocals, guitar, piano, Farfisa organ, Hammond B-3 organ, Casiotone keyboard, bass, percussion); Tom Linton (guitar); Mark Trombino (Farfisa organ, Minimoog synthesizer, percussion, programming); Zach Lind (vibraphone, bass, drums, percussion, bells, chimes); Rick Burch (bass).
Additional personnel: Joel Derouin (violin); Suzie Katayama (cello).
Recorded at Sound City, Van Nuys, California and Clear Lake Audio, North Hollywood, California. Originally released on Capitol (55950).
CD contains bonus tracks.
Jimmy Eat World: Tom Linton (guitar); Jim Adkins (Farfisa); Rick Burch (bass guitar); Zach Lind (bass drum).
Additional personnel: Joel Derouin (violin); Suzie Katayama (cello); Mark Trombino (Farfisa).
Audio Remasterer: Evren Goknar.
Issued in 1999, CLARITY found emo darlings Jimmy Eat World reaching a substantially larger audience, thanks in part to sharper, catchier songwriting. While the outing sees the Arizona-based band, led by singer/guitarist Jim Adkins, offering up hook-driven anthems such as "Lucky Denver Mint," it also expands the group's sound considerably, particularly on the dynamic closing epic, "Goodbye Sky Harbor," and paves the way for Jimmy Eat World's 2001 breakthrough album.