My Favourite Songs: Jimmy Eat World- 23
Jimmy Eat World for the most part write great rock song. In particular, they have an aptitude for epic album closers. "23" from their record "Futures" may be the finest of them all. On Futures, they built on the more accessible sound of their previous record "Bleed American" to produce a heavier, more technically accomplished record*.
Over seven minutes in length and utterly compelling, the guitar solos (in particular, the one at the five minute mark is absolutely superb**) and swelling string section give the feel of floating through space. I'm seldom convinced that my interpretations of lyrics are correct, but for me the song is about both relationship anxieties and the problem and sense of being ill equipped to deal with the problems that arise in one's early twenties.
The lyrics "You'll sit along forever if you wait for the right time, what are you hoping for?" resonate strongly with me, perhaps for obviously reasons. I find "23" deeply moving. I occasionally find myself ranking the gigs when I've seen a band perform live more than once. Perhaps unfairly, the occasions when Jimmy Eat World have not played this song are relegated to the bottom of the list.
* The guitar riff at the start of the title track warrants iconic status. Apart from the lamentable "Drugs Or Me", it's definitely some of the band's finest work.
** I've just consulted The Guardian's review of the record and they describe the guitars on "23" as "uninspired". They could not be more incorrect.
Over seven minutes in length and utterly compelling, the guitar solos (in particular, the one at the five minute mark is absolutely superb**) and swelling string section give the feel of floating through space. I'm seldom convinced that my interpretations of lyrics are correct, but for me the song is about both relationship anxieties and the problem and sense of being ill equipped to deal with the problems that arise in one's early twenties.
The lyrics "You'll sit along forever if you wait for the right time, what are you hoping for?" resonate strongly with me, perhaps for obviously reasons. I find "23" deeply moving. I occasionally find myself ranking the gigs when I've seen a band perform live more than once. Perhaps unfairly, the occasions when Jimmy Eat World have not played this song are relegated to the bottom of the list.
* The guitar riff at the start of the title track warrants iconic status. Apart from the lamentable "Drugs Or Me", it's definitely some of the band's finest work.
** I've just consulted The Guardian's review of the record and they describe the guitars on "23" as "uninspired". They could not be more incorrect.
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