Jimmy Eat World is one of the best bands to listen to on a road trip. The pop-rock sound and creative lyrics pump travelers up for a long road ahead and the slow, mellow tracks help them chill out and relax during those winding roads. Jimmy Eat World’s newest album “Futures” is worth a listen, both on and off the road.
The album begins with the upbeat, funky hit “Futures.” After listening to the song just three or four times, I could already sing along. As the CD goes on, the songs are hit-and-miss. (For example, “Just Tonight” isn’t a best effort, but “Drugs or Me” is a relaxing example of how wonderfully Jimmy Eat World can perform mellow songs.)
With lyrics such as, “Can we take a ride? Get out of this place while we still have time,” from their song “Work,” the road trips are just waiting to happen. There’s a blend of sounds from “Bleed American,” the 2001 hit CD, and earlier “Clarity,” which still remains my personal favorite. “Futures” has a darker feel than previous CDs, with drugs and addiction tending to be the topic of many of the songs. But all in all, fans should be well satisfied with Jimmy Eat World’s latest (although not greatest).
Another great talent with some amazing CDs under his belt is the one-and-only Ben Harper. In his latest “There Will Be a Light,” Harper is joined by the Blind Boys of Alabama. The new album features heavy gospel sounds and highly religious lyrics. Impressively, Harper wrote or co-wrote seven of the songs himself. Song titles such as “Pictures of Jesus,” “Church on Time,” “Mother Pray” and the title track let listeners know what they’re in for. “Where Could I Go?” is classic Harper, with soulful lyrics and exquisite guitar riffs. “Church House Steps” is
another favorite, with a deep bass sound coming from the Blind Boys and an emotional Harper singing the lyrics beautifully. “There Will Be a Light” is a definite must for true Harper fans.
“Tension-filled” is how The Used describes its newest album, “In Love and Death.” This 41-minute, 49-second CD is packed with rocking guitars and screaming, strained vocals. The Used sounds like it’s trying to be mainstream but rebelling against the thought of it, as romantic and sweet lyrics about love get screamed at the top of lead singer Bert McCracken’s lungs. The first song on the album, the terrible “Take It Away” is fortunately followed by “I Caught Fire,” a catchy tune with mediocre lyrics. The entire album seems to be just that — mediocre. However, there are a couple of songs worth a second listen, such as “Lunacy Fringe.” The Alternative Press called this CD “one of the most anticipated albums of 2004.” If that’s true, then this fell a little short.
Har Mar Superstar’s “The Handler” is funny, crude, funky and smooth all at the same time. How much of that is intentional is anyone’s guess. The chubby and balding Har Mar
Superstar sings with a strangely similar voice to Justin Timberlake and proves that he is just as talented as that pop-tart. The smooth R&B sound makes one want to get up and dance and laugh at the same time. With lyrics like “Har Mar is so sexy, he gets all the ladies. I want him to touch me cause I want to have his babies,” from the audience-participation track “Transit,” listeners can’t help but chuckle. Har Mar makes up for silly lyrics by having a truly fabulous voice, groovy beats and a great personality.

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