Futures
by Jimmy Eat World
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Another fine fusion of volcanic arena-rock and cherry-poppin' slow burners. [9 Oct 2004, p.56]
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  2. Alternative Press
    80
    A beautiful example of what "heart-on-sleeve" music should be. [Nov 2004, p.148]
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  3. Uncut
    70
    A kind of Joshua Tree for the heavily pierced and mildly upset. [Dec 2004, p.140]
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  5. The A.V. Club
    70
    The album's radio-ready polish might strike some listeners as soulless, but it's really just a different kind of soul.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    75
    At times there's an almost U2-like expansiveness in lushly atmospheric settings ("Night Drive"), while "Pain" and the closing "23" have a classic power-ballad feel, without pandering to mainstream tastes. [31 Oct 2004]
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  7. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    [Jimmy Eat World] has sacrificed some of the poppy immediacy of its previous album, instead reprising the expansive moodiness of the '99 cult fave Clarity. [22 Oct 2004, p.92]
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  8. Blender
    80
    [Frontman Jim] Adkins loosens the reins with darker themes and longer songs... but the guitars and harmonies have never been brighter. [Nov 2004, p.139]
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  9. The Guardian
    80
    Mixing maturity with a fixation with metal, there's an anthemic chorus to match every squiggly, air-guitar solo, and gentle harmonies play off grinding rhythms. It's the perfect combination for the ultimate pop-rock break-up album.
  10. Splendid
    70
    It sticks with what Jimmy Eat World have always done, but it sounds better than anything that preceded it.
  11. Lost At Sea
    65
    Futures is the sound of a band playing it safe.
  12. Drowned In Sound
    80
    An inviting, maturing album that still shows enough vitality to still be classed as a good rock album.
  13. E! Online
    91
    Futures goes back to the band's roots, sporting 11 sparkling gems that carefully balance balladry with bombast.
  14. Spin
    75
    Jimmy Eat World might still be stuck in "The Middle" a year from now, but this album's more thoughtful homestretch at least suggests the possibility of alternate futures. [Nov 2004, p.115]
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  15. PopMatters
    80
    Jimmy Eat World sound committed to establishing themselves as a great band, not just a great emo band.
  16. Billboard
    70
    Although not as immediate as "Jimmy Eat World," "Futures" will not disappoint fans.
  17. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    While it may still fall short of the high-water mark established with Clarity, Jimmy Eat World’s latest is still a strong contender for the best album of 2004.
  18. AllMusic
    80
    Futures will most likely not be the sensation that Bleed American was -- it is too dark and inwardly focused for that -- but it shows a progression of sound and emotion that fans of the band should embrace.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2004
18
#18 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 62
  3. Negative: 3 out of 62
  1. whit
    Aug 5, 2010
    8
    I think a great album can help you remember a particular moment in time. This album does that for me. I wasn't so keen on the album thatI think a great album can help you remember a particular moment in time. This album does that for me. I wasn't so keen on the album that followed, but I can still listen to Futures from start to finish and enjoy every song-- a very rare thing for me.… Full Review »
  2. TypicalFratBrah
    Jan 10, 2005
    0
    Oh, man! You have to check out this new masterpiece from Jimmy Eat World. Everytime I get into an argument with my parents or girlfriend, or Oh, man! You have to check out this new masterpiece from Jimmy Eat World. Everytime I get into an argument with my parents or girlfriend, or when I'm just having a bad day, I blast this CD. I enjoy how the cliche'-laden lyrics and forced sadness conveyed by the lead singer provide me with the immediate gratification that I seek. Fingers crossed for the new Hoobastank and Linkin Park albums, too!… Full Review »
  3. coltdogster
    Jan 4, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums ever imo. Nothingwrong and night drive aren't the strongest songs however Polaris, Kill, Drugs or me and my favoriteOne of the best albums ever imo. Nothingwrong and night drive aren't the strongest songs however Polaris, Kill, Drugs or me and my favorite track of all time, 23 will hit hard. The opening/title track is powerful and stays consistently good. Overall, give this album a listen. It's spectacular… Full Review »
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