Surviving
by Jimmy Eat World
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Oct 18, 2019
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 16, 2019
    86
    A better title might have been Thriving, because this record continues their remarkably consistent run and proves that they are still very much at, or at least near, the top of their game.
  2. Q Magazine
    Oct 22, 2019
    80
    A gloriously adrenalised return to form. [Dec 2019, p.106]
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  3. Clash Music
    Oct 22, 2019
    80
    It succeeds in bringing a 90s aesthetic kicking and screaming in to the 21st century, shedding the nostalgia in favour of contemporary pop pomp, all delivered with Jim Adkins’ trademark optimism and heart-on-sleeve lyricism.
  5. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Oct 18, 2019
    80
    I love the tempo changes across the record and while this joint might not be for all JEW fans, I think most will appreciate a band that still feels like art and less like product, and more so, once that reminds us don't just survive -- get out there, seize the day and live.
  6. AllMusic
    Oct 18, 2019
    80
    At a lean ten tracks, Surviving quickly makes its point, pushing through years of pain and emotional turmoil by setting sights on a stronger, more confident future.
  7. Kerrang!
    Oct 16, 2019
    80
    The band's most accessible release for a long time, with two or three songs that could muscle in on a Greatest Hits. [5 Oct 2019, p.54]
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  8. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 16, 2019
    70
    Two plays in, as with this utterly endearing tenth, you will overlook its flaws and follies and fall for their gentle angst massages and relentless power pop melodies. [Nov 2019, p.84]
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  9. Pitchfork
    Oct 28, 2019
    69
    The album on the whole is a solid, self-aware addition to Jimmy Eat World’s catalog, and if the band’s modest strivers’ outlook has proved anything, it’s that there will be another. A band whose biggest song is against writing oneself off always has work to do.
  10. Exclaim
    Oct 17, 2019
    60
    If you're a diehard fan, you could give Surviving a chance, but if you're only a fan of their pop punk and emo efforts, it's best to skip this one.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 16, 2019
    60
    Though there is plenty of positive change across ‘Surviving’, it’s clear that their strengths still lie as a fists-in-the-air rock band; the monumental ‘One Mil’ shows this best.f hope and rebirth in their own way, digging as deep as Adkins himself is.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Most Discussed Album of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 3 out of 25
  1. GamePlayer77
    May 29, 2021
    7
    Although having some lackluster creativity and some failed experimental cuts, Jimmy Eat World is still thriving, even if not the mainstreamAlthough having some lackluster creativity and some failed experimental cuts, Jimmy Eat World is still thriving, even if not the mainstream anymore.

    FAV TRACK: Congratulations
    LEAST FAV TRACK: One Mil    … Full Review »
  2. Jessep69
    Mar 17, 2021
    0
    This album is nothing short of amazing.
    There is not a weak song on it, with some belter singles types.
    But my favourites are the 2 final    This album is nothing short of amazing.
    There is not a weak song on it, with some belter singles types.
    But my favourites are the 2 final songs Recommit and Congratulations.....neither of which would ever be release as singles, but each in their own simply brilliant songs!
    Jimmy Atkins has lost nothing of his brilliant song writing craft.
    This is a welcome return to first-to-last song album brilliance with no skip songs!    … Full Review »
  3. Cyrone
    Mar 17, 2020
    8
    Critics are pathetic .. Integrity Blues was a modern day rock masterpiece, but this one gets better reviews? This is a poor man's IntegrityCritics are pathetic .. Integrity Blues was a modern day rock masterpiece, but this one gets better reviews? This is a poor man's Integrity Blues .. but still good.… Full Review »
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