There are bands that write songs well, and then there are bands that write anthems. Jimmy Eat World falls into the latter category of the two.

The band's fourth full-length album, Futures, the follow-up to their 2001 multi-platinum Bleed American album that included the hits "Bleed American," and "The Middle," among the album's songs, lives up to the standards set by the success of its predecessor.

The opening title track sets the tone for an edgier, more rocking sound that the band shows on and off throughout Futures, and songs such as "Just Tonight ... " and "Pain" are bigger sounding rock songs than most of the band's catalog (think "Get It Faster" from Bleed American).

That being said, Jimmy Eat World did not completely lose its soft side. "Drugs or Me" is a beautiful ballad during which singer/songwriter Jim Adkins describes a relationship that is ruined by drugs.

"Work," a song about a relationship with a co-worker and fantasizing an escape together, is the catchiest song on the record and will likely be a big hit for the band.

Overall, there is not one bad song on Futures, although, at times, the album has flow problems. I find myself listening to every track on it, but I skip around.

I don't really feel like listening to "Drugs or Me" right after "Pain" -- it just seems as though there should be some kind of transition between one of the hardest, fastest songs on the album and the longest, most depressing songs on the album.

However, that is just my personal preference.

Anyone who likes Bleed American should buy Futures, but fans still holding on to the Clarity days should sit this one out.

-- by Brandon Linton