If only all Futures were this bright

I first heard of JEW a few years ago through one of my friends, who handed me their Bleed American album. All I knew of them was they had a biggish hit in "The Middle", which I quite liked. To cut a long story short, I loved a few songs on the album, but a few just faded into the background.
Anyway, the really decent songs on the album had made me hungry enough for more, and when their new CD, Futures came out, I had to have it. To be honest, it has taken a while to grow on me, but after a few listens it has become one of my favourite CD's. My ratings of the tracks:

1. Futures - Nice riff, decent drums and the lyrics are pretty good. Good way to start the album - 8/10

2. Just Tonight - Not a bad song, but not one of the better ones. The riff at the beginning annoys me after a while, and the chorus is not among their best - 5/10

3. Work - One of the better songs on the album, and a good choice for their second single. I love the bouncy drum beat through the song - 9/10

4. Kill - Has taken a while to grow on me, but one of my favourites on the album, probably because I can relate to it. I love the way the chorus changes each time. Another good choice for a single - 9/10

5. The World You Love - My favourite song on the album, the lyrics are somewhat depressing, but it is such an upbeat melody that it works really well. The chorus is one of my favourites, simple but very catchy and effective, and although it drags on a bit, I think it'd be a good single - 10/10

6. Pain - Not a bad song by any means, but definately not lead single material IMO. I think Futures would have been a better choice for lead single. Still though, an OK song - 6/10

7. Drugs or Me - Way too slow and depressing for me. I have to listen to it when I'm pretty upbeat or I start crying...almost - 5/10

8. Polaris - Again not a standout song, but decent enough. I quite like it, but not one of the best - 7/10

9. Nothingwrong - Good song, good change of tempo from slower songs like the last two tracks. Lyrics ring true to me - 8/10

10. Night Drive - The intro is a bit annoying to me, with the oooooooohhh's, but once it gets going it's one of the better songs on the album. Once again, I can relate to it. I love the drums, so simple - 8/10

11. 23 - A good follow up to Night Drive. Nice riff in the intro. Good song to chill to - 8/10

12. Shame - Good closing to the album, another great chill out song - 8/10


In all, a great album, sure there are parts I'm not fussed on, but a very solid, at times brilliant effort by the Arizona Foursome. Zach Lind shines. Can't wait till the next Aussie Tour :)