This is one of those moments. There comes a time every now and then that an album is so stunningly beautiful it makes time itself stand still. Bleed American (despite it’s violent moniker) is a collection of songs that are so blissfully enchanting that all the descriptive words in the English language couldn’t do it justice. You see, music is a very influential medium. It can shape your attitude, mood and lifestyle by simply rearing it’s ugly head. Jimmy Eat World have created an album that simply gives you an outlook into the heart-breaking world of life and relationships, embracing all sorts of reactions along the way. From the frustrations of bickering to the tear-jerking good-bye’s, they all take their place in line and each get there chance to take there toll on your conscience with unbridled effect.

The key to Jimmy Eat World’s success lies in the thoughts and sound of frontman Jim Adkins. The man has the unabashed ability to melt any human heart within ear distance through his tender, sincere vocals and amazingly honest lyrics. There’s no bullshit here, just one man ripping his heart and soul out, putting it on a silver platter for anyone who cares to give it a look. Sure, the Arazonian Five-piece can get down and dirty too, as is evident on the albums title track and ‘Get it Faster’, but it’s when they find their emotional centre-point they are at there most effective. ‘Hear You Me’ is quite possibly the greatest love song you will ever hear. Delicate piano interludes and fragile acoustic guitars give way to unleash one of the most powerful chorus’ heard in my life-time. It’s when Jim reminisces the line ‘On sleepless roads the sleepless go, may angels lead you in’ that truly make you want to get up off of your seat and applaud the man for writing such pain-stakingly honest words of wisdom. This evocation of feelings continue on ‘If you don’t, don’t’ and ‘Sweetness’ while ‘The Authority Song’ (complete with hand claps) proves to be the ultimate song to provoke an ear to ear smile. ‘A Praise Chorus’ is another get-up-and-go anthem packed full of optimism that builds up to an unstoppable climax but honestly, every song on show is an absolute winner.

I could wax lyrical about the merits of this record all night long. The word ‘essential’ should be stamped on every single copy of this record produced. Jimmy Eat World are a rarity, particularly among the male species, in the respect that they offer tenderness ahead of bitterness when tackling the age-long subject of love. There’s no ‘Machismo’ or gimmicks involved. This is just eleven of the finest songs you’ll hear this, or any other, year. Magnificent.