What makes Integrity Blues by Jimmy Eat World notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, with many reviews praising its mature themes and songwriting depth, landing on several year-end lists. It debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, further solidifying the band's enduring presence in the alternative rock scene. Integrity Blues is Jimmy Eat World's ninth studio album, released during a period of renewed artistic exploration following their previous album, Damage, in 2013. By 2016, the band was navigating evolving musical landscapes while maintaining their signature emo-pop sound. This album marks a significant return to a more experimental approach after years of commercial consistency.

Who is Integrity Blues for?

Integrity Blues works well if you're into steady reflective mid-tempo flow, introspective moments of vulnerability and emotionally resonant lyrical themes.

How many songs are on Integrity Blues?

Integrity Blues has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Released 10 years ago this October

Integrity Blues

Jimmy Eat World · 2016

46 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective blend of introspective lyrics and melodic hooks forged in the fires of emotional turmoil.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sure and Certain — This track encapsulates the album's theme of navigating uncertainty while embracing vulnerability through its catchy chorus and earnest lyrics.
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You Are Free — With its uplifting melody paired with poignant lyrics about liberation from past mistakes, this song highlights the album's emotional range.
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Integrity Blues — The title track serves as a powerful reflection on personal integrity and societal pressures, anchoring the album's overarching narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth but follows familiar alternative rock structures.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more complex arrangement with layered instrumentation.
Several songs feature dynamic shifts in intensity, particularly in the choruses, which contrast with the quieter verses.
The final track closes the album with a gradual fade-out, leaving an unresolved feeling that resonates with the themes of introspection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady reflective mid-tempo flow
introspective moments of vulnerability
emotionally resonant lyrical themes
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy excitement
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Integrity Blues is Jimmy Eat World's ninth studio album, released during a period of renewed artistic exploration following their previous album, Damage, in 2013. By 2016, the band was navigating evolving musical landscapes while maintaining their signature emo-pop sound. This album marks a significant return to a more experimental approach after years of commercial consistency.
Stylistic neighbors: Dashboard Confessional· Taking Back Sunday· Brand New