♫ Jimmy Eat World | B+

"Any dick can roll up in a suit/ but only I would know what really moves you." Time and time again on Invented, Jimmy Eat World's Jim Adkins proves his knack for connecting with his audience with soft, heartfelt vocals and lyrics. Adkins' bandmates, guitarist Tom Linton, bassist Rick Burch and drummer Zach Lind, accentuate the quartet's work with simple rhythms and riffs — and simplicity is exactly what is needed from the remainder of the band.

Throughout the album, as well as in most of Jimmy Eat World's work, the spotlight is focused on Adkins. He delicately takes listeners on an emotional journey of extreme dynamics over the course of the 12-track album. Adkins is able to connect with a wide array of listeners by focusing lyrically on everyday struggles, like relationships and personal doubt.

Standouts of the album start with the first song, "Heart Is Hard To Find." The song opens with a simple acoustic guitar rhythm accompanied by handclapping. Adkins' vocals soon join in as he sings, "I can't compete with the clear eyes of strangers/I'm more and more replaced by my friends each night." The song gradually adds layer upon layer; utilizing strings, bells and backing vocals, eventually reaching a powerful, yet elegant climax.

"My Best Theory" is Jimmy Eat World's first single and one of the more energetic, upbeat tracks on the album. The song will be sure to get audiences moving at their live shows because it seems to exemplify the whole band's talent. Unfortunately, this is one of the few energetic moments on the album. The remainder of the album is filled mostly with slow to mid-tempo songs. Nevertheless, listeners are certain to be satisfied with Invented. Jimmy Eat World has been releasing excellent music for years, and they show no signs of letting their talent and creativity subside.