Clarity is the third studio album by American rock band Jimmy Eat World, released on February 23, 1999, by Capitol Records. Overlooked upon its release, Clarity has since amassed cult status and critical acclaim, and has been lauded as one of the best emo records of all time. Praise centered on its dynamic instrumentation, as well as the heartfelt delivery of singer-guitarist-lyricist Jim Adkins. Various music critics have credited the album for serving as a huge influence on later emo music.

During breaks in touring in support of Static Prevails, Adkins worked at an art store. While working at this store, "Table for Glasses" came about. Adkins learned about shows that featured art pieces from local artists. Adkins was waiting for a friend's piece to begin when he spotted a girl clearing the area with the end of her dress. The girl walked towards "a candle lit table that had already been set up. She just sat there picking out the dirt from her dress", recalls Adkins. "Table for Glasses" was one of a few songs that was intended for "a side project of quiet songs". The project never got beyond jamming, and thus the songs were considered for Clarity. "Lucky Denver Mint" was inspired by a night out in Las Vegas Adkins had with a friend. Adkins was too young to consume alcohol and instead gambled, eventually spending all of his money. As a result, Adkins spent the remainder of the night "walking around feeling lost."

"Your New Aesthetic" was originally a "very mellow" song, but was turned into "a more aggressive, dark rock song", as Lind notes. This version was named "Skeleton" as the guitar sections between the verses "reminded us of horror film music". It featured different lyrics but Adkins thought he could improve upon them and changed the lyrics from the mellow version.

The lyrics for "Goodbye Sky Harbor" were based on the John Irving novel, A Prayer for Owen Meany.

– Jim Adkins, on the recording sessions for Clarity, 2009

On recording "Table for Glasses", Adkins said the band learned "if you aren't doing a lot, it doesn't take a lot to get a big dynamic impact". Adkins noted the cello was "a good example of that". Susie Katayama provided Adkins assistance in writing and arranging the string parts for some of the songs. The band recorded two different drum sets on "Lucky Denver Mint", a first for the band. They had liked the effect, and as a result, used two sets on "Ten" and "Goodbye Sky Harbor". The album was recorded in late 1998, to early 1999 at Sound City and Clear Lake Audio, both in North Hollywood, tracks were mixed at One on One in Los Angeles, Bernie Grundman Mastering, Hollywood.

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