[1] The band promoted it with headlining tours in Europe and the United States, and a supporting slot for Incubus, leading up to an appearance at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in mid-2017.

[3] In May 2018, Jimmy Eat World released a 7" vinyl single that consisted of new songs "Love Never" and "Half Heart", both of which were produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen.

[20] The political commentary heard on Bleed American and Futures (2004) is continued in the tracks "Criminal Energy" and "Congratulations".

[23] "One Mil" is about letting opportunities pass one by; the acoustic intro was recorded through Adkins' iPhone in the garage of their studio, and transferred it into the Pro Tools session file.

[7] "All the Way (Stay)" features a saxophone solo, played by Fitz and the Tantrums member James King, as well as vocals from Rachel Haden.

[7][23] Adkins employs the usage of gemstones forming in the earth as a metaphor for change that doesn't happen overnight.

[29] The ending features a gong played by Lind, which was given to the band by Chase This Light engineer Chris Testa.

[32] The closing track "Congratulations" sees the band change into thrash metal with its minute-long breakdown, which recalled "Pass the Baby" from Integrity Blues.

[12] Consequence writer Ben Kaye noticed that it featured the words "clarity" and "future", names of their past releases, "so it’s not inconceivable Adkins was reconciling his modern outlook [on life] with that of his younger self by referring to early album titles".

[38] Surviving was released on October 18, 2019; analysing the artwork, Kaye viewed the album as "making your way forward when you’re 'holding on but just barely,' like you’re working through the maze of life".

[39][40] Adkins said he had always admired the music video for "Bop 'Til You Drop" (1984) by Rick Springfield, which featured a reptilian overlord that eventually gets defeated by his workforce.

[36] On January 29, NPR Music released a Tiny Desk Concert of the band performing "Love Never" and "All the Way (Stay)".

[41] In August and September, the group were planning to go on a headlining US tour, with support from the Front Bottoms, Turnover and Joyce Manor.

[45] AllMusic reviewer Neil Z. Yeung said Jimmy Eat World forgo "late-era stagnation with the balanced, advanced Surviving."

[26] Sputnikmusic staff member SowingSeason proposed that a "better title might have been Thriving, because this record continues their remarkably consistent run and proves that they are still very much at, or at least near, the top of their game.

She said the "fact that Surviving sits so neatly amongst its predecessors says much about the work Jimmy Eat World have put in over the years in creating and refining a sound that is uniquely their own.

It is an album that "isn’t trying too hard to be anything more than a strong collection of Jimmy Eat World songs – and on that level it expertly delivers.

"[48] Punknews.org staff member Renaldo69 said the album "deliver[s] another simple yet elegant rock and roll novella from a band not afraid to embrace tomorrow while still sticking to the core roots of old.

"[47] Will Richards of NME noted that was little "musical deviation" from the band's previous works, however, "‘Surviving’ sees the drums hitting harder, and the guitars packing a greater punch, audibly backing up these lyrics of hope and rebirth in their own way".

[49] DIY reviewer Ben Lynch said "Suggestive of a life just clinging on, ... the title to Jimmy Eat World's 10th album felt more than a little foreboding ... ‘Surviving’ was intent on going down a route with decidedly less sheen.

[58] All tracks written by Jimmy Eat World (Jim Adkins, Rick Burch, Zach Lind and Tom Linton).