Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low joins Adam to share the story of his Spark: Jimmy Eat World’s Futures.
Alex takes us back to his teenage years in Baltimore, discovering Futures on a chance trip to the record store and instantly connecting with the album’s emotional depth, powerful rock energy and flawless sequencing. From the freedom of those first windows-down drives to how Gil Norton’s masterful production revealed the band’s most refined work, Alex explains why Futures remains a peak creative moment in Jimmy Eat World’s career — and a defining influence on his own songwriting.
We dive into nostalgia, label pressure, creative integrity and how artists navigate expectations after a major breakthrough. Alex breaks down the peaks, valleys and sequencing magic that make Futures endlessly replayable, plus why it’s the perfect soundtrack for a sunset drive.
You’ll also hear about All Time Low’s upcoming album Everyone’s Talking! out October 17, 2025, and why fans should be excited for a fresh batch of anthems from one of pop-punk’s most beloved bands.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How Alex discovered Jimmy Eat World’s Futures and why it resonated instantly
The emotional and political themes that make the album timeless
The challenges Jimmy Eat World faced creating Futures after breakout success
Why production choices kept the album powerful without listener fatigue
Alex’s advice for the best way to experience Futures in full