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

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

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