The band, which hit the mainstream with the single "The Middle" from its self-titled 2001 album, and which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 100s Chart, knew some changes had to be made, according to guitarist Tom Linton.
"We worked with a different producer," Linton said by phone from his home in Arizona. "We worked with a new producer (Gil Norton) who has worked with the Pixies, the Foo Fighters and Echo & the Bunnymen. He was great because he worked with us on song structure, guitar and vocal melodies. He was really good to work with because he met with us a few times to get to know what we were all about."
The band took two months in the studio and emerged with the new album. "We basically had all but one song on the album ready for recording. And it was just a great experience."
Now, the band Linton, guitarist/vocalist Jim Adkins, bassist Rick Burch and drummer Zach Lind is hitting the road again to do what they do best, play live. "We had been on the road for two years straight supporting the last album," said Linton. "And now we're going at it again.
"We just got back from Europe and went to Germany and the United Kingdom. It's been pretty busy for us."
Touring the world and having a Top 10 single was all part of the Jimmy Eat World plan when the band, all childhood friends, got together. "We just wanted to put out a record and tour. We've done that and so much more.
"When 'The Middle' hit the big time, we didn't even know about it. We were touring in our little plastic bubble in Japan and Europe, and we'd see more and more people show up to the gigs, but we didn't really know just how much the song was selling. We opened for Green Day when we got back to the States, and then we could really feel it."
Linton is hoping "Futures" will be a good follow-up to the last album. "I'm also hoping we'll be able to take our music to different places, like Mexico and South America, places we've never been before."
But right now he's focused on the present tour and is happy he is where he is. "Our fan base has grown. It's encouraging to see a mix of ages come to our shows.
"We don't write for just one age group. We hope that all ages will be able to find something in our songs that they enjoy."
If you go. . .
What: Jimmy Eat World
Where: McKay Events Center, Orem
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
How much: $12
Phone: 467-8499 or 1-800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com