One Hit Thunder Episode 258: “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World

When our Patreon voted for an episode about “The Middle,” we had mixed emotions—how could a band as important to us as Jimmy Eat World technically be a one-hit wonder? With Bleed American holding a firm place on our Thundred list, it almost feels wrong! But this week, we dive deep into the band’s history, the perfect storm that made “The Middle” a massive hit, and the industry challenges they had to overcome. From the music video’s lasting impact to Jimmy Eat World’s unwavering perseverance, we celebrate a band that means so much more than just one song.