After a four-year hiatus that seemed to never end, Fall Out Boy is finally back with a new album titled "Save Rock and Roll".
The pop-punk band has returned with a fresher sound while still holding onto their roots. Some tunes are reminiscent of lead singer Patrick Stump's dance-pop solo album "Solo Punk", which he produced during the hiatus. The lyrics, often co-written by lead singer Patrick Stump and bass player Pete Wentz, are driven by Stump's wide range and unique sound that distinguishes Fall Out Boy from the rest of the pop-punk crowd. Stump's voice, if anything, has gotten more electric during the hiatus. His powerhouse vocals fit well with the variated, rhythmic-heavy melodies blended with the traditional "emo-pop" feel like their previous albums "Infinity On High" and "Folié a Deux."
Like everyone else that's been a long-time fan, I was caught in the overwhelming excitement of YES FINALLY NEW ALBUM. But I did have my doubts. After experiencing many disappointing comeback albums such as McFly's "Above the Noise" (which I was less than thrilled with), whatever All Time Low's new album consists of (I still haven't listened to it), and all the hope that disintegrated after Cobra Starship's "You Make Me Feel" (a generic concoction of repetitive party music and vapid lyrics to please the masses), I did not want one of my favorite bands to fall into that trap.
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| Fall Out Boy circa 2005. Mmm, guyliner. |
Unlike their previous albums, "Save Rock and Roll" features many guests artists, such as Courtney Love, Foxes, Big Sean, and Elton John, whose signature voice blends surprisingly well in the title track "Save Rock and Roll". To be honest, my first thought when I saw Elton John's name on the list, it was a mixture of "Hell yes, this is gonna be SO AWESOME" and "How on Earth are they going to pull this off?" In the end, I was pleasantly surprised. Don't be quick to dismiss it, you guys.
A few things can be said about Fall Out Boy: they are aware of their fans and the demand of this new album. Several weeks before the official album release, the band posted the album on SoundCloud for fans to listen to in its entirety. This, my friends, is an example of the changing music industry: the band can post their whole album for their fans to enjoy, and in return the fans will more than likely buy the album anyway. Loyalty can a big factor in album sales. Record companies, take note.
My personal favorite tracks off the album are "Death Valley", "Alone Together", "The Mighty Fall" and "The Phoenix." But really, there's hardly a sour note in the mix this time.
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| left to right: Andy Hurley, Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman, Patrick Stump circa 2013 |
Here's the full track list:
- The Phoenix
- My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)
- Alone Together
- Where Did The Party Go
- Just One Yesterday (ft. Foxes)
- The Mighty Fall (ft. Big Sean)
- Miss Missing You
- Death Valley
- Young Volcanoes
- Rat A Tat (ft. Courtney Love)
- Save Rock and Roll (ft. Elton John)
In regards to the overall sound: the moderate deviation from what many regard disdainfully as the "true Fall Out Boy" or "the old Fall Out Boy" has driven a portion of previous fans away. But in return, they have gained greater admonition from their die-hard loyal fans as well as garnered a newer generation of listeners, post-FOB-hiatus. Bands grow and continue to change their sound over time, it's a fact of life. Sometimes it works, other times it could spell disaster for the group's success. However, in the case of FOB, this album hits a high note.
"Save Rock and Roll" is now available on iTunes and Amazon.
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Share with me what you think of the new album! Love it or hate it? Does Elton John belong on a pop-punk track? Leave a comment below.
Till next time xx,
