An Album Review by M.E.G.L.F (1st Year AB Comm, Ateneo De Manila University)
Rhythmic intricacy, resonant guitar riffs, impressive vocals, and contagious melodies. All these remarkable characteristics are profusely exemplified by one solid punk rock group: Fall Out Boy.
After an indefinite hiatus spanning almost four years, the American rock band have decided on their next mission: a pledge to Save Rock and Roll; hence the title of their fourth studio and comeback album. Each record they produce exudes a brand new atmosphere—or perhaps, palpable musical growth—sounding vastly different from the previous one. Their third album, “Folie A Deux”, exhibits their transition into a more punk-pop sound. With evident changes in every album, how, then, would Fall Out Boy manifest their musical diversity with their newly released album?
As I ecstatically insert the CD into my laptop to give it a spin, one question lingers: will Save Rock and Roll stay true to its name or will it somehow bludgeon the face of rock and roll?
The 11-track album opens with vivacious-sounding violins and a chill-inducing arrangement, coupled with vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Patrick Stump’s octave-defying vocal range in “The Phoenix”. Fall Out Boy’s first single off the Save Rock and Roll, “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up)” follows, with another vocal exhibition by Stump as he belts out “I’m on fire!” The song displays a rather majestic vibe through its addicting hooks and a thrilling tempo, making it seem like a suspense-thriller film. The third track “Alone Together” has one of the most beautifully crafted melodies in the album—paired with ballad-infused tones and heartfelt lines such as “my heart is like a stallion; they love it more when it’s broken”. Commenced by Pete Wentz’s funky bass lines, “Where Did the Party Go?” has the ability to make everyone get out of their seats and dance. “Just One Yesterday” featuring Foxes emanates Fall Out Boy’s melodramatic side with this slow track, fused with tantalizing lyrics like “I’d trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday” and Foxes’s solid vocals in the bridge.
Rapper Big Sean collaborates with Fall Out Boy “The Mighty Fall”, showcased with angst-ridden lyrics and tune. “Miss Missing You”, my personal favorite, is an electro-indie-sounding track with an indubitably infectious melody and blunt-yet-true lines like “The person that you’d take a bullet for is behind the trigger”. Obscured within this euphoric song is a devastated heart. The eighth track, “Death Valley” sounds somewhat like a riot suffused in a record. Composed mainly of claps and acoustic guitar strumming, the ecstatic “Young Volcanoes” can instantly put one in a good mood. Musician Courtney Love joins the band in “Rat A Tat”, one of the most unforgettable tracks of the album through its candid lyrics and funky bellowing of “rat a tat tat, rat a tat tattat, hey!” Concluding the album is “Save Rock and Roll”, where Stumps joins forces with legend Elton John in such pure and impeccable vocals. With powerful lyrics and sublime musical arrangement, the song serves as an anthem to the broken youth and how music can help mend these souls.
“Save Rock and Roll” is a true magnum opus—certainly a magnificent comeback album for Fall Out Boy. It is an assortment of various genres like pop, blues, punk rock, and alternative, which greatly exhibits the band’s diversity. Although the album it is not all about “rock and roll” per se, it definitely still establishes the unique and matchless Fall Out Boy sound.
Now, after a long and agonizing wait, Fall Out Boy is all grown up and ready to rock and roll once more. You don’t want to miss Fall Out Boy’s Save The World tour on August 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum! Get your ticket now at TicketNet outlets nationwide, or online at www.ticketnet.com.ph
SAVE ROCK AND ROLL Album by Fall Out Boy is still available in CDs in all record stores nationwide and online via iTunes under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).