Fall Out Boy – Save Rock and Roll
Review by Annette Schaefer
After three very uncertain years, Fall Out Boy fans everywhere were shocked by the announcement that their hiatus was over back in February. On top of that, fans were even more thrilled to discover that, not only was an album in the works, but the album was done and set to release. Incredibly, the band was able to record the whole album in secret without even the knowledge of the hardcore fans.
The band quickly issued out pre-order offers and concert tickets. Shows sold out left and right. It was clear that Fall Out Boy had made a comeback and in a big way, but this return couldn’t be fully realized until the new album Save Rock And Roll hit the shelves. After moving up the release date, on April 16 those fans’ dreams came true.
Over and over again the band insisted that this new album would bring about a new era for Fall Out Boy, and after giving the album a quick listen this becomes very clear; This is definitely not “From Under the Cork Tree Part Two.”
The album opens with the fist pumping anthem and latest single “Phoenix”. The song not only starts the album with high energy but also speaks to the purpose of the record and of a new Fall Out Boy. The song is filled with hard hitting beats, string laced synthesizers and are topped off with Patrick Stumps powerful vocals.
Save Rock And Roll keeps up the pace with more pop driven anthems with “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark” and “Alone Together”. The album takes a few different turns though , with more indie sounding tracks such as “Death Valley” and “Young Volcanoes”. Both songs feature catchy sing-along melodies and bright acoustic guitars. Despite many high points, this record isn’t free from a few low points. Songs such as “Just One Yesterday” and “Miss Missing You” lack some of the conviction of the other songs and tend to get lost in the mix.
At first listen some fans may be confused as to how this is supposed to “Save Rock And Roll”. The album is chalk full of electronic and mainstream pop influence. But what makes this album “Rock ‘n’ Roll” isn’t necessarily the music, it’s the attitude. With anthems galore and musical chants abundant, this album calls out to anyone who still believes in music that moves people. This is spelled out in the final song and namesake track, “Save Rock And Roll”. This song is about fighting for the real music out there that matters to us.
I know I’ll be jamming to this album in my car for weeks to come, and I know I will be singing along to every song when I see them in June. I know a lot of other fans feel the same way and are egger to move forward with their favorite band.
Love them or hate them, Fall Out Boy is back and fully loaded. It seems like they’ll be sticking around for awhile, so “show your animal side” and “put on your war paint” because Fall Out Boy isn’t going down without a fight.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommended Tracks: “Alone Together,” “Young Volcanoes” and “Save Rock And Roll”
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