Fall Out Boy – “American Beauty/American Psycho”
Review by Annette Hansen
In the last two years Fall Out Boy has proven that it can come back from the grave stronger than ever and that there is no slowing down its momentum anytime soon. It’s not even been two years since the band released its comeback record Save Rock and Roll and the group is at it again with the brand new album American Beauty/American Psycho. With this new addition to the discography the band continues with their powerful mix of electronic infused pop and punk rock attitude.
If American Beauty/American Psycho had to be summarized in one word “fun” would seem to be the fitting choice. Compared to its predecessor this album has all the high energy without some of the desperation and aggression the band expressed on the previous record. This isn’t a bad thing, though. It’s actually pretty refreshing.
Songs like “The Kids Aren’t Alright” feel light and laidback while maintaining endearing melodies that will have listeners singing along in no time. While a track “Uma Thurman” regains some of that upbeat feel with a chorus that will have you tapping your feet and dancing along involuntarily.
Fall Out Boy never seems to hesitate on including little nostalgic snippets from the past. “Uma Thurman” feels like it could have easily fit in on Folie a Duex with its ambitious pop vibe while namesake track “American Beauty/American Psycho” emanates the raw punk energy that the band experimented with on its EP PAX AM Days.
The only downside to the album is that certain tracks like “Jet Pack Blues” and “Fourth of July” don’t really stand out as well as the rest. They all seem to lack a distinct unique quality that tracks like “Immortals,” with its rhythmic hook, and “Irresistible,” with its featured brass, do have.
While American Beauty/American Psycho doesn’t really feel as ambitious as the previous album this new release shows that Fall Out Boy still knows how to create tracks that don’t lack in luster. It seems that Fall Out Boy’s blaze of glory isn’t set to fizzle anytime soon.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended Tracks: “The Kids Aren’t Alright” and “Uma Thurman”
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