Fall Out Boy - Save Rock And Roll (Album Review)

I think at some point we all knew Fall Out Boy would live up to the pressure of their Simpson's character inspired name. Instead of saving the world like most superheroes do Fall Out Boy decided to take on a smaller but equally as daunting task. They're out to Save Rock And Roll. Whether they succeeded or not is up to each and every listener. Some say there isn't a lot of rock on the album. Others say what is rock? If the music on the album could speak for itself I think it would say: throw out your expectations and definitions, it's time to say out with the old and in with the new.

Patrick Stump sounds great this time around. It seems like he's brought a lot of influences and sounds he experimented with from his solo career into the Fall Out Boy fold for the new record. His voice might sound the best it's ever sounded on a record. Trohman and Hurley stick out in spots and make there presences equally known throughout some of the album. Wentz's lyrical ability continues to make lines of songs stick out and his heart on his sleeve mentality keeps the album grounded. It is one of the biggest reminders on the album of why people started liking FOB in the first place.

The sound is definitely different. I'd almost compare it to Patrick Stump's solo work to some extent more than some of the well cherished Fall Out Boy albums (From Under Cork Tree/Take This To Your Grave). It definitely does not have the emo/pop/punk sound that some expect from Fall Out Boy. I think those elements are definitely there in some songs, however, the band took the chance to incorporate a lot of new elements into their sound. Some of those elements are infused slightly with more pop radio sensibilities and electronic elements. It feels a lot more dance beat driven throughout. I'm not sure this album has the lasting power that some of their previous releases have had. The different direction might also have a lot of people shaking their heads in protest. I can definitely understand the sentiment. Once or twice I had to remind myself this was in fact Fall Out Boy. It's hard to think the music found on the album is from the same four guys that emerged from the Chicago music scene with their album Take This To Your Grave.

In my opinion though it's exactly what the band needed to do. "Phoenix" kicks off the record and the hiatus has officially become the rebirth. Rebirth of sound, focus, and a band that has a knack for knowing how to write catchy songs. Guests like Courtney Love and Elton John are great for the album. Both artists add a lot to the tracks they are featured on whereas the appearance by Big Sean could have better been left on the cutting room floor. (sidenote: I keep asking myself why couldn't an album this big have a Kanye West feature)? Elton John's feature on the title track will surely introduce him to a whole new generation of listeners. It's a good closer to the album.

So here it is; it’s a reminder that most artists/bands that go on hiatus eventually find their way back to the stage. Does the album Save Rock And Roll? It might help some in my opinion, but I'm also not even sure I would even consider it rock and roll. Superman can't save everyone, but he does a great job rescuing as many as he can. I think that's what this album was meant to do and it succeeds in many ways. It preserves the idea that rock music is more about a statement than a sound. Sometimes the most punk rock thing you can do is what people don't expect. This is the kind of album you really have to hear for yourself and make your own final judgment about. It's polarizing in many ways, but it has that something that makes an album special. I recommend checking this one out with an open mind. Try to enjoy the band for the band they are now and not the band they were then.