I want to start by saying that this is a very enjoyable album, but Folie A Deux finds our heroes, the emo kings, embracing their melodic sensibility a little more tightly than some of their long time fans might like. Piano chords (!) can be heard ringing through at times, and power chords are occasionally left to linger in almost power pop fashion. To be sure, crunchy guitars with plenty of fuzz still are apparent, but the tunes are toe tapping, sometimes downright pretty, and definitely very catchy. Wentz's base is insistent, slamming its way around the melody line, sublimely funky, and backed up by a stomping rhythm section. Instrumentation is actually a little adventurous, and the entire affair brings to mind Panic! At the Disco's "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" more than just a little bit. Personally, I think that is pretty high praise, but I'm not sure that everyone who loves Fall Out Boy is going to feel the same way.
The stuff you have come to love is still here, never fear. Patrick's ever shaky vocal charms are the centerpiece of most of the songs. He sings, whines, pleads, and then boldly slides all around his range, which appears to be widening over time. He is more confident here than before, and that says a lot. He takes a lot of chances vocally, with some impressive harmonies and generally very strong vocal lines. I think that this album is his most listenable performance, but once more, I know that not all Fall Out Boy fans want things to be too listenable.
From a lyrical perspective, it has always been a little hard to know when Fall Out Boy are telling us like it is, letting us in on what is really on their hearts, or when they are throwing out blythe redirects as facade for a deeper hurt that maybe they don't want to reveal. "I'd promise you anything for another shot at life" Patrick says, voice full of sincerity on the outstanding opening track, and then he elaborates--"Imperfect boys with their perfect ploys/Nobody wants to hear you sing about tragedy." Interesting lyrics for one of the biggest names in emo.
Ultimately, then, I love this album. I confess that I've always enjoyed the melodic poppy side of Fall Out Boy, so this album is actually everything that I have hoped from them. It is going to disappoint a lot of fans, however, who wanted a little more screaming, a little more fast guitar. To them I say, with respect, please give this album a chance. There are definitely some raw moments, and they guys have not forgotten where they come from. The album should grow on everyone who is really willing to give this band a chance.
I bought this album in the store, because I was curious as to what could ever top the last album (Infinity On High, fantastic album btw), I was slightly differnt, I found my self immediately falling in love with "I Don't Care", "Coffees For Closers", and "Tiffany Blews", but this entire album, pieced together was some of their best, with all the chaos, ironclad tight harmonies, it's an album, I can dance to, I can Run to, or just sing out loud, (though quite off key some times). Totally recommend this album to anyone looking for something fun the listen to.
I heart fall out boy aaf ever since their release of "infinity on high". I would also give that album 5 stars, every track was a good song! and the same for this album.....i only know of "dance dance" and "sugar we're going down" from their first "big" album "from under the cork tree" and like those songs but every time i try to listen to other songs from that album or previous albums, i'm just not feeling them. I see a lot of people writing that they don't like their new stuff b/c "they changed" their style, and maybe they did but not everyone has to hate it.....everyone likes different things and i personally do not love their old stuff but love the new! one of the best bands!
Another good CD from FOB. As in Infinity On High, their sound has evolved and now has a slightly electronic feel. It's not quite as good as Infinity on High, but I definitely recommend this album.
This album is excellent from start to finish. I have listened to it countless times and each time i fall in love with every song. Each one has its own special thing, be it the chorus, a lyric or the musicality of it. I absolutely recomend this album and if you are a true Fall Out Boy fan you will know what i mean.
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