Fall Out Boy’s recent album, “American Beauty/American Psycho,” covers an almost impossibly wide spectrum of genres, ranging from feel-good pop to angst-filled emo rock. Their sixth studio album has left both longtime and new listeners either enthusiastically gushing or confusedly scratching their heads. A closer examination of each song reveals why Fall Out Boy’s latest effort garners such a mixed reaction.
The album begins with “Irresistible,” a conspicuously showy track meant to become the next “it” song getting stuck in everyone’s heads. Triumphant trombones almost seem to herald Patrick Stump’s taunting, arrogant vocals– the song is the perfect sports anthem, guaranteed to make an appearance in a stadium or on a victorious television ad.
“American Beauty/American Psycho” certainly fits the bill of “psycho” as the title track pushes Fall Out Boy’s boundaries. The frenzied, pounding drum beat combined with Stump’s vocals teetering between singing and screaming can turn some listeners off as they are faced with a more intense type of rebellion than they’re used to from FOB. Some online reviewers complain that “Beauty/Psycho” is “impossible to sing along with” and chaotically confusing due to its hardcore screamo punk influences.
“Centuries,” on the other hand, was the first single released from the album and has garnered a massive listener base. Ryan Madden ’16 describes the song as “uplifting, adrenaline-filled, and extremely suited for pumping people up.” Soaring vocals paired with an infectious chorus ensure that “Centuries” is a crowd favorite.
The album introduces “The Kids Aren’t Alright” next, a more-bitter-than-sweet toast to the old days filled with youthful regret and rebellion. “Jet Pack Blues” has the same raw feeling behind it while the lyrics paint a beautifully sad setting: “She’s in a long black coat tonight/Waiting for me in the downpour outside.”
“Uma Thurman” turns the album’s direction around, an upbeat track with distinctly beachy vibes (double-single clap, thin electric guitar riff, rumbling, steady bass line). “Novocaine” somehow feels like a lackluster version of “Irresistible” in terms of melody. Angry lyrics, combined with the over-the-top fierce guitar riffs, make “Novocaine” and similarly structured song “Immortals” seem out of place within Fall Out Boy’s album and entire style.
“Fourth of July” and “Favorite Record” both draw from distinctly pop elements, yet still possess the eccentric touch of Fall Out Boy. Young love seems to be a prominent theme as the catchy tracks wind down the album on a more positive note. Kunal Patnaik ’15, whose personal favorite is “Fourth of July,” believes that this side of the album “brings back punk pop in an accessible way for listeners.”
Finally, “Twin Skeleton’s” ends “American Beauty/American Psycho” in a manner similar to what longtime fans have come to love and expect– wickedly poetic lyrics, eerie yet catchy hooks, and a pulsing drum beat to accompany impressive guitar lines.
This album only reinforces that Fall Out Boy will never give their fans exactly what they want. Every release demonstrates that the band always has new things to try and new tricks up their sleeve; every release ignites heated debate and bold declarations of loyalty as well as outright disappointment from fans. But maybe the spirit of Fall Out Boy is this experimentation that has become almost an expectation for America’s poster boys of rebellion.
Amanda Wang • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:46 pm
I just recently started listening to Fall Out Boy, and I love their songs so far! It’s a different genre of music from what I usually listen to, but after my friends introduced me to their songs, i’ve really enjoyed their songs.
Mark • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:41 pm
American Beauty/American Psycho is an amazing album! Uma Thurman was greatly crafted with great allusions to pop culture
Emily • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:39 pm
I personally love Fall Out Boy. I remember first getting into them with the song “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race.” Ever since, I’ve been binge watching them on Spotify, especially their new album “American Beauty/American Psycho.” I personally love “Centuries,” sounds like an awesome action movie soundtrack.
Young • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:34 pm
I used to love Fall Out Boy. I really appreciate this analysis of their music and their album art!
Erin • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:10 am
Although I’ve never listened to fall out boy, I think that after reading this article, I would totally try out their music. as me being a new fan, I want to see what my expectations are before I listen and then my opinion afterwards.
Abby • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:03 am
There songs are really cool and they always keep there fans wanting more which is a smart marketing move
Alicia • Feb 26, 2015 at 12:16 pm
A couple months ago, one of my friends was listening to “Centuries” on her iPod, and I thought, “Wow, that’s an awesome song.” Unfortunately, I didn’t catch the name of the song, and I completely forgot about it until pretty recently when I decided to try finding some new music. After a few YouTube searches, I came across it again, and decided to listen to a few other songs on Fall Out Boy’s latest article. I guess you can say that the band now has a new fan! My personal favorites are “Irresistible,” “Immortals,” and of course, “Centuries.” Great music for getting pumped up for something.
Lexy • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:21 am
Great article! Fall out boy is an amazing band. I enjoyed reading this!
Danielle • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:21 am
Great article, love fall out boy! New songs never fail to impress
Lynne • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:01 am
I love fall out boy! Their music is like BAM