Fall Out Boy were one of the first bands I got into when I started to develop my own music taste that wasn't pop radio, or the 70's punk music my Dad surrounded me with as a child. I often reminisce of being that 10 year old in 2005, where the 'emo' subculture was at a height (and at its best in my opinion), and where I heard Fall Out Boy for the first time. Fast forward 18 years, and the band are still tuning out hits. This review was conducted by El, but I will also drop in my thoughts and feelings in at the end... - (Chief Editor Faye)
After 5 (long) years, emo legends Fall Out Boy are back with a brand-new album, 'So Much
(for) Stardust'. For their 8th studio album, they decided to return to the label Fueled by
Ramen, known for their roster of iconic emo bands, for the first time since their 2003 debut album 'Take This To Your Grave'. They also reunited with Neal Avron, who produced 'From Under the Cork Tree' (2005), 'Infinity On High' (2007) and 'Folie à Deux' (2008).
So, is this album a return to their previous emo pop-punk sound? In an interview, Patrick Stump describes it more as an alternate timeline: "I wanted to imagine what would it have sounded like if we had made a record right after 'Folie a Deux' instead of taking a break for a few years. It was like exploring the multiverse."
'So Much (for) Stardust' certainly gives you that nostalgic feeling of listening to old Fall Out Boy tracks but with a newer, bigger, more orchestral and cinematic feel. The first track on the album 'Love From The Other Side', which was also the first single, starts with a cinematic piano and strings intro which evolves into powerful guitars and drums. It immediately sets the tone for the entire album.
'So Much (for) Stardust' has got a bit of everything. There are the usual pop-rock songs with catchy choruses like 'Fake Out', 'So Good Right Now' and 'Flu Game'. 'Hold Me Like a Grudge' has a funky bass line while 'What a Time To Be Alive' gives off strong disco vibes. A powerful ballad such as 'Heaven, Iowa' cannot be missed either. It starts slow but near the middle of the track the heavy electric guitars and massive drums hit, making you feel as if you're already in the arena watching Fall Out Boy's live performance.
'The Pink Seashell' is the first interlude which features a playback of a monologue by Ethan Hawke in the 1994 movie 'Reality Bites'. It flows into the next track, 'I Am My Own Muse', which sounds like it comes straight out of an action movie. Together with 'Love From The Other Side', they're the most cinematic and orchestral tracks on the album and the instrumentals blend perfectly with Patrick's vocals. For the first time since 'Folie a Deux', Pete Wentz returns with a spoken-word performance on the last interlude track called 'Baby Annihilation'.
The title track, which is the last and also the longest track on the album, references lyrics from 'Love From The Other Side" (You were the sunshine of my lifetime/What would you trade the pain for/I'm not sure) which makes the album feel complete.
El's Opinion
If you have been feeling nostalgic about 2000s emo music like me, then this album came out at the perfect time. Just like Patrick described, it sounds like a record that is a bridge between 'Folie a Deux' and 'Save Rock and Roll'. It's a powerful and cinematic album with plenty of catchy and memorable tracks that are lyrically strong as well. The one that stands out the most for me is 'I Am My Own Muse'. I love minor key songs that sound dramatic and have big orchestras so ever since Fall Out Boy teased this track on their socials, I haven't been able to get it out of my head.
Overall, 'So Much (for) Stardust' is a very strong album and it has earned its well-deserved place in my top 3 Fall Out Boy albums. 5/5.
Faye's opinion:
I have to be honest I hadn't been feeling the same about Fall Out Boy with any album after 'Save Rock And Roll', but this album finally felt brought back the sound I was craving from the FOB I fell in love with, as mentioned earlier it probably helps that the band have re-united with Neal Avron. When listening to songs like 'Love From The Other Side' and 'I am My Own Muse', I could imagine songs like this would present a great opportunity to so a band feat orchestra concert in the same way Metallica did their S&M shows. My personal stand out was 'Hold Me Like A Grudge', as a die hard Queen fan, the bass line is really reminiscent of 'Another One Bites The Dust'.
As El mentioned, there really is something for everyone on this album, there's that classic emo sound we know and love but also the band aren't shy to throw in a synth or two. A great new album! 4/5.
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