#78: Fall Out Boy - Infinity on High (2007)

This was the final beach review that I wrote and it was a request by my twin brother. Over six days I listened to a wide gamut of music and while there may have been a few stinkers: the beach, beer, and music made for the best vacation ever.

The Take Over, The Break's Over
What a cool opening lick and it's such a smooth transition back into it from the chorus. While I found the music on the chorus to be slightly formulaic, it comes back to the opening lick so well. I really enjoyed the guitar solo including the march. Incredibly solid track, I've gone back and listened to the album a few times since this review and this track never ceases to amaze me. Vocals are great, the drums are spot on, and the groove is just overwhelmingly cool.



This Ain't A Scene, It's an Arms Race
I love this song. If you've never heard Fall Out Boy or this song, this is an absolute must listen. It's got such a great feel to it, cool lyrics, awesome instrumentation, and incredible harmonies. It has to be the best track on the album - it's fun, it rocks, it's just so damn good. They bring such a unique sound and perspective to the music scene. Speaking of the music scene, it's not a scene - it's an arms race. Oh, did I just give away the meaning?

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs

It was a big radio hit for a reason, the melody and harmonies really carry the song on the verse, however, the chorus is bigger and even "sweeter". Even the bridge is super solid with an acoustic guitar keeping the same feel. Fall Out Boy has mastered the art of the breakdown, and if they're anywhere near as good live as they are on the record then they have to be absolutely amazing in person.

All in all, I'm pleasantly surprised. They're totally on par with Smash Mouth in terms of being fun music to listen to. Little surprises such as Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' making an appearance kept it interesting. It indisputably rocks but it's also very catchy and poppy. Patrick Stump's distinct vocals should not go unmentioned nor should the rest of the band's vocals and harmonies. The blend (although sometimes hidden) adds a lot of depth and brightness to an otherwise rock sound, creating the soaring vocals that is their signature sound.

Tomorrow's album: James Brown's Live at the Apollo.