Infinity On High - Fall Out Boy > Reviews > Infinity On High

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Catchy Tunes
Disadvantages:	Old sceptics won't be won over

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

■The Band■
This is the third studio album recorded by the now very much mainstream band, Fall Out Boy. They are a now well established band typically seen as 'emo' though they have more of a pop and rock sound to them than what is normally seen as emo. The band has just become very popular in the emo scene. Previous studio albums have been 'Take This to Your Grave' which was a small time success giving them the basis to move onto their massive hit album 'From Under The Cork Tree'.

I started listening to them just before the realease of the second album 'From Under The Cork Tree' just before the explosion of popularity while hearing them from a friend. Their previous album was very pop/rock alternative based and most of the album was quite similar and stuck to the same sort of style in each song. This is not a bad thing as clever lyrics weaved in keep the album interesting.

■The Album■
The newly released third album 'Infinity On High' takes the band to an all new level. While now being in the spotlight the pressure was definitely on to produce something as catchy and original as the last album without repeating themselves and that's exactly what they've done. Seemingly taking some inspirations from hip-hop type music the music itself has changed as well as the lyrical content. The lyrics are quite often based on defending themselves from accusations of becoming a corperate run, over popular, mainstream band who have no talent and got to the top through riding the 'emo' wave.

Lyrics written by band poster boy and bassist Pete Wentz while lead singer Patrick Stump who prefers sticking to the shadows writes the music. Unusual way of going about making the music but it certainly works absolutely brilliantly!

■Tracklist■
Here's a track listing for the album and a little comment on one or two of the songs. Fall Out Boy keep up their record of whacky names for their songs that take up far too much space on media players!

1. Thriller
2. "The Take Over, The Break's Over"
3. This Ain't A Scene, It's an Arms Race
4. I'm Like A Lawyer In The Way I'm Always Trying To Get You Off (Me + You)
5. Hum Hallelujah
6. Golden
7. Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
8. Don't You Know Who I Think I Am?
9. The (After) Life of the Party
10. The Carpal Tunnel of Love
11. Bring the Doldrums
12. Fame < Infamy
13. You're Crashing, But You're No Wave
14. I've Got All This Ringing In My Ears But None On My Fingers
15. G.I.N.A.S.F.S.

1. Thriller
The introduction for the track opened by the band's record label manager, rap superstar Jay-Z. He starts off by thanking everyone for listening and then Fall Out Boy kick in with their typical pop rock sound which makes you glad you bought the album already. The track is about not wanting to poster boys for the emo scene anymore. A great track which I really like. I do like that Fall Out Boy's opening tracks, while introducing the rest of the album, also make a great song on their own. 'Our Lawyers Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued' was the same on 'From Under the Cork Tree' great song.

3. This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race
Their massive first single off this album that everyone's bound to have heard. When I first heard it I thought it was a hip hop song... got into it a bit and recognised the voices. Definite bit of variety compared to their normal stuff but still very catchy and and really good track. Another one about not wanting to be seen as mainstream: 'The bandwagon's full, please catch another'. This a great anthem that would be awesome live... *cough* Leeds Festival August... Yes! *cough*

5. Hum Hallelujah
This has a bit of that old magic back again but with that new twinkle they have achieved. The new album seems a little more hi tech compared to the last one. This one is accompanied by a chorus of 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen. Interesting lyrics in this one: 'A teenage vow in a parking lot, 'til tonight do us part... I thought I loved you but it's just how you looked in the light'. Clever lyrics are as good to listen to as the music. Great song which is one of my favourites.

7. Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
The second big hit released single. This is a typical catchy pop rock sort of tune with a sinister edge to the lyrics. The verses are basically build ups to the chorus which would have you on your feet dancing. I love the video of this with Pete Wentz being shown how to treat a lady by a chimpanzee. This was my favourite track before it was over played and I over listened. Still a very catchy song.

■Conclusion■
This new album by Fall Out Boy is definitely exciting as it opens lots of doors in their futures. It will be very interesting to see how they approach another album. I'd love to see another one like this as it is definitely a top class album.

The songs are all catchy and listenable. Towards the end you get a bit of that repetitive feeling where you think hang on I've heard this already... oh no I haven't. Still by themselves every track is really good. A really good album that should be loved by most people with a rock or pop interest. If you have a specific hate of Fall Out Boy after the last album this probably isn't good enough to turn that around but you never know!

■Price■
£4.95 on Amazon.co.uk