Two years since their dramatic return from hiatus, Fall Out Boy prove yet again that they are here to stay in the music industry with the January 20th release of their sixth studio album American Beauty/American Psycho. Over the course of only two years, the band released comeback album Save Rock and Roll in 2013, appeared on many award shows, and embarked on nationwide tour “Monumentour” with Paramore during the summer of 2014. The release of American Beauty/American Psycho kicks off another eventful year for the Chicago-based group, who plan to go on a tour with Wiz Khalifa and Hoodie Allen called “The Boys of Zummer” later in the year to promote the album. With eleven new songs including singles “Uma Thurman”, “Centuries”, “American Beauty/American Psycho”, “The Kids Aren’t Alright”, and “Irresistible”, American Beauty/American Psycho diverges even further from the the band’s pre-hiatus punk rock sound with new instrumentation and a slew of popular culture references.
Since the release of single “Centuries”, Fall Out Boy gradually released all of the tracks in American Beauty/American Psycho on YouTube, with its last few songs premiering on January 13th, a week before the album’s official release date. A huge risk to album sales, Fall Out Boy decided to cease their fans’ dying anticipation. With the release of Save Rock and Roll, the band shocked many old fans with their sound change to pop-punk. Continuing to evolve their sound, Fall Out Boy boldly forged their own path within the alternative genre in American Beauty/American Psycho. Amongst the faint guitar riffs and synthetic drum beats are select tracks that stand out to make the album a major variation from Save Rock and Roll. For example, in the track “Irresistible”, trumpets and other brass instruments make an appearance throughout the whole song. Also, “American Beauty/American Psycho” is a fast-paced track that would be a perfect addition to dance clubs. Amidst the variety of different music styles, “Favorite Record” awards older fans with its prevalent guitar riffs. Despite the band’s complete 180 from their past styles, American Beauty/American Psycho will no doubt fill up arenas and stadiums with its anthemic tracks on “The Boys of Zummer” tour.
Along with having unique musical touches in each of its songs, American Beauty/American Psycho connects with the popular culture of the past. The first single “Centuries” includes snippets of Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner”; whereas, second single “American Beauty/American Psycho” contains samples of Mötley Crüe’s song “Too Fast for Love”. “Uma Thurman” obviously references actress Uma Thurman while also paying tribute to 60s TV sitcom The Munsters’ theme song. Also, the lyrics of “Irresistible” indirectly refer to the fatal relationship of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. Moreover, “Novacaine” is said to be based on the events in Ferguson, Missouri with its aggressive and impassioned lyrics. By implementing clever popular culture allusions made possible by lyricist and bassist Pete Wentz, American Beauty/American Psycho appeals to everyone of all ages and makes the album more enjoyable to listen to.
American Beauty/American Psycho is no doubt a bold venture for Fall Out Boy. Having alienated listeners with the new sound of Save Rock and Roll, the band chose to produce music that each of the members love rather than meet the demands to return to their pre-hiatus days. Fall Out Boy continue to push the limits of the alternative rock genre and pulls it off. The myriad of different sounds and clever lyrics combine together to provide a contemporary and original approach to making an alternative record. Perhaps people should stop comparing American Beauty/American Psycho to past albums and listen to the record for what it is: a product of Fall Out Boy’s genius innovation.
