Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Album Review: Infinity on High by Fall Out Boy

By: Xochitl Hansen

From baby blues, failed suicide attempts, and Jay-Z as a guest on the album, Fall Out Boy’s Infinity On High is a lullaby to tell you the experiences you have in your life can help you become someone better. Released in 2007 on Island Records Fall Out Boy made their junior album memorable. With a new flare to this album that manifests greatly in songs such as Thriller, I’m Like A Lawyer With the Way I’m Always Trying to Get You Off (Me+ You), and even The Carpal Tunnel of Love, it was no shock when Infinity On High debuted at number one on the U.S Billboard 200 was no shock as it brought Fall Out Boy into a whole new level of commercial success. Even with a new musical direction, Fall Out Boy still stuck to their hard hitting and emotional lyrics that continue to draw new and old fans to the band.

Thriller- Defiantly surprising fans and mixing things up from what they’ve done before, the beginning of the album has a lovely guest appearance from fellow Island Records label mate Jay-Z. Starting off the song and album with a little ‘told you so’ to the critics and doubters, guest musician Jay-Z dedicates the album ‘to the fans that held us down till everybody came around’ as the band welcomes you to what is Infinity On High.  Drums pound and riffs play on as the lyrics come packaged by vocalist Patrick Stump and take you on the journey of the album.

The Take Over, the Breaks Over- ‘Baby, season change but people don’t’, great saying to remember. From Fall Out Boy’s first record to where they are today, critics always talked about the musical, personal, and physical changes that the band went through. But, no one every stopped and realize the metaphorical place from where the music is created never changed, and that is a common theme throughout the whole album, but specially this song.

This Ain't a Scene; It’s an Arms Race- One of the singles off Infinity On High, this song still played at shows today. Psychedelic intro along with catchy lyrics, the message about the industry and pressure behind the music become more prevalent. ‘This bandwagons full, please catch another’, shine a light onto the emotional and social side of the band as they dealt with the whole package that comes along with commercial success.

I’m Like A Lawyer With the Way I’m Always Trying to Get You Off ( Me+ You)-  Catchy and to the point, this song is more than just a flashy title. Considerably one of the more ‘romantic’ songs of the record, it could be taken any way. Something that is notable is the amazing playing from guitarist Joseph Trohman along with the bass lines that stick out during the chorus.

Hum Hallelujah- References to Jeff Buckley's cover of the Leonard Cohen song "Hallelujah" is present along with bassist Pete Wentz’s 2005 attempted suicide. ‘I sing the blues and swallow them to’ along with the ‘hum hallelujah’ can be all referenced back to Wentz’s interview with  Half Of Us, where he discussed his attempted suicide and the significance of the song Hallelujah. The musical aspect to the song does nothing less then bring the lyrics to life in a respectful manner.

Golden- My personal favorite the record, Golden has a great amount of meaning packed into a short song. With piano and a calmer vibe ‘I saw God cry in the reflection of my enemies’ goes along with slower tempo and really gets you thinking about the artists meaning behind the lyrics. My take on the song, is that, with anything you do you are your own worst enemy. You are responsible for your oneself and what you become. A great song that can tap into emotions you didn’t know you had.

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs- From past lovers, friends, and even one night stand to anyone in-between this song is a anthem to all. A simple thank you to anyone who has graced your past and left a bad taste on your tongue wrapped up in the form of melodies and riffs, the message of the song can be displayed to anyone who takes a listen. ‘Thanks for the memories even though they weren’t so great’.

Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am?- Once again another catchy song by Fall Out Boy. Sadly, it’s a tad on the short side, but that doesn’t stop the rhythm getting to your brain. Starting off with clapping and a gentle plucking on the guitar to match, this is a song you’ll just get lost to in the music more than the lyrics.

The (After) Life of the Party- Many emotions come to the surface when listening to this song. The musical aspect of the song has a heavy focus on the vocals with a slight and very well deserved spotlight on drums. By the end of the song you’ll be chanting ‘ I’m a stitch away from making it and a scar away from falling apart’.

The Carpal Tunnel of Love- This song comes accompanied with an interesting Happy Tree Friends themed music video that really brings to life the music. Starting off with a great guitar riff, the lyrics come subtly in starting the fury that is the song. A heavier song off the record for a darker mood.

Bang the Doldrums-  ‘I couldn’t bring myself to call except to call it quits’ , fear of commitment and toxic relationships are prevalent in this song as the beat rolls on through this three and a half minute song. This is one song I must say the bass and guitars work in perfect harmony together in.

Fame < Infamy-  A song for your local narcissist, though as I listen to the song, I feel as if the beat of the drum dictates the beat of my heart. The melodies create by the band allow the lyrics to flow with such ease as the self centered message is told.

You’re Crashing, But You’re No Wave- With chatter and guitar the drums come in as vocals come in. The song is quite notable, because of the concept of the lyrics. Containing a tragic message, vibe, or however you would take it the lyrics have a judge and jury theme going on. The style in which the lyrics are delivered in the song make it a great one to listen to.

I’ve Got All This Ringing In My Ears and None On My Fingers- Packed full of references from bassist Pete Wentz’s book called Gray  the wonderful song starts off with some fast piano and ends with the sounds of fire crackling paired with cheering and a electronic voiced telling you to press repeat, which of course I would do. The song in my opinion displays the talent vocalist Patrick Stump has in many ways.

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