A review of Fall Out Boy’s new album, M A N I A
Fall Out Boy’s sixth official album released earlier this year, and it is nothing to turn one’s nose to. Frontman Pete Wentz and singer Patrick Stump (plus the drummer nobody knows) return with an album that proves the band is nowhere close to stopping their legendary rock n’ roll music making. Although this is one of Fall Out Boy’s shortest albums, it still packs a punch.
M A N I A opens with “Young and Menace,” a new style for them but nonetheless still awesome and catchy. With its use of technological sounds and electronica beats, it’s a new step for Fall Out Boy, but still done seamlessly and with ease. It’s also a great opener to their new album.
The next song, “Champion,” is all about overcoming one’s challenges and traversing the struggles of life. This is a great “get-up-and-go” song that summons motivation in anyone who listens and reminds one that they can conquer anything.
“Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea” is also very good, although the meaning is very obscure it has very interesting sounds and lyrics. This is another inspiring song with the words: “The only thing that’s ever stopping me is me.”
“HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON’T,” one of the best songs on the album, is definitely the fan favorite. This is the source of many of Fall Out Boy’s recent merch including the lyrics “hold me tight or don’t” and the ocean wave picture associated with the song.
“The Last of the Real Ones” is another hit, it’s a nice, edgy song to listen to when you think of that cute girl/boy in class. It signifies finding someone who is actually “real” and not fake, which can be hard to come by these days.
“Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)” is another good song, but far from being one of the most notable from the album. Although it isn’t the best, it still has Fall Out Boy’s unique sound.
“Church” and “Heaven’s Gate” are both amazing songs where Fall Out Boy belts out astonishing sounds that bring thoughts of that special someone in your head. “Heaven’s Gate” is my personal favorite because of how it sounds and what the lyrics describe; it is truly a masterpiece of music.
“Sunshine Riptide” has a unique sound as well. Fall Out Boys collaborates with an artist called Burna Boy and the lyrics they come up with have a strong message.
Finally, “Bishops Knife Trick” closes out the album with Fall Out Boy’s talented lyrical prowess intertwined with a slow to medium beat that is perfect for either laying back and falling asleep to or headbanging to the beat with.
The M A N I A album is a fresh reminder that Fall Out Boy is just as talented as they always have been, and they’re not going anywhere.
