I Have Internet!

I’m safely in Poland, although this being a belated post as i’ve been in Poland for over a week now. But I have internet so I can use my own computer so i’ll be here more often! Now I just need to find new albums to add with other albums and all will be well for this blog. I’ve started studying and all so everything’s working out so far

New posts to come very soon!

Bon Voyage England

So, it’s 4:30am and i’m leaving in thirty minutes. I’m going to miss everyone that I leave behind so much, but i’m going to be back in around 2 months, so it shouldn’t be as bad. It just feels so much worse, like i’m leaving forever. I can’t wait to start my future, in career and life, because this is a perfect opportunity for me and i’m taking it with both hands. This is just the start to a bright future, and i’m strangely optimistic.

I won’t have internet for a week or so while i’m out there, but when I do, blogging with re-commence.

Take care all

Fall Out Boy – Folie à deux

With their success and fan base growing with every year, Fall Out Boy’s fifth studio album was being eagerly awaited by hundreds of thousands across the globe. You never know what sound they’ll come out with, as they’ve matured and improved over the years and with the follow up success of Infinity On High, i’m sure the boys were feeling confident of their abilities in the mainstream. The album was released on December 14th here, and I was eager to see what I’d think of the album. My first impressions, I’m not going to lie, were a little disappointed. I think that’s only because I had loved the previous albums so much, that this felt like a step back. As you listen to it more, you appreciate it’s maturity and charm.

Disloyal Order Of Water Buffaloes is first and straight away you can notice the difference in albums. It’s a different kind of rock, more actual rock than alternative. The lyrics are also genius, as usual.

I Don’t Care was the first single and peaked in the charts at #33. Rather unimpressive in comparison to previous songs, it just shows you how the industry has changed in the last year or so. The song has different styles throughout and it’s definitely a better choice for a first single than on the previous album.

She’s My Winona is the next song and was the fifth and final single from the album. The “oh”s at the beginning are really energetic and the harmonies in the chorus work really well.

America’s Suitehearts follows and is one of my favourites off the album. As the fourth single, it had a lot to live up to, as the singles previously haven’t taken off so well. Unfortunately, nor did this at it charted at a  low #76. The song itself isn’t the usual anthem we’re used to from a Fall Out Boy hit, but it definitely sticks in your head, and that’s what is important.

Headfirst Slide Into Coopestown On A Bad Bet is next, and is the only real long, stupid name. This song never really grabs your attention as much, I like the way it changes in dynamics, but that’s about it that I feel is worth mentioning. It was released as the second single.

The (Shipped) Gold Standard follows and is definitely one of the better songs on the album. Stump brings in his falsetto during the chorus which is always a joy to listen to. The bridge mixes up the tempo and style of the song, and I really love how they’ve done that.

(Coffee’s For Closers) is next and has a great drum and strings intro. The song doesn’t really get started until the chorus, where it explodes into life and reminds you of the “old” Fall Out Boy-type choruses that we used to know and love.

What A Catch, Donnie follows and is a great song. Towards the end as Stump sings the chorus, in the background, various members of bands on the Fueled By Ramon record label sing previous choruses of Fall Out Boy songs previously released. It’s a brilliant idea and it works really well.

27 is next and brings a nice up-tempo feel to it. “I want it so bad I’d shoot the sunshine into my veins” is an example of the lyrics which are a little drug-related throughout the song, but still shows you that they’ve still got the lyrical presence in them.

Tiffany Blews follows and I enjoy the “oh”s that stump does yet again. This song has a slight bluesy feel to it which I enjoy. I prefer the second part of the chorus to the first as it has that extra dimension that the first part lacks.

w.a.m.s. is next and another track filled with brilliant lyrics and a killer chorus, I love the sound to it. At the end of the song, there’s a little rhythm and blues/jazz feel as Stump has an acapella jam with claps and foot stomps.

20 Dollar Nose Bleed follows and Fall Out Boy have definitely left some of the better songs to the end, as you get a brassy ska feel to the song, with Stump’s vocals sounding very gospel-like with the backing singers joining in to the feel of it. That’s a good thing by the way.

West Coast Smoker is the final song on the album. I love the part where they sing about the father, son and holy ghost. Stump’s ending the album in style reminding us not to forget about his brilliant vocals.

Overall, Folie à deux is an okay album. And I think i’m being generous with it. After listening to it a few more times, I don’t dislike it as much as did, but it hasn’t improved significantly for me to love it. There are a few good songs, but I just feel it’s a step backwards from their two previous albums. As the album ended in style, I’m giving it an 8/10.

Carrie Underwood – Carnival Ride

After the phenomenal success of her debut album, Some Hearts, in America, the multi platinum recording artist Carrie Underwood set her sights on the tricky “make you or break you” sophomore album that most artists pray they get right. It’s a chance to find your sound and really establish what artist you want to be, if you’ve come from a reality show like Underwood did. Her album was released here on July 7th 2008, 9 months after its release in America. But regardless of the wait, you’d soon find out that what you’re about to listen to was more than worth it.

Flat On The Floor is first, and the intro sounds a little like We’re Young And Beautiful from the previous album, but you soon realise when Underwood comes in, that this song is far greater than the other track. Carrie’s voice has clearly improved, with a more powerful sound.

All-American Girl is next and was the second single in America. It took me a while to get into this song, as I didn’t really appreciate the vocals, but after hearing it many times, it’s definitely grown on me. The verses are definitely its strong point.

So Small was the lead off single to the album in America. It’s a slow song, really showing Underwood’s improved control since the debut. The lyrics are brilliant, “sometimes that mountain you’ve been climbing is just a grain of sand” they touch you with their simplicity.

Just A Dream is next and was released as the fourth single. It continues the slower theme, with a theme about a woman who’s just lost her husband. The lyrics are so sad, and Underwood really does them justice, telling the story so beautifully.

Get Out Of This Town follows with a happier and more up-beat feel to it. The chorus is catchy and will likely get you moving. Underwood’s vocals are really unmistakable, which sets her apart from the other country artists out there.

Crazy Dreams is next and don’t confuse this with the other ‘dream’ in the title. This song is a great country song about how your ambitions can come true.

I Know You Won’t follows and brings the tempo right down, with Underwood hurling out the charm into your ears, as she whispers out the verse. As it gets to the chorus, it really becomes one of my favourites on the album. Her change between falsetto and normal voice is magical.

Last Name is next and was the third single from the album. It has a sort of Before He Cheats feel to it. It’s definitely a Carrie anthem, with her killer attitude and vocals blowing you away. It’s definitely a firm favourite on the album for me.

You Won’t Find This follows up and is a beautiful song, changing from the high energy previous song, to this flowing ballad. Underwood’s voice sounds amazing during the chorus.

I Told You So was the fifth and final single from the album. It was a cover of the Randy Travis song of the same name. It’s a brilliant cover, and definitely one of my favourites from the album. Her voice carries out the longer, high notes so effortlessly.

The More Boys I Meet is next and brings the tempo back up. I love how Underwood sings “I don’t think so” throughout the song. The verses are brilliantly constructed and Carrie sounds brilliant as usual.

Twisted feels a little bit like a better ‘Wasted’ from the last album. It’s up-beat and catchy, with the chorus really bringing the song to life. Underwood really shines with the long, powerful notes.

Wheel Of The World is the final song on the album, and, i’ve got to say, I feel the album could have ended a little better. It’s not a bad song, but it’s not really a great song either. It’s a slower song to round the album off, and Underwood does her best to bring the song some meaning.

Overall, Carnival Ride is a major improvement to her debut, with plenty more great songs rather than just “okay” ones. Okay, so it didn’t chart in the UK and nor is she that popular over here. But that doesn’t matter, she’s having major success in America and she deserves it. This album is at least an 8/10.

Carrie Underwood – Some Hearts

Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, and had the tough task of trying to do what season 2 and 3 winners failed to do, and that was to be as successful as Kelly Clarkson. She beat runner-up Bo Bice and went on to sing the coronation song Inside Your Heaven. I can’t remember how I got into Carrie, or even found out about her, as American Idol wasn’t on over in this country, but i’m so glad I did as she’s an amazing vocalist and country singer. This album holds one of the best Carrie songs on it, which I’m sure you could take a guess at, once you listen to it. The album was released on November 15th 2005 in America, where I presume it was released here around that time.

Wasted is the first track off the album, and gets straight into the country feel. It was the sixth and final single in America. She doesn’t waste (excuse the pun) any time in reminding us why she won American Idol with her vocal range.

Don’t Forget To Remember Me is next, and a really sweet song from Underwood. It was the fourth single in America and Underwood shows her tender vocals aswell as her belting notes.

Some Hearts is the titled track from the album, being released as the third single from Some Hearts. This is a more poppy song than some of the others, towards the end where she uses the highest octave in her range is beautiful.

Jesus, Take The Wheel follows and was the second single from the album. It’s a great slow song, with a more country feel to it and is probably my favourite slow song on the album.

The Night Before (Life Goes On) is next, and I’ve got to say, i’m not a huge fan of this song. I mean, yeah it’s okay musically with its verses and choruses, but there’s nothing that’s amazing about it. And I don’t really like the chosen way she sang “the night before, life goes on”.

Lessons Learned follows Underwood starting in her lower range, before switching between it and her higher range. She really has a great upper range and this song is a good example of that.

Before He Cheats is next, and was the fifth single from the album and my personal favourite song by Underwood in her career so far. The song is perfect, with her oozing “independent lady”ness. That’s right, it’s a word. It’s country pop at its finest.

Starts With Goodbye follows and really gets going during the chorus, as Underwood’s vocals really stand out best in the upper octaves and that’s just what she does in the chorus.

I Just Can’t Live A Lie is next and has a familiar feel to it, similar to the previous song. But nevertheless the song is good, with Underwood showing her potential for another record.

We’re Young And Beautiful follows and is a welcome change from the similar last two songs. It’s more of a faster song, but not too fast. The attitude to the song is really good and it has a nice feel to it.

That’s Where It Is is next and is a beautiful song. Underwood has done many slow songs on this album, but this definitely is a great one. I love the lead up to the chorus.

Whenever You Remember follows and has a less country feel to it, as it’s a piano ballad. The chorus is sweet and I feel like I should be swaying my arms in the sky as I listen.

I Ain’t In Checotah Anymore is the penultimate track on the album and is about the changes she’s gone through from winning American Idol. It’s a great way of expressing her feelings about winning, the song is great.

Inside Your Heaven is the final track on the album and the coronation song of her Idol win. It was the first single and the ballad really shows off her vocal ability.

Overall, Some Hearts is a decent debut album from the season four winner, but there’s definitely greater things to come from Carrie Underwood. I’d rate this album as 7.5/10.

The Saturdays – Chasing Lights

The Saturdays are a group formed of two ex-’S Club Juniors’ members and an X Factor reject. Okay, reject sounds rather harsh. An unsuccessful X Factor hopeful. That’s a little better. Anyway, with two other girls thrown in for good measure, both more than qualified for the band by the way, and this band was born. I feel I’ve started on a negative note, I don’t mean it that way. The Saturdays were the first girl group to be produced by Polydor and thrown into the deep end since Girls Aloud, and in fairness, the industry were needing a fresh new girl band as Girls Aloud were dominating, but soon to be taking a break. The album was released on October 27th 2008 and soon became something of a guilty pleasure of mine.

If This Is Love starts the album off, with synthesizers introducing us to the track. When I first heard this, I felt that it needed that something extra in the chorus, as the voices sort of just blended into the background of it. It was the lead single, a poor choice, in my opinion, as it doesn’t really do anything to make you remember the band. On the contraire, it charted at #8 here.

Up is next, and actually starts off the album in sound. A brilliant dance-pop song that completely got me hooked on this band. This should have been the first single, but it was the second and reached #5 in the chart. Vanessa White, the most prominent singer of The Saturdays, really shows her capability straight away and she’s only 19, but boy does she have a set of pipes on her.

Keep Her follows with a killer dance beat intro. This is one of my favourite songs on this album, but I may find myself repeating this phrase a lot through the rest of the review. The song has a definite “Lady’s anthem” feel to it, as the girls ferocity oozes through this song.

Issues is the first slow song to the album, and hopefully shows that the girls can do both tempos. Of course they can, this is a killer song. The chorus caused controversy with “can’t decide if I should slap you or kiss you” the ’slap’ sounded like ’stab’ and some people felt they were promoting violence. Yes, it may sound like stab, but I think this is a little extreme and very “P.C. (politically correct)” Regardless of stabbing or slapping, this song is brilliant and was the third single, charting at #4.

Lies is next, again with a strong electro-pop baseline. All of their voices work well together, and their sharing of verses giving them all a chance to shine is what I like about them. In the bridge near the end of the song, White takes the role of hitting those high notes and playing about with the notes that she does oh so well.

Work follows and was their fifth and final single from the album. Charting at #22 isn’t as bad as it looks compared to the others, as the album had been released way before, and with 4 singles already in the top 10, you can’t complain. This dance-pop anthem is brilliant, and will definitely have you singing and dancing.

Chasing Lights is next and starts with the girls chanting “go on, go on, go on” several times so enchantingly. Okay, so that may not be a word, but you know what I mean. I really love this song though, as the chorus is brilliant, with the girls changing back and forth from their beautiful falsettos. White shines with her vibrato above the chorus.

Set Me Off follows and has the Up and Keep Her electro dance beat feel to it. This is a gem on the album and the song really gets into full swing near the end when the girls sing the chorus with White singing over them. Her vocal ability is just incredible.

Fall is one of the slower songs on the album, showing they can do belting anthems and soft ballads. This song actually doesn’t use White as the prominent singer apart from in the vocal harmonies, which is nice that they change it about a little bit.

Vulnerable is next and is a real sing-along song. It’s really difficult for me to find any faults in their songs, as I seem to really enjoy all of them. All I can do is praise them, as they swap roles between them for the verses, individually showing their capability.

Why Me, Why Now is the final track on the album, before the bonus tracks. In my opinion, is the weakest track on the album. BUT, I really like this song, so it’s not a negative thing to say, I just think that this is the “least good” song. That’s also not a real phrase, but the more I listen to this song, the more I enjoy it.

Up (Wideboys Remix Edit) is the bonus track on the album. It is just a decent remix of Up, although I’m not a huge fan of remixes in general.

Just Can’t Get Enough was added to the album in the re-release. It was their fourth single, and the comic relief single. It charted at #2 and was a cover of Depeche Mode’s song of the same name. Although it is the first single never to reach #1, it was their highest charting song to date. I really like this song, as it has a positive energy and really gets you singing along.

Overall, Chasing Lights is an amazing debut from The Saturdays. The only disappointing thing was that it didn’t chart higher, peaking at #9 on the album chart, but getting certified Platinum. This is one of the best pop debuts I’ve heard and it doesn’t fail to put me in a good mood. This album is more than worth 9.5/10.

Pixie Lott – Turn It Up

Pixie Lott came from absolutely nowhere to get her first number one single in the UK. No one had heard of her, yet she enters the chart at #1 with her single Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh). The same could be said for other artists such as Lady GaGa and Katy Perry, so it’s not unheard of, but this young 18-year-old was different. She didn’t have experience, just youthful charm and a different sound to what we’ve heard before. Turn It Up was released on September 14th 2009 and was surprised, as it was better than I thought it would be. Yes, the album does feel like it’s by a teenager, but that works in its favour. It’s not the best album you’ll hear, but it’s definitely a great start by the 18-year-old from Kent.

Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh) starts the album off and was the first single. It went straight in at #1 where it stayed there for a week. The songs clapping background definitely makes you want to dance to it, and Lott’s vocals are actually capable of big things, as she delivers a few high notes and vocal trills.

Cry Me Out is next, and is probably my favourite off the album. It’s a slower, ballad song. With a piano in the background playing repetitive chords, the song reaches its chorus where Lott shows off her vocal range, with sweet melodies and subtle backing vocals. It is expected to be the third single.

Band Aid follows with an acoustic guitar intro. Lott starts out in her lower vocal range which gives her a different sound, with a rhythm and bluesy feel to her vocals down in that key. The backing vocals in this song I really enjoy, as they come in at points and really give the song that extra something.

Turn It Up starts with Lott chanting “turn it up” many times. I have mixed feelings for this song, as I don’t really care for the “turn it up” chanting she does through the chorus or the “baby” that she does at the start of the verses. I do, however, enjoy everything else about the song, as her voice sounds better when it’s melodic.

Boys And Girls is next and was the second single from the album, also charting in at #1. This is also a great song, the backing track is catchy, as is the song itself with Pixie exploring her vocal range.

Gravity follows and starts with a computer generated voice of Lott’s chanting ‘gravity’. This song never fails to make me smile, as Lott’s pronunciation is so British compared to anyone who sings a song with the word in as “gravidy”. Lott makes sure she sings “gravitee“. The song is good though once you get past that fact, as I find myself singing along right now.

My Love is next and reminds me of a few songs actually, although Lott makes sure you come back to remember her song, with her vocals as sweet and endearing as ever. Towards the end of the song, she starts playing with the notes which is surprisingly a joy to listen to, as a lot of teenagers take it too far.

Jack is probably one of my favourites off the album, close with Cry Me Out. This song has a nursery rhyme theme, the verses have a smooth, up-beat rhythm to it, and the bridge changes the song in dynamics, having like a scale-type couple of lines before leading back into the up-beat rhythm for the chorus. It’s nice to see how a young artist can change parts of the song like that.

Nothing Compares is next and is a slow song which you’d be getting your lighters out and swaying them to. The verses are tender, as it feels like she’s whispering her words to you, but shows controlled power in her voice in the chorus, singing out her pain with “They say if it doesn’t kill you it’ll make you stronger”.

Here We Go Again follows and brings the album back to up-beat sound. I must admit, I wasn’t that keen on it at first, but after hearing it a few times, it’s really good as the beat will get you moving and the backing music going down in key four times in a row at the end of the chorus made me like this song, as weird as it sounds.

The Way The World Works is next and again the music goes well with Lott’s lyrical placement. The chorus sounds magical with, what sounds like, a xylophone in the background adding to the effects. The change in tempo from verse to chorus is also brilliant. She changes it up a third time in the bridge two-thirds into the song with her repetition of the word “ever” sounding rather like Natasha Bedingfield. Unfortunately, that’s not a compliment. We could’ve done without that Pixie!

Hold Me In Your Arms is the final song on the album and, if i’m honest, it doesn’t really end in style. Yes, the song is rather smooth and relaxing, and I like that, but the chorus phrase “hold me in your arms” is extended a bit too much, and I don’t really like the choice of notes she put with the phrase. The verses, however, I like.

Overall, Turn It Up surprised me by how much I liked it. The teenage qualities are actually rather likeable in her tracks, and with 2 #1 singles here under her belt, there’s no doubt she’s going anywhere but upwards after this. And at 18 years of age, with the album charting in the top 10, at #6 so far, she’s got the whole world ahead of her. This album is worthy of 8.5/10.

Gavin DeGraw – Free

Gavin DeGraw penned Free in less than two weeks and had released it around 10 months after his second album, the self-titled Gavin DeGraw, on March 31st 2009. His first two albums had really stood out to me as the best i’ve heard from any male singer-songwriter, so could Free be another to add to my collection? On the first listen, simply no. It can’t be compared to the other two, but I found it almost disappointing when I first heard it, with no track standing out very well. But, and this is a big but, as i’ve listened to it more, i’ve started to appreciate it for what it is. So if you enjoy it on your first listen, then brilliant. If not, don’t give up on it just yet, I’d say it’s a grower.

Indian Summer is the first track, and it’s a different start to what we’re used to. A slower arrangement, and not the instruments we’re used to. It’s a more simpler arrangement. Similar to the likes of Chariot (Stripped). This gets better the more you listen to it, with a slight bluesy feel to it.

Free is next, again with the slower tempo. You get the feeling that this album has a relaxed feel to it, as we’ve had a more up-tempo kind of DeGraw that we’re used to. The song picks up towards the second half, as Gavin plays with the notes of the song, using his falsetto that we’ve become accustomed to, to great effect.

Stay follows and was scheduled as the first single from the album. The song is centered around the piano rather than the guitars. In my opinion, I think it was the incorrect single choice for the album, as it seems like it doesn’t fit in well with the rest of the album. The song is just okay, but it feels like a reject of the previous album.

Mountains To Move is next, and follows the same pattern as the first two songs. I’d probably say that the song was forgettable, as it feels a lot more like background music. But it depends what mood you’re in, because this song would be great if you just need to relax while reading a book or a quick nap.

Glass follows and I’d have chosen this as the first single. Even though it’s not an up-tempo classic, and usually isn’t great to start off with a slow song for your first release. It’s my favourite off the album and definitely positioned in the right place to bring you back in favour of the album after the previous track.

Lover Be Strong is next, and isn’t the most perfectly melodic track we’ve heard from him, as some of the notes feel like they’re not quite “there”. The chorus structure is well thought out and I like the idea of what he decided to do. But something doesn’t quite feel right.

Dancing Shoes follows, with a lovely little piano intro which I could hear over and over. This is actually a really good track, DeGraw’s voice and just a piano is perfect for this album. His voice and piano playing work in unison to produce this great track.

Waterfall is next and has a “Mountains To Move” feel to it. The track has a chilled out feel to it, but it really picks up in quality towards the end, with DeGraw going into his upper range which we’re greatly familiar with.

Why Do The Men Stray is the last track on the album, and it polishes off the slower, chilled-out feel to the album. This track almost feels like DeGraw has a sore throat, and he’s whispering the song to you, but his voice is tuneful along with the acoustic guitar, so we can forgive him for that.

Overall, Free wasn’t what I was expecting. I thought we’d been spoiled by the prospect of another album so soon, but this album feels like it’s “one for the fans” with just him and his piano or guitar. I definitely prefer it more now than I did when I first heard it, as I was a little disappointed to begin with. I would have given this about a 3 before, but it’s grown on me, so i’ll award it a fair 7/10.

Paramore – brand new eyes

Paramore are back with their third studio album, and they’re really maturing as a band. After the reasonable success of Riot! and their majorly successful feature on the soundtrack of the first Twilight movie,  they’ve got a bigger fan base and are taking the world by storm. Williams and the gang, as I said before, have definitely matured, showing a major variety in style and difference in sound, which can only bring them more success. This album is a step in the right direction, with it’s release on September 28th 2009.

Careful is the first track on the album, and it sure starts off with a bang. With a peculier intro, leading to a fantastic chorus, with astounding vocals from Williams and brilliant rhythm guitar, you can’t go wrong with it.

Ignorance is next and was the first single from the album, so far peaking at #11 in the singles chart. The bridge and chorus are great, with “Ignorance is your new best friend” being chanted by Williams in the chorus.

Playing God follows and has a slower intro, with just a guitar melody. As Williams joins in, the song explodes into life, but it has a lighter feel to it. The lyrics are great, and with backing vocals from the guys when singing “I’ll point you to the mirror” adds a really nice touch to the song.

Brick By Boring Brick is next, and set to be the second single from brand new eyes. When I first heard this song, I knew I’d love it. The “Ba Da Ba, Ba Da Ba Ba Da” after the chorus is brilliant, and the chorus itself is melodic and catchy.

Turn If Off follows and it has a less-livelier feel to it. Williams still sounds magnificent, with a more tender performance to give you a different side to her.

The Only Exception is next and is a slower song with an almost lullaby-like intro. The song is soothing, and is something we’ve not heard from Paramore on the previous albums, with an acoustic guitar and keys backing up Williams’ voice.

Feeling Sorry follows and brings back the high energy to the album. I seem to always be going on about melodies and harmonies, but again Paramore deliver a great set of those, it’s something that stands out with them as a band.

Looking Up is the next track on the album and I love the drumming that Zac Farro bashes out during the chorus, it’s really well done with the guitars providing the foundations to a great song.

Where The Lines Overlap follows and was one of the tracks they previewed on their last tour before the album was released. Shockingly, my favourite part is the chorus as Williams continues with her stunning vocals. The outro notes are really good too.

Misguided Ghosts is a real slow ballad. With an acoustic guitar and Williams’ voice the only things heard, it’s a really sweet song. The acoustic guitar is played brilliantly and the style of the song is really different to what we’re used to from Paramore.

All I Wanted is the penultimate song on the album, and, I must admit, I wasn’t a fan when I first heard it. But after listening to it a few more times, it really grows on you. Another slower song to finish, with Williams’ haunting vocals really standing out majorly. You need a few listens to appreciate the song.

Decode is the final song on the album, and is a bonus track. It was featured on the Twilight soundtrack, and many people heard Paramore for the first time during the film. What annoys me about this song actually has nothing to do with the song itself, but Twilight fans think that Paramore equals Twilight. And that really gets on my nerves, as they’re extremely better than some vampire movie. All that aside, it’s still a really great song.

Overall, brand new eyes is definitely not what I was expecting. I thought we’d get an album almost identical to the last, but instead we have a completely new feel to the band, providing different arrangements and sounds that really took me by surprise. After thinking about it, I’d give the album 9/10, but that could change to something higher the more I listen to it!

Fall Out Boy – Infinity On High

Following the success of their previous album From Under The Cork Tree, Fall Out Boy had the tough task of producing a new album that was up to the standards of the last one. With the release of Infinity On High on February 5th 2007, we all rushed out to get our copy to see what Fall Out Boy did next. Upon hearing the first single, many fans were put off as it felt like a different band, and with a rapper also featuring in one of the tracks, questions were raised as if they’d become “sell-outs”. Many people’s opinions differ, so you’ll have to make your own mind up about this, but i’m not sure that they did sell out, just went in a different direction to show a new side to them.

Thriller is the first track and features rapper Jay-Z in the intro. The guitar intro behind his voice is good and the riffs into the vocals are really rock-y, with the double-bass pedal of the drums an unexpected welcome. The chorus is really catchy and one of my favourites on the album.

“The Take Over, The Breaks Over” is next and features Ryan Ross formally of Panic At The Disco and Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory, both doing guitar solos. This song is really great, with Stump’s vocals working well with the drumming and guitars in the background. Plus, the clapping in the song works well too and that’s why it reached #48 on the singles chart, as their third single.

This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race was the first single choice from the album, and soared into #2 on the singles chart. I much prefer the bridge to the chorus, as the “This Ain’t A Scene….” doesn’t really work for me. The “I’m a leading man…” however, I thoroughly enjoy.

I’m Like A Lawyer With The Way I’m Always Trying To Get You Off (Me & You) is next, and you didn’t really think we’d escape another long name, did you? It peaked at #91 on the singles chart, as it was the 4th single, it didn’t surprise me that it didn’t chart well. It’s a good song though, don’t get me wrong.

Hum Hallelujah follows and builds up from just drums to bass and rhythm guitar, then letting Stump enter with his magnificent voice. The chorus is the best part, as you sing along with the “Hum hallelujah”s. “I sing the blues and swallow them too.” is a great line in the song.

Golden is next, and is a rather unique song. It’s a piano ballad, which we’ve yet to experience from Fall Out Boy. And it’s a risk that pays off as the ballad is tender and subtle. The harmonies are particularly brilliant.

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs follows, and was the second single. It’s a fast, catchy song that we’re used to hearing from Fall Out Boy, a nice change in tempo from the ballad before. It reached a respectable #12 on the singles chart.

Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am? is next and brings you a bit more clapping for your appetite. “We walk the plank on a sinking ship” is just an example of one of Fall Out Boys genial lyrics from the album.

The (After) Life Of The Party follows and probably has my favourite song title of the album, I just think it’s really clever. The chorus is packed with plenty of belting notes that are held onto by Stump to make this track very memorable.

The Carpal Tunnel Of Love is next, and brings a slightly heavier side to Fall Out Boy, with screams from Wentz to take over a verse towards the end of the song. Stump picks it up at the end to deliver a melody back into your ears before you start getting carried away with your head banging!

Bang The Doldrums follows and has a guitar melody that’ll get stuck in your head for hours. “I couldn’t bring myself to call, except to call it quits” is an example why Fall Out Boy are brilliant lyricists.

Fame < Infamy is next, and brings the speed up as you get caught up in the guitar intros. The chorus, although not perfectly melodic, it’s still really good because the pace and sound of the song fit perfectly together.

You’re Crashing, But You’re No Wave follows and also has a great song name. The chorus is definitely a highlight, as Stump’s vocals really are a pleasure to listen to. He really deserves more credit than he gets.

I’ve Got All This Ringing In My Ears And None On My Fingers is next, and was the final track on the album, aside from bonus tracks. I love this song, it has a way of making me feel like dancing. My favourite lyric here has to be “You’re a canary, i’m a coal mine”.

G.I.N.A.S.F.S. is the final track, a bonus one. It’s a shame that some people didn’t get this song as it’s a really catchy one. The chorus is great and Stump rounds off a brilliant performance by him, and his band of course. At the end, it has a computer generated voice saying “Now press repeat.”

Overall, Infinity On High is a great follow up to their previous album, although doesn’t quite beat it. It doesn’t surprise me that this album did better though, as they reached out to new listeners as well as enticing the previous ones back for a new sound. The album reached #3 on the chart and it’d definitely be worth 8.5/10.