Fall Out Boy is an American rock band that's notorious for influencing the pop-rock genre in the early 2000s. When asked today, it is undeniable which records carved Fall Out Boy’s name into history.
Following their hiatus, which lasted for three years, Fall Out Boy released an explosive, high-energy record titled Save Rock and Roll. This record consists of 11 tracks, with a running time of 41 minutes. Released in April 2013, Save Rock and Roll became Fall Out Boy’s second number-one album, and included their hit single “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up).” This record contains brilliant wordplay, passionate vocals, and soul-filled guitar riffs. What makes this record so impactful is the unapologetic nature, experimentation with different genres, and the way that the recording of this album flew under the radar from the press. Many music lovers credit their ability to explore new sounds in this record to their hiatus, saying that Fall Out Boy had nothing to lose, so it gave them the freedom to explore musically. Experimenting with R&B with Big Sean, punk with Courtney Love, and pop with Elton John made for a truly shocking and iconic record that remains loved ten years later.
Starting off strong, the record begins with “The Phoenix.” This song includes an explosive sample of “Allegro Non Troppo,” a 1941 classical work by composer Dmitri Shostakovich. The second track is “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up).” This single swept the charts and has achieved triple-platinum certification in the U.S. It’s very clear why this song would sweep the charts, as well as steal everyone’s hearts. The battle cry of the backing choir, the explosive drums, the catchy chorus, and the use of echo makes it sound like a hype song to lead armies. This song paints a picture in your head that you won’t be able to escape from. “Just One Yesterday (feat. Foxes)” explores electro/indie-pop with English singer-songwriter Foxes. "The Mighty Fall" (feat. Big Sean) is the perfect mesh of rock and R&B. "Rat a Tat" (feat. Courtney Love) encaptures an angsty beat, driving home the unforgiving and unapologetic theme of the album. Wrapping up the record with the track that inspired the name, Fall Out Boy concludes the album with “Save Rock and Roll” alongside pop sensation Elton John. This record is overwhelming and immersive: as any great piece of music should be. Throughout the ten years that this record has been released, it has remained an iconic piece of Fall Out Boy history. It only gets better as time goes on.
