By: Derico Williams '12
Music has become the cornerstone of what is known as, “American” life. Different genres of music have appeared over the last 100 years; however, most genres now are newer, redefined versions of older forms of music. Chicago, considered the home of the Blues, has produced big names in the music industry. One particular punk rock band, Fall Out Boy, hails from Wilmette, Illinois. The band was formed by friends Joe Trohman and Pete Wentz in 2001. Band members include Wentz and Trohman, as well as Patrick Stump and Andy Hurley.
On May 3, 2005, FOB released their first major label album entitled, From Under The Cork Tree. It debuted on the Billboard 200 at #9, selling over 68,000 copies its first week; after that it reached double platinum status selling more than 2.5 million albums in the U.S. alone. Their first single, “Sugar We’re Going Down”, peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200, #3 on the Modern Rock Charts, and #6 on the Pop 100. The video for the song won an MTV2 Award at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards. The band was also nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 2006 Grammy Awards. The album was excellent, and fans would not have expected anything less from FOB. Although the video was funny, it had very little to do with the song itself. Another example of their videos not relating to the songs is their third single, “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More Touch Me”. The video, which is about vampires, does not make sense when you listen to lyrics. For instance, one line of the song says: “You’re just the girl all the boys want to dance with, and I’m just the boy who had too many chances”. In my opinion, this has nothing to do with vampires, nor the title.
FOB could’ve done better for a debut album. They may’ve turned some fans of with similar sound. Most of the songs when you listen seem to have the same focus, the same sound. If you liked the two singles, you’ll love the album. What most fans who were turned off by the same sound don’t realize is if you give the songs a second chance, you can hear a difference. The first track on the album, "Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued” is a great song. It shows the fun nature of FOB, and shows the difference between them and an emo band. The album is a great listen if you’re attracted to upbeat and catchy songs. However, you’ll hate this album if you need technicality in your music.
Other than the videos and song titles, the album itself was a great debut for Fall Out Boy, the best they could have probably asked for. Fall Out Boy’s last album release was in the beginning of 2009 which was their last collaboration as a group. On November 20th, 2009 the band announced they would be putting their music on hiatus to work on individual endeavors. Fans will be disappointed; however, who knows what the future may hold for FOB.
Track Listing
1."Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued" 3:09
2."Of All the Gin Joints in All the World" 3:11
3."Dance, Dance" 3:00
4."Sugar, We're Goin Down" 3:49
5."Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner" 3:21
6."I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth
(Summer Song)" 3:11
7. "7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen)" 3:23
8. "Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year" 3:23
9. "Champagne for My Real Friends, Real Pain for My Sham Friends" 3:23
10. "I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written
About Me" 3:31
11."A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More "Touch Me"" 2:49
12."Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part to Save the Scene and Stop Going to Shows)" 3:27
13."XO" 3:40
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