Review - Fall Out Boy

3 out of 5
Artist: Fall Out Boy | Album Title: Infinity on High | Release Date: February 6, 2007 | Label: Island Records | Reviewed By: Sean Salomon

A couple years ago I doubt that anybody realized what Fall Out Boy would become. Many of us may still remember the band as the opening act at hardcore shows: out of place but still commanding respect. Their interject style of playing has today made them an every day name in the music world. The question now is, will the legacy continue with the release of Infinity on High?

The album as a whole is a standard Fall Out Boy release. If you weren't a fan of the band's older work, you can take an immediate pass on this one. As with any Fall Out Boy release, you're going to get basic pop/punk with really catchy melodies and choruses but fairly simple music backing it up.

The first taste that most people got of Infinity on High was probably the hit single "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race". I really wasn't pleased with the whole first minute of the song but after that it starts to pick up. The chorus is pretty catchy but it's still one of my least favorite songs on the album. I'm sure that there are people that hate this song simply because it uses the word "scene", but that is neither here nor there.

My criticism of this album is that some of the more experimental things didn't catch, and the guitar work isn't the best. The album is questionably not as catchy as their previous work. The guitar parts could have been a little more creative and there were too many short quarter notes in my opinion. Other than that the album is enjoyable to listen to, good for background music, driving or getting ready for a night out on the town. The highlight of Infinity on High is definitely the vocals.

Fall Out Boy will carryon gaining popularity with Infinity on High. There's no reason to stop liking them because of their popularity. If you're a fan of the band's older work then their newest release shouldn't be an exception, but if you're a first time listener I would definitely recommend checking out their previous albums first.

My personal favorite tracks are "Hum Hallelujah", "Thanks for The Memories" and "The Carpal Tunnel of Love".