Take This to Your Grave

Okay, since they've got a (potentially not shit) new record coming out next month, I thought it was about time to finally commit to listening to Fall Out Boy's discography. While I never got into them to the extent of other adjacent bands, I have to give FOB some credit as they were one of the first bands I ever heard that made me realise there was music out there that I actually enjoyed, outside of just whatever my dad was playing. I was still a pretty casual music listener in 2016 though, so only got round to a couple of their full albums. Seven years later, I feel like it's about time.

So, how's the debut? Honestly, this is a perfectly fine pop punk album. Like, sincerely, it's totally okay. While there's an undeniable charm in the energy of the band, it certainly FEELS like a debut. I'm not crazy about Patrick's vocals on some of these tracks, but the songwriting is interesting enough to keep things engaging and fun. It might seem like a lazy observation, but honestly there's a lot about this album that reminds me of "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" - without the things that suck about that record, but also without the unique touches that make it interesting. Overall an okay debut showing a decent amount of promise.

Favourites: Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy, Dead on Arrival, Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things To Do Today
Least Favourites: Grenade Jumper