M A N I A

What pushes Fall Out Boy after all these years is being open to change. *M A N I A* is filled with unexpected delights. “Young and Menace” drops steep breakdowns, vocal manipulation, huge drums, and an “Oops!... I Did It Again” interpolation into a confetti cannon. Even the most fervent fan won’t see “HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON’T” coming, with the guys locking into a tropical groove. “Champion” and “The Last of the Real Ones” are classic FOB: Patrick Stump’s proud, keening voice, catchy choruses, and heart and mind hurtling together toward the finish. Stump’s inner soul man comes out on “Heaven’s Gate” and “Wilson (Expensive Mistakes),” the latter blessed with the most perfect lyric: “I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color.” *M A N I A* is aptly titled, a riot of electronic pop and rock, color and conviction.

Fall Out Boy originally intended to release Mania (stylized M A N I A) last fall, but primary songwriters Patrick Stump (guitar/vocals) and Pete Wentz (bass/lyrics) realized something important in July: They didn’t like the album. “It doesn’t sound like Fall Out Boy,” Stump recalled thinking.

Fall Out Boy sack off their old sound on totally bonkers, and occasionally brilliant, seventh album 'MANIA'.

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