Fall Out Boy returns to the scene with their eighth studio album ‘So Much (For) Stardust’

‘So Much (For) Stardust’ has a similar sound to a few of the band’s earlier albums. Still, the album also brings forth new elements that make the album less of a copy and paste modern version of earlier works and turn the album into something new entirely. The album, as a whole, sounds more majestic and almost grandiose at times. The album starts with a soft keyboard and orchestral intro, which crescendos into the punchy head bobbing guitar-driven song “Love From The Other Side.” The melodic guitar riffs don’t end there with this album; “Hold Me Like A Grudge” has a beyond catchy riff in the chorus that will get stuck in your head for days at a time. In addition to the infectiously upbeat songs on this album, certain tracks strip back to deliver a more emotional impact. Such is the case with the song “Heavens, Iowa,” which starts with nothing but shakers, vocals, and an atmospheric tone in the background, and by the time we arrive at the second repeat of the refrain, a nice simple easy to follow drum beat has joined the fray. While it may seem minute compared to the entirety of the song, it elevates its build in intensity until it reaches its crescendo. When the chorus comes back a second time, a tasteful yet impactful guitar part is introduced that solidifies the gravity of the lyrics in the chorus;

Scar crossed lovers/Forever/I’m checking myself out forever/I’m saving this all for later/Scar crossed lovers/Forever/Here we are untouched forever/I’m saving this all for later.

The random spoken segment “The Pink Seashell” by Ethan Hawke and the spoken word poem “Baby Annihilation” performed by Fall Out Boy’s bassist Pete Wentz, might sound out of pocket on most albums, but both pieces are placed strategically and serve as palette-cleansing interludes that prepare the listener for the next album segment. Fall Out Boy is known for using highly subjective and indescribable meanings in their lyrics, and the songs on this album are no different. Despite not always having clear-cut, easily discernible meanings in the lyrics, all the songs on this album carry an emotional weight that is easy for any listener to connect with.

‘So Much (For) Stardust’ was produced by Neal Avron, who produced some of the band’s earlier albums, such as ‘From Under The Cork Tree,’ ‘Infinity On High,’ and ‘Folie á Deux.’ Despite returning to work with the producer from their earlier era, It was noted by the band’s lead singer Patrick Stump during an NME interview earlier this year that “it’s not a throwback record.” He also stated that “ [He] didn’t want to go back to a specific style, but [he] wanted to imagine what it would have sounded like if [they] had made a record right after ‘Folie á Deux’ [their fifth album that debuted in 2009] instead of taking a break for a few years.” 

This album does feel reminiscent of older Fall Out Boy albums. The album builds on their older work while introducing new elements to create a new sound that any new listener can enjoy, and older fans will enjoy the album’s nostalgic presence.