Fall Out Boy
Infinity On High
Release Date: Feb 6, 2007
Genre(s): Rock, Alternative
Record label: Island
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Album Review: Infinity On High by Fall Out Boy
Great, Based on 4 Critics
Based on rating A-
Could it possibly be a coincidence that the first song on Infinity On High, Fall Out Boy’s follow-up to their smash second album is called ”Thriller,” the title of Michael Jackson’s ne plus ultra of pop blockbusters? No, it couldn’t: With these perpetually arch emo kingpins, you can be sure all music-biz in-jokes are intentional. The song, belted out by singer Patrick Stump over caffeine-charged punk-pop guitar jolts, is a meditation on Fall Out Boy’s favorite theme, Fall Out Boy, that mixes paeans to loyal fans (”Our hearts beat for the diehards”) with what is either a parody of rock-star grandeur or the genuine article: ”I can take your problems away with a nod and a wave/Of my hand. ” The guy yammering over the song’s opening strains? That’s Def Jam president Jay-Z, Fall Out Boy’s pal — another reminder, for those who may have missed the point, that the little band from Chicagoland has graduated to the ranks of pop royalty.
Based on rating 4.0/5
Review Summary: Fall Out Boy ditch more of their hardcore roots and play up to their pop sensibilities. Properly, this time. Fall Out Boy’s recent courtship of hip hop has been well-documented, and they’ve made no real effort to hide their desperation, with bassist Pete Wentz name-dropping rappers like Lil’ Wayne and Kanye West with increasing frequency in the run-up to Infinity On High’s release, and hyping Timbaland at any available opportunity.
Based on rating 7/10
So the results are hit-and-miss. The Maroon 5-ish "I'm Like a Lawyer. .
Based on rating 3/5
With their ginger whiskers, snappy guitars and titles such as I've Got All This Ringing in My Ears and None on My Fingers, Fall Out Boy are, to the naked eye, four nerds who are in it for the chuckles. But it doesn't take much scraping to uncover the "issues" that are ruining their day. The Chicago band are so hot on the emo scene that Jay-Z agreed to kick off this third album with a guest rap.