Fall Out Boy - From Under A Cork Tree

Fall Out Boy is one of my favorite modern bands after The Killers and Maroon 5, despite not being a particularly original band. From what little I've heard of it, Their debut album "Take this to your Grave" wasn't the shining example of something different and I'm pretty sure any punk band could've whipped those chords out. Their second album "From Under a Cork Tree" was responsible form shoving Fall Out Boy into the mainstream. It's nothing special technically, but it does showcase Fall Out Boy doing a few things that nobody else is doing right in rock/punk scene. Mainly, the lyrics are a step above anyone else. For a pop punk band Fall Out Boy writes some of the most original lyrical content.

The first track is good, a typical pump you up for whats to come piece. It's an easy, dancing along piece that will catch you instantly and not let go. I recall hearing the main single "Sugar, We're Going Down" one too many times before the album came out so I'm sick of that song. Besides, it's just not very good except for the lead in lines to the verses. The following track "Of all the gin joints" is much better than the single as it doesn't get tiresome, and if anything, it just gets more catchy every time I hear it. "Dance Dance" is another track worth mentioning because it's just a little different. I love the bridge that leads into the 2nd and last chorus. My personal highlights include "Nobody puts baby in the corner" and "XO". Their both fantastic tracks from start to finish. They both have this upbeat pace and have a slow paced flowing chorus that carries on towards the end to bring the album to a close.

I won't deny that there are some low points on the album such as the pseudo heavy metal screaming that they do from time to time. It just doesn't fit with this style of music is just painfully to listen to. Overall though this is a solid album, though it is far from flawless. They made a good, catchy, rock record. You can call it emo, you can call it pop punk, but that won't change the fact that it's really a very solid record. Some good guitar work, some very inaudible bass playing, some solid drums, good lyrics and a good voice. Some tracks that rock, and some that don't, but its all good.