Review: Fall Out Boy – American Beauty/American Psycho

When Fall Out Boy returned in 2013 with ‘Save Rock And Roll’ it was with some trepidation that I approached the album. The band’s move away from their early sound towards a poppier sound wasn’t really what I was hoping for, but after some time the album won me over. It may not have reached the same heights as some of their older albums but still brought some great songs in the likes of ‘The Phoenix’ and the title track.

Now two years on Fall Out Boy have released ‘American Beauty/American Psycho’. Not many reformed bands after a hiatus manage to put out two albums, nevermind two credible albums which prove they are still relevant. Luckily FOB have managed to do just now. Whilst far more similar to ‘Save Rock And Roll’ then any of the earlier FOB albums, ‘American Beauty/American Psycho’ shows the band continuing to redefine and expand their sound.

The album kicks off with the rather big sounding ‘Irresistable’, keeping up the tradition of strong opening tracks. The title track bursts in next with an irregular beat, catchy lyrics and an irrepressible sense of energy. It’s not the same type of excitement they have previously packed into their songs but it’s just as effective. The first single ‘Centuries’ follows with a huge vocal from Patrick Stump.

One of the big features of modern Fall Out Boy is how good Patrick’s vocals are, whether on record or live. He has changed his vocal style noticeably and can often carry the whole band on his own as a frontman in live performances. This has been demonstrated by acoustic sessions where Patrick is the only one singing or playing.

Sadly ‘The Kids Aren’t Alright’ isn’t a cover of the great Offspring song but is a nice change of pace as slower ballad by FOB standards. This is followed by the brilliant ‘Uma Thurman’ which sees the band thoroughly enjoying themselves and playing around with new sounds. This may in fact be the highlight of the album.

‘Novocaine’ hints at the rockier side of the band but also integrates the kind of chorus that carries throughout the album. This feels like an album which has its own identity and establishes modern Fall Out Boy as here to stay. Set to embark on some more huge tours this year its pleasing to say they’re back and as relevant as ever.

Best Songs: Uma Thurman, American Beauty/American Psycho, Irresistable

Rating: 8/10

Lionel Messi – Back To Being The Best

13 days ago Cristiano Ronaldo was deservedly named the best player in the world at the 2015 Ballon D’Or ceremony. No one could truly dispute Cristiano had been the best player in the world throughout 2014. However, in the first  few weeks of 2015 Lio Messi has quickly moved to reassert himself as the greatest player in the world, and indeed arguably the greatest ever seen.

Some of Messi’s performances, such as the demolition of Atletico Madrid, one of the strongest defences in world football, have been utterly mesmeric. With Neymar Jr alongside him Messi has found the perfect foil. Many of Neymar’s goals this season have come from moments of genius by the little Argentine. This weekend’s masterclass against Elche was a perfect example of this.

All top players need one or two players near their level to bounce off as Messi now has exactly that with Neymar and Luis Suarez up front at Barca, forming a front three capable of competing with Real Madrid’s BBC of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano.

Barcelona’s front three: Suarez, Messi and Neymar

It seems almost as if Ronaldo picking up another Ballon D’Or has inspired Messi to up his game, and he is now doing things no other player on the planet is capable of. This is not wholly similar to Ronaldo’s reaction to Messi’s last Ballon D’Or win when he pushed himself harder than ever to remain the crown, and retain it.

The football world is lucky to have Ronaldo and Messi pushing each other, each determined to be not only the best player in the world but the best of all time. They surely must both rank in the Top 10, possibly Top 5 and it would not be at all surprising for one to end their career hailed as the greatest ever.

2015 looks to be another fascinating year with Messi back to the peak of his prodigious powers. There is no doubt Ronaldo will not ease off. The other question will be for the seventh year running, is there anyone else out there who dares to challenge these two?

Real Madrid’s front three: Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema