The post-hiatus hijinks are back at it again, as the lovable lowdown punks have released yet another stellar album. Proceeding their former chart-topping album American Beauty/American Psycho is the lavender-hued, and steel scented successor M A N I A. The album is listed as an LP, a full-length album, yet in recent becoming’s, Fall Out Boy has sent a vinyl to a beloved fan, and the band stated the vinyl had a new track on the record, leaving a mark on the pop-punk prophets.

Many times, in the music industry, a new album suggests a new era, and M A N I A is no exception. Compared to the band’s previous releases, this album is an outlier compared to its heavier, more traditional pop-punk siblings. Some of the song titles, including “Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea” and “Wilson,” stay true to Fall Out Boy’s custom of disassociation to the lyrics, yet the lyrics and music itself has evolved. The best way to describe this era is modern—rather than sellout—their sound has completely changed (for the better!) from their classic 2008 edge to synth alternative.

M A N I A was treated as the middle child in terms of publicity. Social Media was barren on the release, and news outlets just as unfruitful. The question of why is most likely due to an underground aesthetic…or maybe they didn’t give as much attention to this one as needed.

Honorable Mention:

HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON’T: Compared to the last two songs, this one outshines them twice-fold. With a brand-new sound, instrumentally and lyrically, Fall Out Boy slightly rebranded with this LP. The music itself is snappy and has an island-ish feel to it. With motifs to smoking and intimate connections, this song completely fits in with the 20teen’s. Fall Out Boy has certainly used love as inspiration in their songs previous, yet not as explicitly as they did in this album. With the lyric—and title— “hold me tight or don’t” is more of an insinuation rather than an option. This song has such a different sound it’s difficult to see where it’s inspiration comes from previous pieces of theirs.

Personal Opinion: This song is so inexplicably good. The lyrics are sweet—and savory—and the rhythm itself is so unique and catchy.

Song Relation: Irresistible, American Beauty/American Psycho (2015)

(This Article is Actually the New Full-Length Song Title to Fall Out Boy’s New Single.)

By Fall Out Boy.