REVISED: From Under the Cork Tree

From Under the Cork Tree, Fall Out Boy's sophomore album was released on May 3, 2005. Even though it is a sophomore album, it lacks the crappy music; Fall Out Boy even cracks jokes about how the sophomore album is supposed to suck with the song title "Sophomore Slump Or Comeback Of The Year". The whole album is poking fun at everyone, even themselves. There are obnoxious song titles such as "Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued" that compliment the lighthearted feeling the entire album puts off. With that being said, the album may not be the most beautifully crafted or musically technical piece it still has a lot of merits that make it worth listening too. The album accomplishes what it sets to do, sell albums and be catchy. 

Let's say that you are only going to listen to 3 songs off the album which 3 songs should you listen too? First one is an easy choice,  "I Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me".  It starts off Stump just speaking the chorus that sets the whole tone of the song because you can actually fully understand the lyrics. He then goes from speaking to singing as soon as the guitar strumming switches to an actual piece. The entire energy level change makes the energy from the song infectious. Second choice, hmmmm a little bit harder. But I would have to go with "XO". The song is so fast paced, which sets it apart from the album. The entire song goes between intense strumming to lighter strumming and then when it's paired with Stump's hushed voice it's perfect. I would say that it reminds me of an actual relationship, filled with ups and downs.The song is so intense, and lacks the teenage whininess of cookie cutter Fall Out Boy. "XO" is more focused on the sonic elements rather than making relatable lyrics. The guitar is the main focus (you go Pete, we all know you are an attention whore). Lastly, how could I forget "Sugar We're Doing Down". We all heard it about 23894345909 times on the radio. Nevertheless it is still an awesome song that I jam to every single time I hear it. The reason everyone is drawn to it is because of the huge guitar rifts between the choruses. Plus the little hums in the background of the chorus just make it seem like everyone is agreeing that whatever Stump is saying is right. Like I really don't think the lyrics make sense it's just that the guitar/drums/vocals all match up perfectly to make everything have a nice flow. 

So my coach in high school used to tell me that you are only as strong as your weakest link. If I applied that to this album which song would be the weaklings of the group? Hands down, would be "Dance, Dance". I know that is was super popular and all which is great for them but it is extremely annoying. Stump sounds like a 12 year old boy who is whining throughout the whole thing. Plus the song is the same word repeated 27 times (yes I counted).  I love this album but "Dance, Dance" could be gone and it would make the album exponentially better. 

The highlight of From Under the Cork Tree is definitely the experience that the listener has when listening to the songs. The playful, catchy chorus' instantly lifts any mood and just makes you want to dance (we can all dance together).  The entire time I listened to this album I was slightly dancing at my desk which makes me think that this album would be perfect background music at a party. 

The first listen through of the album, I thought every single song sounded exactly the same. But I listened to it more and it seems that each song is slightly different. But the band does stay in the same three chords for guitar pieces; they also basically only feature guitars and drums which is typical of pop punk but still would be refreshing if they had incorporated something else. In some songs there is a bit of bass flare which made the songs more interesting to listen too. Another thing that comes across as odd while listening to that every song sounds like it was made to just be a single. Because of that the album lacks unity and becomes less of a story and less relatable. 

While the sophomore slump is as real as the freshman 15 (thanks college), Fall Out Boy seems to be able to develop from one hit wonders into a band that can consistently put out good music. From Under The Cork Tree is enough pop for everyone to like but also enough punk to distinguish their sound.