Today marks the 1st birthday of Panic! At The Disco’s fourth album Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!
2014 was a massive year for the band. From supporting Fall Out Boy on their Save Rock And Roll tour last fall to headlining not one, but TWO tours this year, it’s safe to say there’s no stopping these guys.
In celebration of the boys’ success and the one year anniversary of TWTL,TWTD!, here’s a review I did of the album last year.
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With each album Panic! At The Disco makes, they undyingly prove to us that they are a constantly changing force that can’t ever be doubted. With the band’s humble beginnings on A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’s vaudevillian, theatre-esque feel to Pretty.Odd’s 60’s nostalgic vibes and Vices and Virtues clever combination of the two, Panic! At The Disco is ready to pull another metaphorical rabbit out of the hat with their newest Las Vegas inspired album Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!
This Is Gospel:
Opening up the album with a beat that gets stuck in your head instantly, This Is Gospel starts the album off with a bang. A synthy-sounding Brendon packs a huge punch not only with the lyrics, but with a chorus that hits hard as well.
Miss Jackson:
The album’s first single, featuring vocals from Lolo, sets a darker, more ominous vibe playing right after the upbeat This Is Gospel. The song features lots of “oohs” and “awhs,” reminiscent of those heard in Fall Out Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark” (Or to me, at least.) The song is titled after Janet Jackson and is a reference to her song “Nasty.”
Vegas Lights:
Opening up with a track of children counting down by number (Nearly Witches, anyone?), the song immediately jumps right into an infectious, synthy beat that will have you dancing instantly, or if you’re in class like me, at least bobbing your head and tapping your toes. Boasting its 80’s like sound, this song has a bit of a techno flare that A Fever You Can’t Sweat out was famous for.
Girl That You Love:
Keeping up the 80’s theme, almost
of Depeche Mode, Girl That You Love offers you the perfect song to drive and jam out to. With a heavy bass line and pop feel it paints a vivid picture of what Las Vegas is really like through the eyes of Brendon Urie.
Nicotine:
I could tell within the first two seconds of this song that it was going to be completely awesome. Opening up with the chime of a piano, the song slowly speeds up with the introduction of a super catchy guitar rift. Not only is Brendon’s voice absolutely stunning and the lyrics greatly executed, but bassist Dallon Weekes absolutely KILLS it slappin’ the bass. Also, anyone else notice the homage paid to Neil Young? Well done.
Girl/Girls/Boy:
Another heavily filled bass song, Girl/Girls/Boy could be described as a “bi-sexual anthem,” with lyrics like “And never did I think that I would be caught in the way you got me, but girls love girls and boys and love is not a choice.” *Cue tear* I’m so proud of you, P!ATD, so proud.
Casual Affair:
“Lol did Skrillex produce this song?”- confused Youtuber. No, he did not, confused Youtuber. This dark track is backed up by a more techno infused sound with a heavy drum beat. If you were to listen to this and Pretty.Odd’s She Had The World back to back you would never be able to tell that it was the same band (besides Brendon’s incredibly recognizable and angelic voice.) Again, this is just another amazing example of how much P!ATD has grown musically as a band over the years.
Far Too Young To Die:
Another heavily techno influenced song, Far Too Young To Die winds down the mood from the total jam session predecessor that was Casual Affair. Lyrically speaking, the song is a beautifully written, almost, cry for help with lyrics like “I never so adored you. I’m twisting allegories now. I want to complicate you. Don’t let me do this to myself.”
Collar Full:
Picking up from the slower tempo of Far Too Young To Die, Collar Full introduces another dancey track with hints of 80’s rock/pop nostalgia featuring more recognizable aspects from A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. This upbeat track is a great change from the past few darker songs.
The End Of All Things:
P!ATD ends the album with this beautifully written piano ballad. Brendon says that lyrics are actually his wedding vows (Sorry, I just have something in my eye…like a twig, or a branch, or something.) Brendon’s synthy voice gracefully echoes over the piano and subtle strings in the background gently guide you through to the end of the album. I for one would love to hear this acoustic.
Well, boys and girls, there we have it! Another album well done by the boys in Panic! At The Disco (not that anyone ever doubted them.) Be sure to check out Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die in stores on October 8th. P!ATD is currently supporting Fall Out Boy on their Save Rock And Roll Arena Tour.
KELSEY COLES 