Musings, deliberations, and end results.
Felix Jen – 29 March 2023 – 4 min read
Fall Out Boy is back with a new single, “Love from the Other Side”, and it’s a blast from the past. The song, which is the first taste of their upcoming album So Much (For) Stardust, is a catchy and energetic pop-rock anthem that showcases the band’s signature sound and lyrical style. Here’s my detailed and lengthy review of this song, which I think is one of their best in years.
The song starts with a guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track. Patrick Stump’s vocals are powerful and emotive, as he sings about a doomed relationship that was once beautiful and passionate. He compares their love to a hammer to the Statue of David, a painting you could never frame, and the sunshine of his lifetime. He also expresses his frustration and regret over the state of the world, which he describes as an apocalypse. He wonders what he would trade the pain for, and if there’s any hope left for them.
The chorus is catchy and memorable, as he repeats the phrase “sending my love from the other side of the apocalypse”. He also admits that he just about snapped, and that every lover has a little dagger in their hand. The metaphor of the dagger suggests that love can be both a weapon and a wound, and that sometimes it can hurt more than it heals. The chorus also has a backing vocal that echoes Stump’s words, adding more depth and harmony to the song.
The second verse continues the theme of disillusionment and nostalgia, as he mentions how he’s falling in and out of love, and how summer is slipping away from them. He also criticizes the society that he lives in, which he sees as a rat race that offers no escape or satisfaction. He says he just wants to be invited, but he also has to give up and not fight it. This shows his internal conflict between wanting to belong and wanting to rebel.
The bridge is where the song reaches its emotional climax, as he recalls a vivid memory of seeing his lover in a bright clear field, with hurricane heat in his head. He says that this was the kind of pain that you feel to get good in the end, implying that their love was worth it despite all the hardships. He also reveals a message that was inscribed like stone and faded by the rain: “Give up what you love before it does you in”. This could be interpreted as a warning or a prophecy, or perhaps a reflection of his own fear of losing what he loves.
The song ends with another chorus, followed by an outro where he repeats “sending my love” several times, fading out with the guitar riff. The song leaves an impression of both sadness and hope, as he tries to hold on to his love despite everything that has gone wrong.
Overall, I think this song is a great comeback for Fall Out Boy, who have proven once again that they can write catchy and meaningful songs that resonate with their fans. The song has elements of their classic pop-punk sound, but also incorporates some modern influences and production. The lyrics are clever and poetic, as they explore themes of love, loss, pain, and hope. The song also has a lot of energy and emotion, thanks to Stump’s vocals and the band’s performance.
Released on March 24, 2023, the album, produced by Neal Avron, who worked with the band on some of their most iconic records, is not a simple nostalgia trip or a rehash of their past glory. Instead, it’s a bold and adventurous exploration of different genres, influences and emotions, while still retaining the band’s signature catchy hooks, witty lyrics and anthemic choruses.
The album opens with the stunning Love From The Other Side (described above). Hold Me Like A Grudge, is a funky and upbeat tune that channels Justin Timberlake and Mark Ronson vibes, with a catchy chorus that will make you want to dance. Fake Out is another highlight, a nostalgic and melancholic song that reflects on the band’s journey and regrets, with a soaring melody and a nod to Don Henley’s Boys Of Summer. The album also features some heavier and darker moments, such as Flu Game, a rap-rock hybrid that references Michael Jordan’s legendary performance in the 1997 NBA Finals, and I Am My Own Muse, a dramatic and theatrical song that features strings, brass and piano, creating a cinematic atmosphere. The title track, So Much (For) Stardust, closes the album on a high note, with a powerful and emotional chorus that expresses both triumph and sorrow, as Stump sings “Thought we had it all/So much for stardust”.
So Much (For) Stardust is an album that proves that Fall Out Boy are not afraid to experiment and push their boundaries, while still staying true to themselves and their fans. It’s an album that celebrates their legacy, but also looks forward to their future. It’s an album that will make you feel nostalgic, but also excited. It’s an album that will make you fall in love with Fall Out Boy all over again.
Score: 9/10