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**Fall Out Boy - Save Rock And Roll**
★★★★☆

After a three-year hiatus that felt like an eternity for their legions of devoted fans, Fall Out Boy's return with "Save Rock And Roll" in 2013 wasn't just a comeback – it was a full-scale resurrection. The Chicago quartet had effectively called it quits in 2009, citing creative differences and the need to pursue individual projects. Patrick Stump embarked on a solo career that never quite caught fire, while Pete Wentz formed the short-lived Black Cards. But like all great rock and roll stories, this one demanded a second act.

The album's genesis began with a simple phone call between old friends, leading to tentative jam sessions that gradually rebuilt the chemistry that had made Fall Out Boy one of the biggest bands of the mid-2000s. What emerged from those sessions was an album that simultaneously honored their pop-punk roots while pushing boldly into new sonic territories – a delicate balancing act that could have easily collapsed under the weight of expectation.

"Save Rock And Roll" finds the band wrestling with their own legacy while refusing to be confined by it. The production, helmed by Butch Walker, is bigger and more anthemic than anything in their previous catalog, incorporating elements of arena rock, electronic music, and even gospel. It's a maximalist approach that occasionally threatens to overwhelm the songs themselves, but more often than not, it provides the perfect backdrop for the band's renewed ambition.

The album opens with "The Phoenix," a barn-burning declaration of intent that samples Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" of all things, transforming its gentle melody into a rallying cry. It's followed by the title track, featuring Elton John on piano – a collaboration that sounds absurd on paper but works brilliantly in practice, with Sir Elton's theatrical sensibilities perfectly complementing the band's own dramatic tendencies.

"My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)" serves as the album's commercial centerpiece, a massive sing-along anthem that dominated radio and proved Fall Out Boy could still craft hooks that burrow deep into your brain and refuse to leave. The song's success was crucial in establishing that this wasn't merely a nostalgia play but a genuine artistic rebirth.

Elsewhere, "Alone Together" showcases Patrick Stump's evolved vocal abilities, his voice now carrying a soulful weight that wasn't present in their earlier work. The track builds from intimate verses to soaring choruses with the kind of emotional heft that suggests real growth rather than mere technical improvement. "Where Did The Party Go" channels vintage new wave through a distinctly modern lens, while "Death Valley" featuring Courtney Love adds a dangerous edge that prevents the album from becoming too polished.

The guest appearances throughout the album – including Big Sean on "The Mighty Fall" and Foxes on "Just One Yesterday" – feel organic rather than calculated, each adding texture without overshadowing the core band dynamic. It's clear that Fall Out Boy approached these collaborations as creative challenges rather than commercial obligations.

Lyrically, Pete Wentz's writing has matured considerably, trading some of the overwrought angst of their earlier work for more nuanced explorations of fame, friendship, and the passage of time. There's still plenty of the wordplay and literary references that made him such a distinctive voice in the scene, but it's tempered by hard-won wisdom and genuine introspection.

The album isn't without its missteps – "Rat A Tat" feels like filler despite its celebrity cameos, and some of the electronic flourishes feel unnecessary. But these are minor quibbles with an album that successfully reintroduced one of rock's most important bands to a new generation while satisfying longtime fans who had waited patiently for their return.

"Save Rock And Roll" ultimately stands as proof that sometimes the best comebacks come from bands brave enough to evolve rather than simply repeat past glories. It launched Fall Out Boy into their most successful era, spawning sold-out arena tours and platinum certifications. More importantly, it established them as elder statesmen of the pop-punk scene while proving they still had plenty of fire left in the tank. Rock and roll may not have needed saving, but Fall Out Boy certainly saved themselves.