Albums: Fall Out Boy So Much (For) Stardust

After releasing four studio albums in the space of five years to capitalise on their huge global success, Fall Out Boy decided to slow their pace somewhat. As they reach their eighth studio album, which lands some five years after 2018's critically panned, but commercially successful Mania, the band have themselves stated clearly that this is the record that would have been made after their fourth studio album, 2008's Folie à Deux, had they not slow-pace and taken a hiatus.

The statement alone gives some insight into what So Much (For) Stardust contains. This is old school Fall Out Boy that doesn't lose sight of the band that they have grown into. There are the epic mosh-anthems that will fill dance floors the world over, but in equal measure, there are reflective, introverted moments that really show the depth and beauty of their songwriting capabilities.

Having teased the release with three very strong single (Love From The Other Side, Heartbreak Feels So Good, Hold Me Like A Grudge), Fall Out Boy set their own bar very high in terms of album follow through. Thankfully they don't disappoint.

Patrick Stump is in very fine voice and the theatrical, dare I say it - almost panic! At the disco leaning sound of anthems I Am My Own Muse and What A Time To Be Alive - really suit the ground between capturing who they were in their hey day and who they are now.

That being said, there is no denying that the pure riot of classic Fall Out Boy that drive Flu Game and So Good Right Now are amongst their finest cuts to date.

So Much (For) Stardust not only delivers what the fans want, but it does so without trying to appease the critics. This is Fall Out Boy taking sheer pleasure in being who they are.

Revel in their glory.