Fall Out Boy American // Beauty/American Psycho

Fall Out Boy

American Beauty/American Psycho

Island Records 

If Fall Out Boy wants to save rock 'n' roll, this is not the way to do it. This latest variant of the pop-punk mega-band seems to have embraced the pop and jettisoned the punk. Bands evolve over time, but there are so few real rockers with true star power influencing today's Top 40-listening teeny boppers, that it is tragic when one of them sells out and becomes just another commercial dance band. This album is radio-friendly: The anthem "Centuries" has inundated the airwaves. No one will argue that singer Patrick Stump can't belt out a tune with the best of them. And good Lord, does this collection have catchy hooks. The infectious "Uma Thurman" turns the theme song of TV's The Munsters into a groovy, must-dance earworm. Gone, though, are the crunchy, driving guitars and capricious drum-kit work. And I miss them. Upon hearing this denouncement of her favorite band, the biggest FOB fan in my house berated me mockingly: "This isn't your music. You don't understand. They aren't your generation." Perhaps she's right. Maybe I'm just too old to appreciate Fall Out Boy's new, updated sound.