On Sept. 25, 2005, Las Vegas based pop-punk band Panic! At The Disco released their first album titled "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out." Over 10 years later lead singer Brendon Urie is still showing off his four-octave vocal range in his band’s latest releaseDeath of a Bachelor. Their first album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200, Panic! began releasing singles from this track from April to its release on Jan. 15, 2016. Many of the songs have something like ‘20s jazz behind them, accompanying Brendon Urie’s voice that can range from Frank Sinatra to female opera singer. "Crazy=Genius" and "Death of a Bachelor" illustrate the electric jazz felt throughout the album. Panic! has shed its’ early 2000s pop punk look and have made — and stand out — in a genre all their own.
Sole founding member still remaining in the band Brendon Urie married Sarah Orzechowskiin in 2013, something alluded to in the title of the album "Death of a Bachelor." Once considered a hard partier, Urie's new married life is reflected in many of the songs. Though he has left his past behind him, he is still excited about sharing his life with the person he loves the most. Urie has certainly freed himself of his past-self and these songs really show it. The band and their singer have moved on from their earlier hits but haven’t completely forgotten where they started.
The one and only downside with this album are the three songs included that have been out for months. The third track, "Hallelujah," was released as a single in April of last year. It’s not a bad song, one of their best in fact, it’s just that it’s not as new as the rest of the album.
Still, this is a great way to start off the new year and will make it difficult for other bands’ albums being released this year to compete with the high expectations set by Panic! At The Disco.
Best fast song: "Crazy=Genius" and "L.A. Devotee"
Best slower song: "House of Memories"
Stand-out song: "Death of a Bachelor"