Formed in 2004 by childhood friends, Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, Brent Wilson and Brendon Urie, Panic! at the Disco has released 5 albums, the most recent being Death of a Bachelor, released January 15th 2016. To celebrate the Panic! at the Disco and Weezer Tour from April 14th - August 6th, as well as the release of the Death of a Bachelor vinyl on April 1st, here is a summary of each of their five albums, in chronological order.
1. A Fever You Can't Sweat Out
Panic!'s debut album was released on September 27th, 2005, after Fall Out Boy's bassist Pete Wentz discovered the band online and signed them to his own label, even though they had never performed live. This album covers everything from mental health to adultery. It features both electronic and classic instruments, such as the organ, coupled with song titles that don't really make sense. At all. In 2016 Rolling Stones magizine named it one of the top 40 emo albums of all time.
Song to Remember: I Write Sins Not Tragedies
2. Pretty. Odd.
March 21, 2008 marked the release of Panic!'s second album, Pretty. Odd. As its title suggests, it is a much different album from the first. It is much mellower and more similar to the Beatles. Because of its radically different feel from A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, it received mixed reviews and created a lot of fan confusion. It is also the last album to feature Ryan Ross on vocals and guitar.
Song to Remember: Nine in the Afternoon
3. Vices & Virtues
After the departure of main lyricist Ryan Ross, Vices & Virtues was the first album to feature lyrics by frontman Brendon Urie. The album was released March 22, 2011, and featured a sound closer to A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. The main themes of this album center around manipulation and confusion, and due to "musical experimentation," the album took over two years to produce from start to finish.
Song to Remember: The Ballad of Mona Lisa
4. Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!
When listening to Panic!'s fourth album, it's hard to pick out a theme. The reason for this is because there isn't one. This album covers everything from drug addiction to wedding vows. Released October 8, 2013, this is the last album to feature Spencer Smith on drums, leaving Brendon Urie as the only original member left in the band.
Song to Remember: This is Gospel
5. Death of a Bachelor
Released on January 15, 2016, Death of a Bachelor is Panic!'s most recent album. The entire album was written and recorded by sole member Brendon Urie, and features a Frank Sinatra vibe. It has received mixed reviews, some calling it shallow and meaningless, while others praise Urie, comparing him to the popular rock band Queen.
Song to Remember: Victorious
