Fall Out Boy first emerged in the early 2000s with a unique sound that would later be defined as the early strains of the pop-punk era. The four Chicago natives drew crowds early on due to their catchy lyrics, a mixture of deeply seated emotion and snarky humor. The band is composed of Pete Wentz (bass), Patrick Stump (rhythm guitar and vocals), Andy Hurley(drums) and Joe Trohman (lead guitar), all of whom are original members of the band.
So, instead of quietly fan-girling like many of my fellow "bandom" members, I've decided to take my probably overly-extensive knowledge of Fall Out Boy, and create an encyclopedia of sorts for those who are curious to which album fits them best.
It's only an obsession if you don't have anyone else to share it with. Or something like that.
'Take This To Your Grave' era.
This is the debut studio album first released by Fall Out Boy in 2003. Running out of money halfway through production, living on a complete stranger's floor, this resulting album is in essence exactly what a newly emerging pop-punk band would create while fueled by Taco Bell and exhaustion. It brings to mind all those hopeless hours spent studying for finals with nothing but coffee and pop tarts. If you're someone who works best under pressure, is filled with determination, and has a bit of a scrappy side to them, then this is the album for you.
'From Under The Cork Tree' era.
Every band has the record that defines their sound. For Fall Out Boy, this was the record that separated them from the rest of the emerging rock bands at this time. FUTCT is filled with classic hits from the Fall Out Boy track list such as "Sugar, We're Goin' Down" and "Dance, Dance," the first songs that were commonly heard and radio popular. Find yourself drawn to this record the most? You must be one of the super talented, just emerging from your shell lucky ones who still have the whole world to look forward to.
'Infinity On High'/ 'Folie a Deux' era.
One of the more interesting time periods in Fall Out Boy history, this was a time where both albums were released within a year of each other. After just having made their major mainstream debut, determined to sustain that momentum without cracking under the pressures of being involved in the music industry, this was one of their more creative time periods that solidified them as a truly amazing band and further grew their audience. If this is the era for you, you're probably a strong-willed and creative person who knows how to rock their individuality.
'Save Rock And Roll' era.
The comeback album! Shining through where pop and hip hop seemed to be dominating the charts, Fall Out Boy came back strong by releasing an album that not only reminded fans of their original punk rock roots, but mixed in a variety of genres to establish their new image. What could be better than identifying with this era, as a mature and inventive person, someone who will fight to establish themselves in what they believe in?
'American Beauty/American Psycho' era.
What is known as the current sound of Fall Out Boy, the recently reestablished band has continued releasing strong albums that are filled with both sass and emotion. While this is definitely an album that is very different from others they have released, it is perfect for those who are unapologetically themselves, while also being unafraid to cause a little chaos.
Whether you've been with Fall Out Boy since the questionable Pete Wentz fashion days, or have just recently jumped on the bandwagon, either way, Fall Out Boy continues to be a band that is unapologetically themselves, something that the music industry could definitely use more of.
