After listening to the three singles dropped as the lead up to the now solo act of Panic! at the Disco’s Viva Las Vengeance, I went in with really low expectations. Usually I end up pleasantly surprised, but in this case, it was exactly what I was expecting…sadly. Now that I look back at the “band’s” discography, ever since Brendon Urie took this up as a solo project, I haven’t really been a fan. It took a turn too sharp in the pop direction, and while artists are supposed to grow and change, this just became too generic and uncreative.
All that criticism to say I didn’t like the new album. Like not at all. There was one song on there that was decent, but even that one made me cringe lyrically. It was “Say It Louder,” if you’re curious, but I imagine you can guess the rest of that title morphs into “for the people in the back.” See? Cringe. Instrumentally though, it’s the most solid song off the record. “Sugar Soaker” had a little bit of promise, but again, it just sounded too much like something that belongs in a musical. That was the whole vibe of the record really, and I suppose that plays to the theatricality of Las Vegas, but it’s just not a style I enjoy. It seemed too polished even though I learned the album was recorded to an 8-track player. That was kind of cool, but not enough to sway me.
Songs that I would strongly suggest avoiding are for sure “All By Yourself,” ‘Something About Maggie,” and “God Killed Rock and Roll.” I feel like that song is the antithesis to Fall Out Boys “Save Rock and Roll.” Lord knows nothing on this album is likely to save it, even if God did really kill it. I’m trying not to be too mean here, so maybe I should just stop reviewing this hot mess…oops, did it again. Seriously though, I have nothing else pleasant to say about this, and the record just confirms that I’ve seen them enough times live in the past to maybe never see them again. Unless of course prior members rejoined or they did A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out anniversary tour – that would be sweet!
Now, just because this album wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it isn’t for you. Just giving my honest take here.