Taking a look back on two of Fall Out Boy's most iconic albums

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Last month, pop-rock band, Fall Out Boy, celebrated the 15th Birthday of From Under The Cork Tree and the 17th Birthday of Take This To Your Grave. We thought this would be a perfect time to take a look back at these albums and pay homage to what made them such staples in the pop-punk world.

Take This To Your Grave, released May 6, 2003, via Fueled By Ramen, is filled to the brim with fast-paced, cool-toned tracks that created anthems for generations to come. Kicking off with “Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things To Do Today,” entering in on a signature dial tone followed by a light tapping of cymbal that bursts into an inspiring frenzy. The track carries out passionate vocals belting out lyrics such as “Let’s play this game/called when you catch fire/I wouldn’t piss to put you out” and “stop burning bridges/and drive off of them” fueled by fury. The track carries out high-energy, setting the tone for the record.

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“Dead on Arrival” follows swiftly behind “Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things To Do Today” the song adds a warmer sound to the record, with a humbled video to match.

Many took note of a what a good song “Dead on Arrival” was, according to lead vocalist, Patrick Stump, “A few labels said the same thing: they wanted to hear more. “Dead on Arrival” is a really good song, but we’re not convinced you can write more good songs.” Stump told Alternative Press in their special subscriber issue, ‘Fall Out Boy Take This Back To Your Grave.’ 

Stump continued, “I took that as a challenge. We went back in with Sean [O’Keefe, producer] maybe three or four months after we did the demo. “Where Is Your Boy” was my “fine, you don’t think I can write a fucking song? Here’s your fucking hit song, jerks!” It worked! Which was crazy.” A single is exactly what “Grand Theft Autumn / Where Is Your Boy” became, a pinnacle moment on the record. The track oozes simplicity met with charm and whimsy, making it a stand-out track in FOB’s discography. 

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“Saturday” is a track that has been highlighted as one that represents FOB as a whole. Showcasing quick back and forth between lyrics and melodies. It’s played at the end of almost every Fall Out Boy show and is the first portrayal of how bassist Pete Wentz and Stump work together while writing music.

Take This To Your Grave is an album full of witty and charismatic lyrics such as “my smiles an open wound without you/and my hands are tied to pages inked to bring you back,” from “Homesick at Space Camp” to “every friend we ever had in common/I will sever the ties with you” out of “Sending Postcards from a Plane Crash (Wish You Were Here).” The record featured the bands capability of creating a new dynamic with “The Pros and Cons of Breathing,” while also keeping the atmosphere light in “Grenade Jumper.”

“Chicago Is So Two Years Ago” is a song that will take the air out of the room every time it’s heard. FOB checked off every box for what makes a great song. Prompt relatable lyrics, matched with a perfect pre-chorus to lay nicely against a catchy chorus, the kind that has fans singing “there’s a light on/in Chicago” every time someone mentions the city. “Chicago Is So Two Years Ago” is tied strategically together with a climatic bridge, making it a song to remember.

The album closes out on “The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes” setting the tone of the next FOB record to come. The Track swings in with bold vocals, Stump stresses breathy lines including “but I still know the way to make your makeup run.” The track overlaps vocals making it feel complete, creating the perfect ending to an iconic album.

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Fast Forward to May 3, 2005, FOB fans are greeted with From Under The Cork Tree via Island Records. The album gushes anthematic tracks that made electrifying shows for its cycle, Wentz referring to it’s time as “controlled mayhem” to Rock Sound.

The record kicks off with “Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued” using the clicking of cameras, painting a visual of paparazzi in listeners heads, the rest of the track exudes a new era of FOB creating a more inviting sound that bleeds throughout the record.

As fans make their way down the record they’ll find single, “Dance, Dance” with a recognizable drum beat and a lustful bassline. The track contains rapid music paired with sensual lyrics easily drawing listeners to this track.

“Sugar, We’re Goin Down” is unique, upon it's original release not many listeners could even really tell what Stump was saying. The video in its own was strange, but it attaches a certain sentiment with it. “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” is a true staple in the band's career.

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“Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner” digs into a frantic melody that doesn’t quit. The song's bridge ascends into a deeper, darker tone as the words “So wear me like a locket around your throat/I’ll weigh you down/I’ll watch you choke,” are strung together so confidently, constructing a well-balanced moment.

A gem among the other tracks on this record is “7 Minutes In Heaven (Atavan Halen)” the song is catchy and fun, it’s smooth and enjoyable. This track also features lead vocalist of Panic! At The Disco, Brendon Urie, making this his first recorded appearance.

Each song on FUTCT brought something fresh to the table, songs like “I Slept With Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me” dabbled in the harder side of FOB,  it’s manic and obsessive with certain lyrics including “so progress report: I am missing you to death” that unzips emotions with the tranquil way that it’s sung. Other songs like “Get Busy Living Or Dying (Do Your Part To Save The Scene And Stop Going To Shows)”  Stump changes his voice in a slight way that creates a new theme. The overall aura of the song is different from the rest of the record showcasing the bands ability to step outside the box without straying to far away from familiarity. 

“A Little Less 16 Candles, A Little More Touch Me” comes barreling in, demanding attention in an unforgettable demeanor. The band also created a cinematic masterpiece of a video to match the song. The video featured some familiar faces such as William Beckett and Michael Carden (The Academy Is…) Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith (Panic! At The Disco) and Travie McCoy (Gym Class Heroes).

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Fall Out Boy has created a sense of familiarity, music that feels like a hug after a bad day. Their music has the ability to change a sour mood instantly. They've matured their sound with time and continue to adapt to stay relevant while staying true themselves.

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