Infinity On High - Fall Out Boy

Joseph Smith | 20 June 2007

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Fall Out Boy (FOB) have achieved their biggest commercial success to date with their fourth album Infinity On High.

While the Chicago-based foursome reportedly denies these labels, their music is essentially a blend of Emo and pop-punk.

On Infinity On High FOB have created a solid album of 15 mostly upbeat rock songs including the Australian top five single This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race.

The track, which contains the provocative chorus “This ain’t a scene, it’s a goddamned arms race” seems to be a comment on both US politics and destructive romantic relationships. These two themes are further explored throughout the album.

Opening track Thriller is a self-referential song about FOB’s new-found stardom and wanting to stay true to their original fans. The track intentionally but ironically includes a shout-out from rap mogul Jay-Z.

The album also contains numerous Christian references.

On Hum Hallelujah vocalist Patrick Stump acknowledges the fickleness of his promise to love his teenage sweetheart. “My words are my faith, to hell with our good name… a teenage vow in a parking lot, Hum hallelujah, Till tonight do us part.”

On the album’s ballad, Golden, Stump asks “How cruel is the golden rule? When the lives we lived are only golden-plated… and I saw God cry in the reflection of my enemies.” Stump recognises the folly, facades and self-centredness that dictates the lives of so many, including him.

The (After) Life of the Party is a standout track musically. It uses Christian imagery in its title but is more a comment on the false promises offered by fame and worldly opportunity.

The speedy, heavy riffs of Fame < Infamy is the track that most directly engages with current perceptions of Christianity. Stump anxiously shouts “I’m a preacher sweating in the pews, for the salvation I’m bringing you. I’m a salesman, I’m selling you hooks and plans, and my sales are making demands”.

The lyricist’s coupling of a preacher and a salesman, and the coupling of the message of salvation with “hooks and plans” appears to put a negative connotation on what Christian teachers offer. He implies that Christianity is a trap to be on guard against.

And then Stump turns his attention to himself, “I am God’s gift but why would he bless me with such wit without a conscience equipped”. He recognises he has a unique ability and insight, yet admits his greater reason and purpose is lacking.

On You’re Crashing, But You’re No Wave FOB take direct aim at US foreign policy.

“United States versus disbelief, mothers cast tears on both sides of the aisle, clear your throat and face the world.” FOB are straight-forward in revealing their left-wing politics and commenting on the dishonesty, error and human destruction caused by the Bush administration in recent years.

Clearly, Stump has some conscience, but sadly, not a clear sense of God as revealed through Jesus, creation or the Bible.

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