Released February 5 2007

Waiting for this record seemed forever and it arrived in the mail this morning. Okay so first thing you have to look at is the cover, the artwork is very well staged and it does bring about questions – especially with regards to the sheep.

Anyway on with the review.

'Thriller' kicks the record off (no not that Thriller), heavy drum beats and bass lines stamp this song into your brain, with Jay-Z making a guest appearance on this track things are sounding good so far. The lyrics begin but not before the beats fade out into the background as Patrick delivers what can only be described as an amazing vocal. As an opening song this one does well, at times you do wish it would go faster, but most of the time the development of the band musically is what impresses you most.

'The Take Over' comes next and this one is catchy, it wouldn't surprise me if you found your foot tapping along or your head starting to nod to the beat. Once again the lyrics grab you and Patrick's vocals drag you in as the music continues and makes you want to dance (try it, its fun I swear).

'Arms Race', we all know this one. This song never fails to get me singing along, with it's choir-style chants and shouty chorus its one that is the most memorable to everyone, mainly for the reason that it was the first single from the record. It's Fall Out Boy with just a lick of R&B and while for many that shouldn't work, they've found just the right balance to pull it off in this number.

After the third song the album begins to mellow out a little and we're given a taste of some slower songs. 'I'm Like A Lawyer' sounds reminiscent of Hard-Fi meets Oasis meets a1 (in their latter career), the gospel sound of 'Hum Hallelujah' adding a touch of spirituality and making you want to sing along when they tap into Leonard Cohen a little over half way through.

'Golden' is one that has had mixed opinions, some find it a weak song, some cite it as outstanding, me? I find this piano ballad one of those small gems, it's one of those songs that you don't pay much attention to and then eventually it grows into something amazing. The fact that they have chosen to include a ballad on this record shows how far they have come since the days of Take This To Your Grave. Breaking the tradition of having an album full of up-temp and mid-tempo tracks to give us a shall we call it softer side of themselves. The song itself is beautiful, there's no denying that. It is a haunting melodic composition, that not only invites us to take a peek at a side of the band we have not seen before, but it also paves way to show off Patrick's vocals and allows us to see just how much he has developed over the years.

'Thnks Fr Th Mmrs' a song with no vowels? No because that would be strange indeed. Violins start us off on this one, preparing us for the reintroduction of the mid-tempo numbers. There is certainly no doubt in my mind that this will be an all out crowd pleaser, the simplicity of the chorus allowing for a big mass sing a long.

If 'Don't You Know Who I Think I Am' doesn't get you clapping your hands then why the heck are you listening to this CD? Catchy guitar riffs and drum beats, hand clapping, this song is possibly what this record is about – fun.

Slowing it down once again we come to 'The(After) Life of The Party', if you think back to 'I've Got A Dark Alley' from FUCT then you've got a basic idea about the tempo of the piece.

'Carpal Tunnel' is another that will either grab you or have you wondering if you like it or not. Again vocally the song is something you would expect from the band, lyrically as obscure as ever with the music once again drawing you into the folds. The only questionable thing I found about this song was Petes verse, if you have never heard the song before and you hear it, there is a question of was it right to include that part? But on further listens it does begin to seem less strange and starts to help the song develop from something different to something brilliant.

'Bang The Doldrums' has to be the highlight of the record for me, the introduction to the song grabs you and the whole song just screams listen to me! From the haunting, yet effluent vocals through to the pirate-style 'yo ho ho' chorus, which will have you “Racing through the city, windows down”, not necessarily in yellow chequered cars, but definitely in some sort of vehicle.

'Fame<Infamy' is Fall Out Boy bringing it back, think TTTYG brought bang up to date, furious melodies, catchy lyrics. This is FOB doing what they do best.

'You're Crashing' steps back from the previous track and slows the tempo down a little. Or so it leads you to believe. The verses start out and suddenly you are launched into a fast-paced yet steady chorus bringing you closer to the finale of the record. Don't be put off by the seemingly political content of the lyrics, as remember, all FOB songs have multiple meanings and with each listen you can interpret them more.

'I've Got Ringing' is the slower track before the finale. The catchy beats are still there but it seems as if they want to slow it down ever so slightly. Lyrically as confusing as ever for those who can't quite pick up on where the band are going with their meanings. This one seems as if it has stepped straight out of one of those Hollywood musicals, you can just picture in your head the mass dance routine that could be involved.

'GINASFS' is the closing track, and is possibly the best one they could have chosen to end on. It's the song that if played to close a show will have you wanting more, and that is exactly what it does when you listen to it on the record. You can't help but hit that repeat button.

Overall the album is an amazing record, which will possibly outlast anything else released this year. I think it's going to be a slow grower, ever so steadily creeping up on people and grabbing their attention, making the band even more noticed.

The production is worth mentioning as each song has been carefully structured and the sound is something that you can't quite put your finger on, each track has been written and composed with a great deal of care and ability that isn't often seen any more. I think it's safe to say that the band deserve any and all award wins and nominations (and hopefully a few Grammy's) and I think that 2007 is going to be the year of FOB. Now it's a case of waiting and seeing if anyone can contend with this record, which I think is possibly going to be the only one of its calibre this year.

Am I surprised that they have created this? Not at all. It's classic FOB with melodies hinting at their earlier sound, mixed up and brought bang up to date. The result? Something that your ears will thank you for. So if you haven't already, go and buy it – you won't be disappointed.