That’s right, emos, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out is back after 20 years…and even better! Panic! At the Disco has just released a remastered, upgraded version of their hit debut album filled with additional demos and live performances. While I definitely notice cleaner singing and crisper instrumentals in the remastered versions, the demos are cool and and the live performances sound like classic, soulful Brendon Urie, I will be reviewing the original songs on the album the first time they were released. Let’s get into some of the highlights now!
Introduction
The album is very much like a vaudeville, cabaret-inspired theatrical release, with the intro track playing the sound of.a radio tuning into a theatrical play, setting the tone for the rest of the record, which explores themes like breaking vs. keeping tradition, alcoholism, and the dark side of fame and being pop culture icons, topics that us emos can very much relate to.
The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage
First of all, I love that Panic! followed in their mentor, Fall Out Boy’s, footsteps with this song (and many others) by inheriting their use of long song titles that don’t directly relate to the song lyrics. I like that Brendon announces himself as the narrator with this track, going along with the album’s theatrical theme, and brilliantly writes about how Hollywood’s biggest stars aren’t always what they seem to be, alluding to his struggles being thrust into the spotlight. The song is upbeat and catchy just as most musical’s opener’s often are.
London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines
“London” gives massive hardcore energy with more clever lyrics about the band feeling the pressure to “back their shit up” and make sure their musical production earned them the respect that came with their newfound level of fame. The intensity of this song is super motivating for me to “take a chance” as the lyrics say and make sure my respect is well-earned in everything I do as well. The pop-punk vibes in the song are infectious and I can’t get enough!
Time to Dance
“Time to Dance” is a fast-paced banger that blends the sounds of rock and techno beautifully, especially in the intro. The song brilliantly paints us a picture of a starlet being photographed by paparazzi, giving them everything they need for the story, no matter how insincere it may be (“She didn’t choose this role but she’ll play it and make in sincere, so you cry, you cry but they believe it from the tears and the teeth, right down to the blood at her feet). It is an excellent commentary about the struggles many of us face while trying to stay true to our authentic selves even though putting on an act may get us further in life. Everything about this song is amazing, from the lyrics to the beat to the production, especially the unique blend of pop-punk and electronica. 10/10.
Lying Is the Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off
This song, a reference to Natalie Portman’s line in the movie, Closer, has one of the most iconic, catchy chrouses on the entire album. Nothing can change my mind. What makes this a classic emo anthem is the combination of the genius lyrics about the pains of infidelity and heartbreak, (something all emos can relate to), a piano riff that will be stuck in your head for days, and the constant changing of pace in the song from slow to “faster, faster,” as the lyrics say, making the song unforgettable in every way.
There’s a Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven’t Thought of it Yet
“Good Reason” is a classic, old fashioned jazz tune with undertones about rebelling against the status quo and “loving every minute of it” as the lyrics say (just as every emo and pop-punker would.) I admire that while this song has a very pop-punk anti-establishment theme at its core, the jazzy delivery is definitely not something you would expect, but it is gorgeous and theatrical nevertheless, changing the pace of this very emo heavy album.
I Write Sins Not Tragedies
Oh, well imagine….a more iconic song that connects emos with our pain and makes us all want to close a goddamn door and scream our feelings out. (Clue…there isn’t one.) Whether or not any of us have experienced the heartbreak or infidelity at the core of the song, the track offers catharsis for everyone, no matter what they’re going through, in a unique, exciting way, from the pizzicato cello intro to the emo, alt rock, and baroque pop elements to the highly memorable chorus (and even more unforgettable music video). This song single-handedly makes this entire album a classic for a reason, and goes down in history as one of the greatest emo tracks of our time.
I love this album with all my heart, and have such fond memories exchanging it and listening to it with my friends on the bus after school in 2005-2006. I am so beyond thrilled that even though Panic! At the Disco is technically in retirement, they re-released this album giving it all the love it deserves and more with the exciting perks of the unheard demos, proving the legacy of Panic! will live forever. Check out the rest of the album here!
Till Next Time,
XOXO,
Meagan