Wow. I can’t believe how time flies. I remember when Fall Out Boy’s From Under The Cork Tree came out May 3, 2005 when I was just 11 years old, and I would listen to the album on repeat after school on the bus! That’s right, as of yesterday, From Under The Cork Tree is 20 years old! Considered to be one of Rock Sound’s 51 Most Essential Pop Punk Albums of all time and one of Rolling Stone’s 40 Greatest Emo Albums of All Time, let’s dive in to this musical masterpiece that was there with us through so many of our formative years.

Highlights of From Under the Cork Tree

The album, From Under The Cork Tree was written as an introspective narrative about how anxiety and depression affects our own lives. The album title was inspired by a line in the children’s book, The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, about a child who prefers to sniff flowers than to participate in fights. Some of my favorite songs from the album include:

“Dance, Dance”

I know this song is one of FOB’s biggest hits, but this music video in particular is just GOLDEN. A triumphant narrative about the nerds getting the girls, the video perfectly depicts the song’s theme about longing for someone who may or may not like you back, and plays out like a John Hughes style short film. As a big fan of 80’s movies myself who definitely experienced all these feelings as a teenager, this is my favorite music video of all time and I love the catchy intro of the song, the suggestive, witty lyrics and the hyped up chorus! This one is a hit for a reason, and has earned that status in every respect.

“Nobody Puts Baby in The Corner”

A clever reference to the movie, Dirty Dancing, this song is an eloquent “F** You” about the bitterness and jealousy of a bad end to a relationship with a former lover. The vivid violent imagery depicted in the lyrics alluding to starting fires (drink down that gin and kerosene) perfectly aligns with the super fast tempo of the song as heavy guitar riffs. This is one of my favorite songs on the album as the melody is great and the guitars get your blood pumping. If you need a song to unleash your anger to after a bad breakup or just need a song to get you energized, this one is it!

“I Slept With Someone in Fall Out Boy and all I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me”

While this one is one of the first of many long and cheeky song titles in Fall Out Boy’s albums, this song has a super catchy and vulgar chorus in particular about insulting a former hookup who shared something she shouldn’t, contributing to the anger felt in the song. Notable in this track is the bridge, where we get to sample Pete Wentz’ screamo and metal roots. One of the angstiest songs on the album, this is an uplifting song for anyone who wants to feel comforted after being used by someone they loved.

“Of All the Gin Joints in the World”

Written in reference to the famous line in Casablanca, this song explores the idea of making memories out of chance encounters with strangers and is written an intelligent, almost poetic way. This song has one of the best intros on the album and an amazing hook that will leave this song stuck in your head for days (in a good way). It is absolutely one of my top two favorites!

“Ive Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song)”

This is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL slow song about comparing yourself to others and feeling like a failure, feeling a need to fake your emotions in front of others to hide the pain. This is a quintessential emo track for anyone who needs to be comforted when they feel they aren’t good enough, and the song really showcases Pete’s songwriting talent, written as a response to dealing with his suicide attempt in 2005. If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self harm, dial 988 or get help here. An easy listen and a relatively laid back Fall Out Boy track, play this song when you’re alone, deep in thought, and just need to relax.

“Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year”

This is another cleverly written song about facing uncertainty when you’ve achieved success, questioning whether or not growth is genuine…a common theme when you are young and unsure of yourself. The chorus is uplifting and highly melodic, and the catchy bridge of the song sums up the dilemma of the song perfectly. This is a fun and easy listen whether you’re doing chores or hanging out with friends. I highly recommend it and it’ll never get old!

“Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down”

I couldn’t end this post without writing about FOB’s signature song…the one that the Alternative Press calls “one of the most influential pop-punk songs of all time” that”shaped the genre”, and “was a lyrically abstract masterpiece that gave subsequent bands an excuse to write creatively.” Sugar We’re Goin’ Down is a banger of a pop-punk track that is called a classic for a reason…from its mosh guitars to its catchy chorus to its unique music video to its enduing theme of fighting to make a relationship work, it is a song that defines emo and pop culture as a whole and makes all who love it feel happy and connected, always.

From Under The Cork Tree will lift your spirits whether you’re going through love and loss, anxiety, depression, complicated friendships or so much more. It is a pop-punk classic for the ages and will be for years to come. Check it out here. What’s your favorite song on the album? Comment and let me know!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO,

Meagan