Review: Fall Out Boy - Folie A Deux (* * * 1/2)

Say what you will about Pete Wentz and co; despite all the publicity stunts, absurdly titled songs, and inability to take anything very seriously, the guys also keep giving good reasons as to why they deserve our attention. The band's ability to write hook-filled pop-punk tunes has elevated them above the majority of their peers and warrants some recognition. Their latest effort, Folie A Deux, continues the subtle expansion of their sound that started with Infinity On High by introducing more pop and R&B elements into the music along with an all-star guest list. It's a frequently great record that contains several of the group's best songs.

As usual, your enjoyment of Fall Out Boy's music depends much on your ability to handle Pete Wentz's over-stuffed, smart-ass lyrics, which can be distracting. Fortunately, between singer Patrick Stump's soulful gospel-choir vocals and the pop-oriented production, most of the songs succeed here. The strongest cuts stem from the band's adventurous side, like danceable arrangements combined with Stump's captivating performance on "Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet" or the uber-produced pop verses of "Tiffany Blews," on which Lil' Wayne also guests (singing, no less!). Also appearing on Folie is Elvis Costello (really), Brendon Urie of Panic At The Disco, Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, and Debbie Harry of Blondie fame. What's most impressive is Fall Out Boys' ability to make their guests' contributions into more than just name-dropping.

The album also has it's share of weak moments when things get less funky and back to basics, a reminder that Fall Out Boy aren't the world's strongest songsmiths. Opener "Disloyal Order Of Water Buffaloes" (there's one of those titles), "The (Shipped) Gold Standard, and "27" are tunes whose blandness can't be masked in studio trickery. Furthermore, the record, like Infinity On High, suffers a bit from identity crisis. The wealth of ideas with very little direction or purpose cause the album to feel scattered, especially toward the end. You get the feeling that the same formula might wear out its welcome the next time around, but with so many great moments, Folie A Deux still makes for a worthwhile listen.

While Fall Out Boy haven't exactly reinvented themselves or even seriously pushed any musical boundaries, they're certainly continuing to move in the right direction. You might disagree, but as Stump wails "I don't care what you think as long as it's about me," over ZZ Top-esque guitars, you'll realize that it won't do any good to argue about it.