Rating: 4/5 stars

“So Much (For) Stardust” is the seventh studio album by the iconic rock band Fall Out Boy (“Centuries”). Released on March 24, the album marks the band’s return to their pop-punk roots and is a strong departure from their previous albums such as “Mania,” which had a more electronic and experimental sound.

From the first track, “Love From the Other Side” it is clear that the band is back to their old tricks. The song starts with the soft sound of a piano and violins that build to an explosive sound. Lead singer Patrick Stump’s vocals are as strong as ever and his lyrics capture the emotional pain of going through love.

The album’s second track, “Heartbreak Feels So Good” is a standout. The song is driven by a pounding drumbeat and features more of the band’s older sounds. The chorus is anthemic with Stump belting the title in a way that will make listeners want to join in.

“The Pink Seashell” is a collaboration with actor Ethan Hawke (“Reality Bites”). The song serves as a pause in the middle of the band’s new album, with the sound being Hawke’s dialogue from the 1994 movie “Reality Bites.” It serves as a good pause before moving into the second half of the album.

The album’s title track, “So Much (For) Stardust,” is anything but a slow-burning ballad at first glance. The song has an impressive build up towards the middle which truly takes the listeners with it. The stripped-down instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage, and Stump’s heartfelt delivery will leave you with goosebumps.

One of the album’s strongest tracks is “The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years).” Stump’s vocals are particularly impressive on this track, conveying this song is a mix of new and old and is truly meant for any listener. It presents itself as a mindful blend of old and new with its unforgettable tune. 

“Heaven, Iowa” may be the weakest song on the project, while still having Stump’s impressive vocals. The song may feel lackluster to listeners and is easy to forget about. While most of the other songs on this latest album are great for your newest playlists, this track may not make the cut.

Overall, “So Much (For) Stardust” is a welcome return to form for Fall Out Boy. The album’s pop-punk sound is sure to please longtime fans, while the band’s experimentation with new sounds and collaborations keeps the album fresh and exciting. Stump’s vocals are a highlight throughout the album, and the lyrics are sure to be stuck in the listener’s head.

Image from Fall Out Boy via YouTube