Review Summary: Although still flawed, this debut proved that the band once had potential to do great things.
As of January 2016, we live in a world where good bands prove that substantial growth can drive a band to do very creative things with their music that are both appreciated by the fans of the genre that the band appeals to. However, for pop punk acts, the pattern you see turns out to be the complete opposite. Take a look at Green Day for example. They paved the way for emo bands in the early 2000s with the 2004 release of American Idiot. A band which used to make a living off of songs about smoking pot and masturbation, became one of the most beloved acts among young and angsty youth. Years later, with the release of their horrid trilogy in 2013, the only one’s who seemed to care about Green Day were teenagers obsessed with Tumblr posts and any band that could write a simple four chord song with mediocre lyrics.
Sadly, this has also become the same situation for Fall Out Boy and their newest efforts to stay relevant in a world where music is changing every single day. In 2003, Fall Out Boy came onto the scene with “Take This To Your Grave”, which was in no way a commercial success, and to this day, despite the band’s popularity, has not received a platinum certification by RIAA. But do not let that prevent you from giving this record a listen, unless you are a fan of their newer Top 40 hits like “Centuries”, because YOU WILL ***ING HATE IT. The album, in no way, could ever be considered “perfection”. It is your typical angsty pop punk album much like the early work of Brand New or maybe even a little bit of Jimmy Eat World or 2001 Blink 182, but my god it does the currently fading genre so much justice. Jam packed with the depiction of teenage angst including lyrics describing bad breakups and even a little bit of self loathing and the “hatred” of others, almost any teenager could relate to the content on this album.
With a runtime of about 40 or so minutes, the songs are simple, yet at the same time, fun to listen to if you are a fan of angsty pop punk outputs. This album just goes to show that Fall Out Boy was, at one point, NOT a Tumblr inspired garbage disposal, and I think that it is safe to say that if the Fall Out Boy in 2003 saw what their music would turn into 13 years later, they would just change their name to Sell Out Boy. Although, to give credit where credit is due, the band has evolved their sound overtime from just simple emo punk, to involving elements from other genres like pop or dance. It’s just that they have yet to use their new music to appeal to their original target audience, and not just Top 40 listeners.
To sum up my review of the album however, “Take This To Your Grave” is a 40 minute staple in the pop punk genre that will be enjoyed by anyone who has a taste for angst-filled lyrics, exceptional vocal delivery, and sweet sounding melodies. 4 out of 5 stars.
