CD Reviews Patrick Stump - Soul Punk

Score: 9/10

Tracklisting:
1. "Explode" 3:24
2. "This City" 3:40
3. "Dance Miserable" 3:33
4. "Spotlight (New Regrets)" 3:19
5. "The "I" in Lie" 4:25
6. "Run Dry (X Heart X Fingers)" 8:25
7. "Greed" 4:11
8. "Everybody Wants Somebody" 4:21
9. "Allie" 3:37
10. "Coast (It's Gonna Get Better)" 3:37
11. "This City [Remix]" 3:32

If you have a passion for Michael Jackson, or you find yourself in need of some good work-out music, then go onto iTunes or sprint to your local record store and buy Patrick Stump’s new album Soul Punk. Being a die-hard Patrick Stump fan I counted down the days to hear the artist’s first solo album, having left his former band as the lead singer and guitarist for the ever-popular Fall Out Boy. I must admit that at first I was disappointed, because the songs are drastically different than what I am used to hearing from him. However, I find myself constantly dancing in my car to the catchy up-beat songs. If there were any question as to his musical abilities and eclectic taste before, there isn’t now; this new album is pure pop genius.

There’s a robotic and sad overtone to the entire album with lyrics such as, “dance like you’re disappointed in the world” and “everybody wants somebody who doesn’t want them, wants somebody else”. There is also a song featuring Lupe Fiasco called This City, which I would not be surprised to hear on the radio any day now.

This album is fearless, cutting edge, and seeping with sheer talent. Stump has created a work of art, bound to play in your head all day long. His voice is just as boundless as we’ve heard before; having a range I would consider to be the male equivalent to Mariah Carey. It seems that for this album he not only completely reestablished his appearance, but he also refined his musical abilities.

Release Date: October 18, 2011
Record Label: Island Records