Save Rock and Roll
by Fall Out Boy
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Apr 16, 2013
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 210 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 178 out of 210
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 210
  3. Negative: 11 out of 210
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  1. NolanLundgaard
    May 26, 2020
    8
    Save Rock And Roll by Fall Out Boy: 7.85

    The Phoenix: 1 :) My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up): 1 :) Alone Together: 1 :) Where Did The Party Go: 0.75 Just One Yesterday: 0.75 The Mighty Fall: 0.5 Miss Missing You: 1 :) Death Valley: 1 :) Young Volcanoes: 1 :) Rat A Tat: 0.75 Save Rock And Roll: 1 9.75/11 ~ .886 -> 7.85 While it may not reach the    Save Rock And Roll by Fall Out Boy: 7.85

    The Phoenix: 1 :)
    My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up): 1 :)
    Alone Together: 1 :)
    Where Did The Party Go: 0.75
    Just One Yesterday: 0.75
    The Mighty Fall: 0.5
    Miss Missing You: 1 :)
    Death Valley: 1 :)
    Young Volcanoes: 1 :)
    Rat A Tat: 0.75
    Save Rock And Roll: 1

    9.75/11 ~ .886 -> 7.85

    While it may not reach the heights of Folie à Deux, Save Rock And Roll is still one heck of an album, combining rock with the best elements of pop. After the band’s five year break, they come back and produce a style of music that is a little bit foreign to them, but it still sounds great. Another surprising thing was that this album features four other artists. In Fall Out Boy’s four previous albums, they had never featured any artists, which is why I was a bit on the confused side. In general (besides Elton John and perhaps Foxes), the featured artists didn’t really add anything to the quality of the song, and I was a little confused why they were in these songs. Either way, these slight misfires did not get in the way of the overall quality of the entire album, as I think a 7.85 is a very good score. I wish I could share all my thoughts and feelings on each song but the 5000 character limit got me again, so I had to cut that. All things considered, I was very happy with this Fall Out Boy outing, even if it’s not as good as some of the others that they have produced. It ventures more into pop territory than Folie à Deux did, and it had pretty good results. I will certainly put most of these songs onto my favorites list. This is the first time in over 2 weeks that I have reviewed an album, and I am happy that Save Rock And Roll yielded the results that it did, since it reminded me how much I miss reviewing albums. Once summer hits I should be able to do this more often. I happily recommend this album to all rock fans (if the title didn’t already get you to listen to it), as well as pop fans. Fall Out Boy is a fantastic band and everyone should listen to their songs. Highlights: The Phoenix, My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark, Alone Together, Miss Missing You, Death Valley, Young Volcanoes, and Save Rock And Roll.    … Expand
  2. Mab_987
    Aug 13, 2013
    7
    This has easily been one of the most controversial & polarizing of 2013's many comeback albums. For the record the only other FOB album I've heard in full so far is 2008's Folie a Deux, but that's quickly become one of my favorite albums of the last few years. The main controversy surrounding this album is basically that it's even more experimental & straying from the “emo” roots theyThis has easily been one of the most controversial & polarizing of 2013's many comeback albums. For the record the only other FOB album I've heard in full so far is 2008's Folie a Deux, but that's quickly become one of my favorite albums of the last few years. The main controversy surrounding this album is basically that it's even more experimental & straying from the “emo” roots they established in the mid 00's. In other words, it's Folie a Deux, but to a much higher degree. But at the same time, what people complaining don't seem to be realizing is that it's very much a logical progression from what they've done before, especially if you take the various solo & side projects into account, which included pop/soul, electronic music & heavy metal This group of musicians clearly have very versatile creative minds, and to try to restrict them to one sound to satisfy your petty nostalgia is nothing short of insulting to the band.

    The album itself, for the most part, is pretty impressive. They've said in interviews that they pushed themselves to just go crazy musically here, and it definitely shows. Across the album there's synth lines, huge multi-layered group vocals, and even a string section to open the album on the gloriously over-the-top 2nd single “The Phoenix”. This mix of ambition & Fall Out Boy's general songwriting style almost creates a style all their own that's unique to this album. Another noticeable change is that Patrick now has a much more aggressive tone to his voice that can really compliment the songs at times by bringing an added sense of intensity, also notable in the 80's-like rock star wails in the infectious lead single “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)”. To round up some other highlights, “Where Did the Party Go” is a very cleverly-written tale of faulty relationship dynamics that's so packed full of great symbolism & metaphors it took a few listens & even a trip to RapGenius's rock section to get it. Not saying beating around the bush is necessarily a positive trait but you have to admire how much thought was put into every word. It's got a great bassline too. And the most acoustically-based track “Young Volcanoes” is a very charming & fun ode to youth & the fun times in it that I could easily on the first listen picture being played around a campfire.

    There's also a few guest musicians scattered throughout the album, and they work to very varying degrees. On the positive side of things there's the power ballad “Just One Yesterday” with up & coming singer-songwriter Foxes, who I'm not familiar with but might have to check out soon, since her great vocals add a lot to the track. Easily the biggest feature here is pop/rock music icon Elton John on piano & vocals on the epic closing title track. Things start to take a turn for the questionable though on “Rat A Tat” with the washed up mess we know from music tabloid headlines & many a Cobain conspiracy theory as Courtney Love. It's otherwise a really good track, a very driving rock song with some subtle social commentary in the chorus. Unfortunately it's thoroughly decreased in quality by Love, between the incoherent rantings before each verse & the cringeworthy “It's Courtney, in the intro. Still though her “contributions” are pretty easy to forgive compared to the force of pure hip hop mediocrity that is Big Sean on “The Mighty Fall”, which is again an otherwise fantastic track with the best guitar riff on the album. Here he spews a bunch of random somewhat sex-related words in our faces that at no point even tries to have a flow.

    And unfortunately the problems don't end with the outside artists, though the worst is certainly behind us. The main one is that a few songs are just empty lyrically & overproduced beyond what's necessary. The 2 tracks that come to mind are “Death Valley” & “Alone Together”, which are good melodically but lyrically just generic party-pop songs. Am I saying that these are blatant sellouts? Absolutely not, at least considering the great instrumentation in “Death Valley”, leaving "Alone Together" to be the only track on the album I dislike as a whole. Though it may not be entirely intentional, this is no different from some of the most forgettable club fluff on pop radio from the last few years. They can pull off good pure pop music here though, like on “Miss Missing You”, which follows that style to a T but has enough personality to make it interesting. And overproduction seems to be sprinkled a tiny bit throughout multiple songs here, though I can't say exactly where & how, and the production in general has grown on me with each listen Overall, with Fall Out Boy's comeback album Save Rock and Roll, while I was slightly disappointed with a few decisions here & there, I can't say I wasn't impressed overall. It's a welcome return in spite of its flaws, and I hope this reunion isn't just a one-off thing. 72/100    … Expand
  3. Jamison12
    Jun 25, 2013
    10
    This is possibly FOB's greatest album to date. They're back to save Rock & Roll? That's a pretty ballsy statement, but damn are they right. With great songs for new listeners and old ones too. Plus, what's better than a cameo by Elton John? Save Rock & Roll is an outstanding album, and the title track is the best track on the album.
  4. mchlkirk77
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    Just joined Metactritic and this is on of my favorite cd's of the year so high energy, tough, and intense and brave I love most of the tracks. Ten out of ten.
  5. garfield7081
    Mar 25, 2022
    9
    one of the greatest modern rock albums you can find, fall out boy's transition from punk rock to hard rock works perfectly

    best song: the phoenix

    worst song: rat a tat
  6. le_one
    Jun 4, 2013
    9
    Their best album. Strong tracks ("The Phoenix", MSKWYDITD, "The Mighty Fall" and "Death Valley"), deep tracks ("Alone Together", "Just One Yesterday" and "Miss Missing You"), one strong AND deep track ("Save Rock and Roll") and some groovy tunes ("Where Did the Party Go" and "Young Volcanoes"). Oh! And of course: One little mess in the middle to ruing what would be something perfect: Rat aTheir best album. Strong tracks ("The Phoenix", MSKWYDITD, "The Mighty Fall" and "Death Valley"), deep tracks ("Alone Together", "Just One Yesterday" and "Miss Missing You"), one strong AND deep track ("Save Rock and Roll") and some groovy tunes ("Where Did the Party Go" and "Young Volcanoes"). Oh! And of course: One little mess in the middle to ruing what would be something perfect: Rat a Tat. The collaborations are all great (except for Courtney Love) and Fall Out Boy should definitely keep walking these roads.… Expand
  7. HPFANBOY1237
    Dec 3, 2017
    8
    It's kind of ironic that the title of this album is "Save Rock and Roll" when this is the album where Fall Out Boy got poppier. Don't get me wrong this is still a great album. The lyrics are fantastic, unfortunately, some of those songs can't live up to the lyrics. Such as, "Miss Missing You" and "Young Volcanoes". "Save Rock and Roll" isn't as great as "From Under a Cork Tree", "InfinityIt's kind of ironic that the title of this album is "Save Rock and Roll" when this is the album where Fall Out Boy got poppier. Don't get me wrong this is still a great album. The lyrics are fantastic, unfortunately, some of those songs can't live up to the lyrics. Such as, "Miss Missing You" and "Young Volcanoes". "Save Rock and Roll" isn't as great as "From Under a Cork Tree", "Infinity on High", and most especially "Folie a Deux", but it's still pretty great. B+… Expand
  8. tito909
    Apr 23, 2013
    9
    it is one of the most enjoyable albums i ever heard long time ago honestly i did not like their music befor but this album really is the best till now in 2013
  9. MalArken
    Jan 22, 2018
    10
    You can say what you want about this album, but to me; this is by far their best album. Every song (ironically other than the title song) was brilliantly written, produced, and sung.
  10. blien16
    Sep 8, 2015
    7
    Fall Out Boy's first album since their hiatus, Save Rock and Roll served as a great introduction back to the music scene. With a slightly more pop infused sound than their previous albums, this album perhaps disappoints the older fans who are more attuned to the older rock sound of Fall Out Boy. Strong guest vocals certainly accompanies Patrick Stump's soulful voice, yet may detract fromFall Out Boy's first album since their hiatus, Save Rock and Roll served as a great introduction back to the music scene. With a slightly more pop infused sound than their previous albums, this album perhaps disappoints the older fans who are more attuned to the older rock sound of Fall Out Boy. Strong guest vocals certainly accompanies Patrick Stump's soulful voice, yet may detract from the lyrical fluidity of the song. With that being said, the band does a brilliant job of blending different genres together, creating a unique fusion that is somehow still inherently pop-rock in nature. Filler songs are few, if any, making this album a solid one. Save Rock and Roll is definitely a monumental album in the band's career.… Expand
  11. americanbeauty
    Jan 16, 2016
    9
    Depois de uma época sombria com o álbum Folie À Deux e quase quatro anos de hiatus, o Fall Out Boy retornou com tudo, com letras fortes e músicas contagiantes, Save Rock and Roll é, sem sombra de dúvidas, o ápice da carreira do Fall Out Boy. Uma combinação de sons é a marca do Save Rock and Roll, a banda conseguiu trabalhar todos eles bem, com vocais ótimos de Patrick Stump, conseguindoDepois de uma época sombria com o álbum Folie À Deux e quase quatro anos de hiatus, o Fall Out Boy retornou com tudo, com letras fortes e músicas contagiantes, Save Rock and Roll é, sem sombra de dúvidas, o ápice da carreira do Fall Out Boy. Uma combinação de sons é a marca do Save Rock and Roll, a banda conseguiu trabalhar todos eles bem, com vocais ótimos de Patrick Stump, conseguindo conseguindo chegar a uma área do pop rock de qualidade com seu novo álbum.

    É diferente de tudo que ouvimos deles até agora, as músicas do álbum foram bem produzidas e inovadoras. Reis que só lançam hinários.    … Expand
  12. themickeymose
    Dec 15, 2015
    10
    Amazing comeback album. the tracks are very satisfying to my ears since they are quite catchy. You cant throw a single song to the trash because they are all so good. We do need remixes for these songs because they are perfect as they are.
  13. CassioSanfelice
    May 5, 2013
    7
    Save Rock and Roll isn´t great listening track by track in a sequence as Folie. It's certainly a good album and a good job. It manages to not disapoint the fans who were waiting for years to a new FOB's effort. That said, the album has more weak points than Folie Deux, the major one is lacking coherence.
  14. TrentBizub
    Feb 18, 2016
    7
    While some of the extremely poppy and quirky experimentation works, there are still some moments on Fall Out Boy's "comeback" LP that simply fall flat. Most of the features and unique risks in musical direction work, but not enough to overshadow the album's more cringe-worthy moments.

    Favorite Tracks: The Phoenix, My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up), Where Did the Party    While some of the extremely poppy and quirky experimentation works, there are still some moments on Fall Out Boy's "comeback" LP that simply fall flat. Most of the features and unique risks in musical direction work, but not enough to overshadow the album's more cringe-worthy moments.

    Favorite Tracks: The Phoenix, My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up), Where Did the Party Go, Just One Yesterday, Miss Missing You, Rat-A-Tat, and Save Rock and Roll.    … Expand
  15. OnAnarchy
    Apr 21, 2013
    8
    Full of solid arena rock tracks, Save Rock and Roll is far from a traditional rock album, and save rock it will not. But as an album of good individual tracks, it works.
  16. Shazalia
    Apr 21, 2013
    8
    After a four year hiatus Fall Out Boy come out swinging. The record has a perfect blend of up beat tempos contrasted by slower melodies that pull at the heart strings. The record especially shines on tracks such as "Miss Missing You" and "Just One Yesterday." Save Rock and Roll is also void of filler, giving fans a satisfying CD after a lengthy absence. Long time fans shouldn't hesitate toAfter a four year hiatus Fall Out Boy come out swinging. The record has a perfect blend of up beat tempos contrasted by slower melodies that pull at the heart strings. The record especially shines on tracks such as "Miss Missing You" and "Just One Yesterday." Save Rock and Roll is also void of filler, giving fans a satisfying CD after a lengthy absence. Long time fans shouldn't hesitate to invest their $12.99 on the bands latest effort, and I believe new comers will find a lot to like here as well. Save Rock and Roll is a fun album from top to bottom, enough said.… Expand
  17. alex2542
    May 28, 2013
    9
    Was never the biggest Fall out Boy fan before. I liked a good amount of their songs, but I didn't follow them closely enough to call myself a true fan. Never listened to entire albums as I found some of there songs tedious and pretentious (and I still do). But this song was a pleasant surprise for me as a mostly neutral fan of theirs. If you listen to it not expecting it to be a true blueWas never the biggest Fall out Boy fan before. I liked a good amount of their songs, but I didn't follow them closely enough to call myself a true fan. Never listened to entire albums as I found some of there songs tedious and pretentious (and I still do). But this song was a pleasant surprise for me as a mostly neutral fan of theirs. If you listen to it not expecting it to be a true blue rock album, and listen to it with an open mind toward all music styles you'll enjoy it. The only songs I don't really enjoy are Rat a Tat Tat and Save Rock and Roll. There's some real value in all the other ones. Albums you can listen to front to back are rare these days, and I consider My Songs up to Young Volcanoes to be some really good songs and a great summer listen.… Expand
  18. JoyTheWizard
    Apr 26, 2013
    9
    This album is a little bit different than their other albums, but I still love it! The title of their album is quite funny too... Anyways, this album sounds wonderful, even if they changed up their style.
  19. linkinitup1105
    Apr 17, 2013
    9
    Most people would never believe that this was fall out boy if they hear songs from this album, but the fact is this is in my opinion a much more improved fall out boy. they have taken all the things that they have learned from previous experiences and tightened them up. i believe this is the fall out boy fans will need, not want.
  20. samwalie
    Apr 16, 2013
    9
    Very good album. This album is a very good change of pace for fall out boy yet it still manages to please old fans. this album is a complete mixed bag featuring a rap melody from big Sean on "the mighty fall" an inspiring anthem with sir Elton John and his piano, an 80s hair metal inspired track my songs know what you did in the dark and an amazing opener The Phoenix reflecting FOB'sVery good album. This album is a very good change of pace for fall out boy yet it still manages to please old fans. this album is a complete mixed bag featuring a rap melody from big Sean on "the mighty fall" an inspiring anthem with sir Elton John and his piano, an 80s hair metal inspired track my songs know what you did in the dark and an amazing opener The Phoenix reflecting FOB's changes since there hiatus with a sense of urgency not found on old FOB tracks and amazing guitar work. the guitar and bass work on tracks such as the phoenix and "the mighty fall" are great but seem lacking on tracks such as "miss missing you" and "where did the party go. The drum work on almost all the album seems to poppy and dose not reflect Andy's drumming skills. Pete's song writing skills shine on "young volcanoes" "save rock and roll" and "the phoenix" but seem relay corny or outright bland and badly written on tracks such as "where did the party go" and "Miss missing you" overall the album is great and my favorite fall out boy album since "under the cork tree", but at times the album falls flat. best tracks are "save rock n roll" "the phoenix" and "young volcanoes" worst are "where did the party go" and "miss missing you" 8.5/10… Expand
  21. golferbml
    Nov 30, 2017
    9
    Fall Out Boy came back with a bang. Yes, it is a departure from their older stuff, but no that does not make it bad. One of my favorite albums they've put out.
  22. SuperstarVenom
    Jul 11, 2013
    10
    Excellent album!
    This album is in my opinion, their best yet. Great lyrics and extremely catchy melodies and such a high quality sounding album has made this one of the best of 2013 for me.
    Naturally The Phoenix is a pounding track to start with, followed by the amazing My songs know what you did in the dark but there are other tracks that stand as tall such as Just one yesterday    Excellent album!
    This album is in my opinion, their best yet. Great lyrics and extremely catchy melodies and such a high quality sounding album has made this one of the best of 2013 for me.
    Naturally The Phoenix is a pounding track to start with, followed by the amazing My songs know what you did in the dark but there are other tracks that stand as tall such as Just one yesterday with such a charm, making this a must buy.    … Expand
  23. Zudeare
    Jun 3, 2013
    9
    As a big Fall Out Boy fan i can safely say that this is my favorite album as of yet, you can definitely notice the amount of dedication that went in to this album and it pays off!
  24. thebrandnew
    Apr 21, 2013
    8
    This is not the pop punk band from 2003. This is Fall Out Boy in 2013, continuing to make slick progression from their last albums and making it seem as if they never left the building. Save Rock and Roll captures the band's bombastic hooks and charm, all while implementing modern trends with ease. While the album features some high points (the lush duets with Foxes and Elton John, theThis is not the pop punk band from 2003. This is Fall Out Boy in 2013, continuing to make slick progression from their last albums and making it seem as if they never left the building. Save Rock and Roll captures the band's bombastic hooks and charm, all while implementing modern trends with ease. While the album features some high points (the lush duets with Foxes and Elton John, the dynamic energy of "The Phoenix" and "Rat a Tat"), it also has its downs( Big Sean's groan-inducing spot in "The Mighty Fall" and the heavy dose of compression in various places). Save Rock and Roll is a pop album, but it is also a risk-taking experience that is not unusual for a band like Fall Out Boy given their history. And that is what makes it as rock and roll as any guitar thrashing collection.… Expand
  25. BlackfuryRises
    Jun 11, 2013
    8
    A great pop/rock feel. I love the irony of the album title. The collaborations are all unique and each song has a different "feel" to it: none feel churned out to lengthen the track listing. My personal favorite tracks are: "Young Volcanoes", "The Phoenix", "Death Valley", and of course "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark." The only song I don't care for is "Just One Yesterday."
  26. sweetlimbo
    Nov 19, 2013
    9
    Great album.This may not be pure Rock and Roll but its way much better than the new bands and their albums.Save Rock and Roll may bring Rock and Roll back to life.It maybe be different than their other albums but Fall out boy are back from their hiatus and they're ready to make new songs
  27. FTM
    May 21, 2018
    10
    Their first revival album, is by far their best, and its my personal favorite FOB album. I guess i will rank my favorite songs.

    11) The Mighty Fall 8/10 10) Where Did The Party Go 8.5/10 9) My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark 9/10 8) Rat-a-Tat 10/10 7) Miss Missing You 10/10 6) Death Valley 10/10 5) Alone Together 10/10 4) Just One Yesterday 10/10 3) Young Volcanoes 10/10 2)    Their first revival album, is by far their best, and its my personal favorite FOB album. I guess i will rank my favorite songs.

    11) The Mighty Fall 8/10
    10) Where Did The Party Go 8.5/10
    9) My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark 9/10
    8) Rat-a-Tat 10/10
    7) Miss Missing You 10/10
    6) Death Valley 10/10
    5) Alone Together 10/10
    4) Just One Yesterday 10/10
    3) Young Volcanoes 10/10
    2) The Phoenix 10/10
    1) Save Rock And Roll 10/10    … Expand
  28. Sloppydrunk
    May 6, 2013
    9
    This isn't the old Fall Out Boy, but that doesn't mean I don't like it. Bands grow and evolve and this just shows that I still enjoy the music that they produce.
  29. Just1nsane
    Apr 18, 2013
    7
    I give this a 7 only because to me it just doesnt seem like a Fall Out Boy album. I guess im old school when it comes to FOB I love Take this to your grave and From Under the Cork Tree. They are a few song on this album that I do like alot but The whole album in general doesnt give me that full excitement.
  30. DrBedSheets
    Apr 16, 2013
    9
    Great album there are very few problems with this album. People will argue that it doesn't sound Fall out boy enough. But after taking a break and watching what the band did while not doing fall out boy the direction they took with the comeback makes sense. Every track either captures what makes fall out boy great or shows growth of the band. All the guests are great the only down isGreat album there are very few problems with this album. People will argue that it doesn't sound Fall out boy enough. But after taking a break and watching what the band did while not doing fall out boy the direction they took with the comeback makes sense. Every track either captures what makes fall out boy great or shows growth of the band. All the guests are great the only down is Courtney Loves bits seem to be unnecessary for the song. The weakest song on the album is Miss Missing You the stronger tracks are Save rock and roll, where did the party go?, and The Phoenix… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jun 4, 2013
    30
    I can only assume the title Save Rock and Roll is intentionally ironic on their part because even they should know it's quite a stretch to call this rock and roll.
    Read full review
  2. Consequence
    May 14, 2013
    70
    Singer Nate Ruess’ sincerity and youth anthems fuel Save Rock And Roll.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    May 9, 2013
    50
    Save Rock and Roll pools an assortment of trademark hooks to lure you in, but its commercially formulaic spine will leave you feeling like you should have known better.
    Read full review
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