DC Fuse

The cleverness of Fall Out Boy's lyrical content is immediately evident by looking at the song titles on their sophomore disc, From Under the Cork Tree. "A Little Less 'Sixteen Candles,' a Little More 'Touch Me,'" "I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me" and "Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year" are but a small taste of the group's acerbic attitude. After FOB's indie debut hit the underground charts, the group's sudden indie-style success made for a fast growth spurt. Their appeal is obvious, from frontman Patrick Stump's Killer-esque pipes (especially evidenced in the disc-closing "XO") to their very melodic teen-angst anthems. While much of the disc operates at usual punk-pop speed, the highlight comes from a slower, emotion-laden cut called "I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth." This song of living in the public while working through private pain is a beautiful, multilayered number that stays with you long after the album is over. --Denise Sheppard