My Chemical Romance treads new ground with their latest album - Danger Days: The True Lives of the... wait, really? The title needs to be that long? Here’s the point: this album is flashy. The music, the lyrics, the hooks, and even the band themselves are all over-the-top powerful and flashy from start to finish. From a band categorically shuffled into the “emo” genre after hits such as “Helena,” “I’m Not Okay (I Promise),” and “Welcome to the Black Parade,” Danger Days is a glitzy throwback to pre-90’s punk rock. The band even dresses the part for their upcoming tours, dressing in vibrant pinks, whites, and sky blues. Is this jarring shift in style enough to save a band that nearly broke up twice during this album’s production?
MCR claimed that they wanted to “save rock’n’roll” (no kidding) with this album, and while Danger Days is a far cry from Nevermind or Revolver, it is still a masterwork of style, writing, and musical talent. The band consistently exceeds their already-excellent performances from The Black Parade, which is even greater an accomplishment considering the shift in genres. Danger Days has less in common with the band’s previous fixation on gritty, swollen themes of death and more in common with Green Day’s modern political manifesto. Unlike some of Green Day’s outright preachy agenda, however, MCR never stops having fun through the end of the album, which is capped off with an unmistakably catchy guitar riff in “Vampire Money.” Other highlights on the album include future MCR staple “Bulletproof Heart,” the ballad-ish “Sing,” and the perfect summer anthem, “Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na).”
Faults are found, however, in the album’s timing and mastering. A rock and roll concept album this good is being released in November? Really? This album screams to be cranked up in my car as I blow around Northwest Ohio with my windows down and a beautiful summer breeze in my face. This is a minor complaint - I suppose I can bust this beast out come springtime. Finally, and most unfortunately, Danger Days is a victim of the “loudness war.” MCR clearly wants this album played loud and proud, but unfortunately producer Rob Cavollo (most famous for producing for Green Day and the Goo Goo Dolls), pushed the volume up a bit too far, and the entire album exhibits serious clipping issues. I will be keeping my eye out for a vinyl release in hopes that the clipping did not carry over to that master.
Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys is a concept album worth hearing - clipping problems aside - because unlike so many of today’s whiny bands and paid-for acts, My Chemical Romance just wants to play loud, catchy rock and roll music. They are not saving rock with Danger Days, but MCR is certainly doing it a big favor.
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