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. 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
  2. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    6
    this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6
  3. troubledthought
    Sep 11, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Love Fall Out Boy, always know what they're doing it seems like in some capacity. Love Save Rock And Roll, delivers the promise that a young, new generation of FOB fans can love, and old fans can enjoy. Start to finish there are amazing lyrics and the sound is AWESOME!. If I were to rank the songs in order,

    11. Miss Missing You
    Why- Its a great song, no doubt, but after about 3 plays you get kinda bored. Definitely one for heartbreak and trying to get over that ex

    10.The Mighty Fall
    Why- Its an interesting move, especially throwing Big Sean in there. Its a good song, Patrick comes through as ever!

    9. Just One Yesterday
    Why-While I've grown to love this song, its still #9. If you feel bad about something, words said out of context, or just wishing for simpler days, this is it

    8.Rat A Tat
    Why- Awesome song, makes you feel kinda rebellious, and still keeps the memorable chorus, and a chant, "RAT A TAT TAT RAT A TAT TAT TAT AY!" I mean, c'mon!

    7. Death Valley
    If you're one for strong intros to songs, don't let this song fool you. It carries all the way, deserving of its #7 spot.

    6. Save Rock And Roll (featuring Sir Elton John)
    The Chicago Is So Two Years Ago reference in here is enough to bring you tears right away.

    5.Where Did The Party Go
    This is one for the party filled with laughter, I don't know how you couldn't like this song.

    4. My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light 'Em Up)
    It was popular, and for a good reason. For dealing with the hype, before big moments.

    3. The Phoenix
    Can Fall Out Boy do no wrong? The Phoenix is just amazing. Strong hook, strong chorus, and strong verses.

    2. Young Volcanoes
    Heartbreaking and brilliant. Pete Wentz and Patrick have truly struck a chord with my soul, good god man,

    1. Alone Together
    It has to Alone Together. Punk-Rock will never leave you, and this song won't either. Love it forever    … Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. MysticManiac
    Mar 10, 2018
    6
    Some filler tracks, some good tracks. But as a whole, it's pretty boring and uninteresting. It certainly isn't going to save rock and roll as its title suggests.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. Neng-
    Sep 24, 2017
    6
    I don't really find Fall Out Boy that interesting, but this album has some tracks that really stood up from their main sound and really adds up to get me interested in what they have to say.
    It's more risky and i love when people take risks and get something good out of it, i would still have preferred something even more polished, this feels like it could be improved vastly
  11. Scratch
    Jan 23, 2017
    5
    It's a fun album, with fun songs and some catchy hooks and lyrics. Unfortunately, that's all it is. Minus a few songs, it lacks the depth from previous albums, something that made Fall Out Boy stand out among their pop-punk cohorts. Maybe a few more songs with a bit more variety could have saved rock and roll, but this is not the return I feel many were hoping for.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. YodaManNowDog
    Aug 7, 2015
    5
    I don't know about you guys, but I see a drop in quality, & I blame it on the loss of Patrick Stump's sideburns. Could just be me tho.................yeah...
  17. hammond284
    Jun 26, 2014
    8
    Okay first off, very good style I like the fact that they are trying to prove that they're back and is coming back good. I really like the tracks Miss Missing You, Just One Yesterday, and Young Volcanoes They are very deep and has a good meaning. Save Rock and Roll, The Phoenix, and Death Valley Rat a Tat Tat were good to get your blood pumping for some badassery. The Mighty Fall,Okay first off, very good style I like the fact that they are trying to prove that they're back and is coming back good. I really like the tracks Miss Missing You, Just One Yesterday, and Young Volcanoes They are very deep and has a good meaning. Save Rock and Roll, The Phoenix, and Death Valley Rat a Tat Tat were good to get your blood pumping for some badassery. The Mighty Fall, MYSKWYDITD, I didnt really like those but they are okay, and goes well with the album. I gave this album an 8 out of 10 because it is a good returning of the band and is good for the modern "Rock" so yeah the reason it didnt get higher is because MYSKWYDITD was to repetitive in my opinion.… Expand
  18. SirTacos
    Dec 22, 2013
    5
    The single "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" was great, however, that can't save the rest of the album from being their weakest. It's an okay return, but not on the level of other albums from them like "Take This To Your Grave."
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. BigFudgeJosh
    Nov 3, 2013
    0
    There is no difference between this album and any other mainstream rock album that has been released in the past 5 years. It is typical, uninspired and unoriginal. Have they changed? Yes. Is the change good? By no means. This album is an abysmal attempt music, if you want to listen to Fall Out Boy, stick with the old stuff.
  22. 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
  23. Noxusian
    Aug 4, 2013
    9
    This album really showed if their fans are still willing to become loyal to them for changing their sound style so drastically. It has been a trend for them since Infinity On High, don't get me wrong, I am a huuuuge fan of Fall Out Boy ever since I first heard "Sugar We're Goin Down", and after loving and cherishing the whole album since it's release a few months back, I'm still in to themThis album really showed if their fans are still willing to become loyal to them for changing their sound style so drastically. It has been a trend for them since Infinity On High, don't get me wrong, I am a huuuuge fan of Fall Out Boy ever since I first heard "Sugar We're Goin Down", and after loving and cherishing the whole album since it's release a few months back, I'm still in to them after all of their time being at hiatus. Almost all of the tracks included here, I fell in love with instantly especially "Alone Together" and "Miss Missing You" even though they don't quite represent the good old Fall Out Boy days, it's still a good tune to sing or dance with. Although right now I'm still longing for some new punk rock-ish tunes from them, which is why didn't get a perfect ten for me. I really expected a lot of Rock and Roll or just punk rock on this one since... hence the title, and I really thought that they were really going back to their roots after changing their tempo a little bit in Folie a Deux, but then again, I was wrong. But hey, atleast songs on this album are still singable and dancable because it's made by Fall Out Boy! I'm really happy for these guys! I just want them to keep on rocking. Really can't wait for their next album.… Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. drainbramaged
    Jun 21, 2013
    2
    Maybe it's just the fact that the words 'rock and roll' are printed on the cover to this horrendous record but there is something unsatisfactory about the way this album sounds. I was never a fan of Fall Out Boy but I thought they were still decent musicians. That is, until hearing this. Fall Out Boy are famed for their emo-pop/pop-rock sound and image but this album is straight upMaybe it's just the fact that the words 'rock and roll' are printed on the cover to this horrendous record but there is something unsatisfactory about the way this album sounds. I was never a fan of Fall Out Boy but I thought they were still decent musicians. That is, until hearing this. Fall Out Boy are famed for their emo-pop/pop-rock sound and image but this album is straight up mediocre chart music. More for fans of whatever's on mainstream radio. Anyone wanting 'rock and roll' should avoid this at all costs.… Expand
  27. JayP
    Jun 13, 2013
    2
    Let me start by saying that I love FOB and I think Patrick Stump has an amazing voice. Unfortunately, this album is abysmal mostly due to the gimmicky inclusion of all of the "guests." The song "Rat a Tat" starts out terribly with the supremely talentless, drug-addled (and now like 60-years-old) Courtney Love trying to sound all gangsta while uttering, "It's Courtney, and only getsLet me start by saying that I love FOB and I think Patrick Stump has an amazing voice. Unfortunately, this album is abysmal mostly due to the gimmicky inclusion of all of the "guests." The song "Rat a Tat" starts out terribly with the supremely talentless, drug-addled (and now like 60-years-old) Courtney Love trying to sound all gangsta while uttering, "It's Courtney, and only gets worse from there; it's a perfect example of what's wrong with this album. Best to avoid it all together and just listen to any of the old FOB albums.… Expand
  28. 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."
  29. 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
  30. 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!
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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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