Death of a Bachelor - The Death of Panic

Panic! At The Disco - Death of a Bachelor

Released January 15th, 2016

Brendon Urie

Genre: Pop rock

Intro

Okay okay okay okay okay. I know EXACTLY what you're thinking. Sharky, you literally did one of the most influential punk rock albums of all time- and now you're doing... Panic at the Disco??? OKAY YES, I get it. Not a very good back to backer, but I figured it would be kind of interesting.

I am going to both praise, AND shit on this album. I have a very soft spot for this album because when I was trying to rediscover my love for music in 2016, this was one of the albums I used to listen to a lot. There are some songs on here that I haven't heard since then, but they are FUCKING fantastic. I'm not saying I like the band, I do not. I'm not big into them- ESPECIALLY these days with their latest pop filled nonsense. That being said however, there are a lot of songs to appreciate here, and I'm going to tell you why. Let's get into it.

(Also for reference- the title The Death of Panic is because I don't like any of their current shit. This album was the only one I liked, and after that I don't really give a fuck.)

Thoughts & Feelings?

This album makes me feel like I've stumbled into the WRONG club. This is like absolute white girl territory, and I am completely in new waters. This is not my style of music but everyone is dancing around me and having a great time so whatever I just accept the fact that I'm here and have a couple drinks and party it up. No need for labels tonight. I don't know man, don't ask me to elaborate further.

For real though, this album is really good. It has some GREAT songs that hold value to me. I'm not saying I would listen to this album more than once a year, but once in a while it's a good enjoyable experience to come back to these songs. It's VERY pop rock, and not very heavy at all obviously. So if you're exclusive to punk rock, metal, rock even- don't bother with this album. Maybe give Death of a Bachelor a listen because I already know that's gonna be a gold. I love that fucking song. Anyway yeah this is pop.

Also just want to give a quick apology to all the musicians that I didn't mention in the album information. There are a lot of musicians on this album, but ultimately it's a Brandon Urie album. I'll give you all credit right here just because you all have talent and deserve recognition, I just didn't want to put a million names in the album info.

Rob Mathes, Andy Snitzer, Dave Mann, Aaron Heick, Dave Riekenberg, Mike Davis, Randy Andos, Jeff Kievit, Tony Kadleck, Dylan Schwab, White Sea, Mark Stepro. Sorry other production guys, I'm just focusing on the musicians here.

Smash or Pass?

Victorious - SMASH. This song is a fucking bang and go fuck yourself if you don't think so. This shit is so catchy. There's a lot of elements for me to appreciate here. I know that this band is so fucking focused on the vocals but that's okay cause this shit is groovy and catchy as fuck. I really appreciate the background music it's great to listen to. This shit brings me back, I'm pretty sure a few of these songs were on NHL or MLB back when I used to play those games a lot. Anyway, great song I love it but not medal worthy yet (Edit: It's medal worthy NOW. Needed to verify the rest of the album first).

Don't Threaten Me with a Good Time - Smash. Shoutout to Rock Lobster. I'm not super into this song. This is one of the songs that is pretty passable for me. I'm not big into it just because it's a lot less rock action. Pretty sure all the girls go crazy for this one but it's not really for me.

Hallelujah - Pass. Honestly sorry, but this one isn't as fun for me. I'm not really that into it. It just feels like fan service almost, trying to get the people to sing Hallelujah. Like the song is MADE to be sung in an arena, so kind of a sellout song. Whatever I don't really care, sorry not into this one it's fine, just not for me.

Emperor's New Clothes - Pass. Meh, another one I don't really give a fuck about. This one has so many fucking weird sounds in it it just freaks me out. The chorus is ALMOST good, but not quite. Honestly this song just sucks to be honest. I'm not into it. The bridge section is kinda cool.

Death of a Bachelor - SMMMAAAASSSSHHHHH. This song I used to be fucking obsessed with for like all of 2016. This is easily the best song on this album and it's not even CLOSE. This song is the entire reason why I'm reviewing this album, because this song slaps my cock off. It's fucking amazing. This is the definition of a perfect pop song. It is smooth like a glass of cold whisky. It has an amazing build up, everything just works here. The chorus gives me fucking chills, thank you Mr Urie. Good luck fucking singing this one, boys and girls. Yeah this is easily the best song.

Crazy = Genius - Smash. This one is definitely interesting. The ONLY reason I'm smashing this one is because of the extra instruments. There are so many horns and shit in this song that it's just inexcusable to make this one a pass. It also sound pretty decent once the songs actually gets going. Other than that, I find it a little annoying.

LA Devotee - SMAAASSSHHH. Easily the 2nd best song on this album, this one is SO FUCKING CATCHY. I absolutely LOVE this song. This is what a GOOD pop song sounds like. This is so fucking great. Everything works really well here, and it's just overall super enjoyable. The FUCKING CHORUS is MAGIC. Chills listening to this one, it's a great fucking song and can't convince me otherwise. I'd even consider throwing this one in my punk rock playlist despite it being completely pop- it's just THAT good. Key change is much appreciated as well. Super super good.

Golden Days - Smash. This one is pretty decent but I'm not SUPER SUPER into it. It's just overall a pretty decent song. This song is way better than I remember it being. Never mind I'm pretty into this one. The soft but palm muted pre-chorus is pretty good. The chorus falls flat but it's acceptable. Yeah overall a pretty decent song just nothing crazy. EXCELLENT bridge section, probably the best part of this song.

The Good, the Bad, and the Dirty - SMAASSHH. I remember this one being one of my favourites back in 2016, and it's pretty decent. OH MAN THIS FUCKING CHORUS, that's why this song is so good. The chorus is fucking CRAZY GOOD. Absolutely all the way up, super catchy, works pretty fucking good. Love the horns in this one, I'm super into it. Yeah this one is SO cliche but it's just enjoyable. It's a very enjoyable listen and I like this one a lot. More than Victorious? Probably not I don't think but it's a good 4th place so far.

House of Memories - SMASH. I remember this one being very good as well. Yeah this is one of my favourite song on the album just based on how objectively good it is. Everything works pretty fucking well. It's super catchy and enjoyable. I'm probably not the most passionate person in the world about this one but it just sounds great. I don't think I like it more than Victorious however, so despite me saying it probably wasn't a medal, that one probably is.

Impossible Year - Pass. This isn't a bad song, it's just super slow and not very fun. I mean it is the last song of the album so I guess it makes sense from an album perspective. It's honestly not a bad song at all I'm just not into it. I prefer the more dancy pancy songs. Those are fun. Anyway yeah it's a decent ending however.

Conclusion

Feel free to step out of your comfort zone. Just because you enjoy one genre of music doesn't mean you can't explore and enjoy other genres. I HATE pop music, but this album has some absolute bangers on it, and Michael Jackson is the GOAT (completely unrelated to this album, just mentioning him as the king of pop, rest in peace king). That being said however, I will never review a rap or country album.

For real though, this album has a lot to enjoy. Nothing is stopping you from enjoying these songs. I give them a listen once in a while just because they are fun dancy pop songs. The girls also love Panic, so nothing too wrong with getting a foot in the door. This is probably the only Panic album I will be reviewing just because I don't want to listen to any more of them. Sorry.

RANK: B (for Bachelor)

 

What do you guys think? I know this typically isn't our style of music, but it's nice to explore once in a while. Give a couple songs a listen and let me know your thoughts. I promise we're going back to our regularly scheduled program tomorrow. Happy Sunday!

- Sharky