“I’ve Got a Dark…” offers valuable insight into how “dead-end kids” feel and why (“I want to be known for my hits, not just my misses … [I’m] comparing myself to everyone else around me”). Elsewhere, brief bouts of conscience lead to apologies.
While he may be speaking figuratively, lead singer Patrick Stump talks several times of burning things down. But there’s nothing ambiguous about the band’s lack of sexual ethics—many selfish, casual encounters with no expectations and no questions asked (“Get Busy…” “Nobody Puts…,” “Champagne…,” etc.). Lines include “I’m sleeping my way out of this one with anyone who will lie down” (“7 Minutes…”) and “I only want sympathy in the form of you crawling into bed with me” (“Dance, Dance”). Keyholes are for watching a woman dress (“XO”) and a couple having sex (“Sugar, We’re Going Down”). Joking about killing himself, Stump says on “Our Lawyer…,” “The ribbon on my wrist says, ‘Do not open before Christmas.’” Cynical and morose, “Sophomore Slump…” believes that lies are a commodity and no one has the answers to life’s problems. Drinking references include a gin-and-kerosene concoction.
The disc opens with the snarky caution, “Brothers and sisters, put this record down/Take my advice, ’cause we are bad news.” Sarcastic, but true. Skip this disc and avoid significant fallout.
Editor’s Note: This disc boasts ludicrously long song titles. We’ve cited only the first few words of each.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
