Pop-punk darlings Fall Out Boy drop “Wilson (Expensive Mistakes),” the fifth single released in advance of their long-delayed seventh studio album, ‘M A N I A.’

“Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)” marks the fifth and final single released in advance of M A N I A, the seventh studio album by Fall Out Boy. M A N I A, originally due to be released in September 2017, encountered a sizable speed bump – the horrid “Young and Menace.” Despite some respectable singles following that disastrous promo single, the whole campaign for M A N I A has felt doomed from the start.  Despite a potential D.O.A scenario for the album, “Wilson (Expensive Mistakes),” like every single sans “Young and Menace,” ends up being enjoyable and fun.

Interestingly, “Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)” opens with a Clash sample, “Straight to Hell.” This commences rhythmically, indicating an assertive performance by Patrick Stump and company.  As always, Stump is invested vocally, dropping solid, distorted, rhythmic vocals.  The pre-chorus is definitely memorable, blending Stump’s smooth, soulful delivering with the coarseness of the distortion.

“If I could get my shit together / I’m gonna run away and never see any of you again / Never see any of you again.”

Naturally, the chorus is epic – boisterous, intense, and turned up to the nth degree.  By the final iteration, things are hella heavy.

“I hope the roof flies off and I get blown out into space / I always make such expensive mistakes / I know it’s just a number but you’re the eighth wonder / I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color.”

In addition to excellent pre-chorus and chorus sections, Fall Out Boy gives us a fine bridge as well.  This occurs before that final chorus, which as aforementioned, is the busiest and heaviest of all.

Final Thoughts

The biggest problem with M A N I A before M A N I A arrives is a tarnished reputation.  “Young and Menace” was totally the wrong single.  But, we should move past it.  “Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)” is another solid record from the album with replay value.  No, “Wilson” is not the second coming, and yes, there’s still some uneasiness regarding ‘new Fall Out Boy,’ but, “it should be okay.”

Fall Out Boy • M A N I A • Island • Release: 1.19.18

Writers: Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, Joe Trohman, Andrew Hurley; Producers: Fall Out Boy, Dave Sardy

Photo Credit: Island