The ever-theatrical Brendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco returns announce a new album, ‘Pray for the Wicked,’ led by promo single, “Say Amen (Saturday Night).”

Get excited folks – Panic! At the Disco is back.  The follow-up to the Grammy-nominated Death of a Bachelor (2016) arrives June 22, 2018.  With the announcement of Pray for the Wicked, fittingly, frontman Brendon Urie dropped two new singles: “(Fuck a) Silver Lining” and “Say Amen (Saturday Night).” “Can I get a hallelujah?”

“Been traveling in packs that I can’t carry anymore
Been waiting for somebody else to carry me
There’s nothing else there for me at my door
All the people I know aren’t who they used to be.”

Goodness, Urie seems to be experiencing some inner-conflict on “Say Amen (Saturday Night),” the second track following the unapologetic “(Fuck a) Silver Lining.”  As always, the production work is a work of art throughout the course of the record. There’s fantastic keyboard work – both acoustic piano (patches) as well as synths.  Later on, the gargantuan chorus adds horns and massive, pummeling drums. The choruses represent the most epic moments for sure, as well as summing up the record’s message.

“I pray for the wicked on the weekend
Mama, can I get another amen?
Oh, oh, it's Saturday night, yeah
Swear to God, I ain't ever gonna repent
Mama, can I get another amen?
Oh, oh, it's Saturday night, yeah.”

The push-and-pull is what makes “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” so compelling. Urie is struggling with spirituality versus being free and living it up.  He uses his brilliant vocals to convey this.  As always, he exhibits tremendous grit, always packing quite the punch.  The falsetto is simply marvelous.  If Urie’s struggles weren’t clear on the verses or chorus, he restates them on the bridge.

“If I had one more day to wish
If I had one more day
To be better than I could have ever been
If I had one more day to wish
If I had one more day
I could be better, but, baby
Oh, it's Saturday night, yeah.”

Final Thoughts

Something tells me that those who find “(Fuck a) Silver Lining” a bit ‘off-putting’ will enjoy “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” more.  It still goes ‘big’ and perhaps somewhat overblown on the chorus, but there’s a bit more nuance compared to the opener.  If you’re a fan of the band, particularly as of late, this will tickle your fancy all over again.

Panic! At the Disco • Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • Release: 6.22.18

Photo Credit: Fueled by Ramen