Fall Out Boy released their latest album, American Beauty/American Psycho on January 20, 2015. What happens when emo-pop-rock band Fall Out Boy pushes the envelope and tries to get a little weird? I'll tell you what happens. Magic. Pure magic.

I admit I was a little reluctant to give the anthem-writing boys a mulligan after my experience with their previous album, Save Rock And Roll. However, I’m infinitely glad that I convinced my finger to hit that play button for the wild ride that American Beauty/American Psycho took me on.

I find it worth noting that the band’s title track and single had a little help by none other than Nikki Sixx himself. And for you composer/songwriter/producer fans, the names that pop up on this album are also quite impressive. It’s not surprising that FOB comes full-force with a stacked roster with this release.

If you go into this album looking for an extended “From Under The Cork Tree”, you’re going to be disappointed. However, if you are anxious to finally hear the boys use their full potential and show how much they have grown as a band, you’re in luck. The album brings us everything from anthems like “Centuries” to stuck-in-your-head tracks like “American Beauty/American Psycho” and even all the way down to the thought provoking slower tracks such as “Jet Pack Blues” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright”.

One will immediately find that guitars are very scarce in the intro track “Irresistible”, but the big band trumpets and other horns can be heard very well. This lets us know right away to be prepared for FOB to take a walk on the strange side.

The album also name drops Uma Thurman in their song named after her. It is rumored that Uma Thurman herself actually enjoys the song quite a lot. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t enjoy this upbeat number?

Overall, American Beauty/American Psycho is exactly what Fall Out Boy needed to get themselves back onto the map and gain their mojo back. This one will definitely be a strong candidate in my personal “Album of the Year” consideration.

I’m giving the guys a solid 8/10 for this album.

P.S. If you are the person who somehow convinced Pete Wentz that screaming just wasn’t his thing, and maybe he should back it off on this album. Thank you.