Music Monday: Throwback Album Review – Vices and Virtues (2011)

Story posted October 10, 2016 in CommRadio by Allison Wulfhurst

Panic! at the Disco are well known for their theatrical songs, music videos and sometimes even performances. This is reflected well in all of their albums and Vices and Virtues specifically. There’s something about this album that gives off that perfectly Panic! feeling that fans of the band love. This is their third studio album and has some of their best work, lyrically and instrumentally. They have mastered the mixture of instruments and electronic effects and how to blend them beautifully.

“The Ballad of Mona Lisa:” If one song had to be picked to represent the whole album, this would be the chosen one; which works out well because the band chose it as one of their singles for this record. There is strong drumming in the chorus and a dreamy electronic effect in the verses that add for a contrast that is repeated on most of the album. By establishing this contrast on the first song of the record, Panic! lets the audience know what it will be like. It is the perfect balance between hard rock and theatrical effects, which is exhibited during the whole record.

“Let’s Kill Tonight:” In the beginning, the drums sound like the intro to “La Devotee,” a song off their newest album, Death of a Bachelor. The verses have a more electric feeling and the lead from the verse into the chorus is such a big change. Drums abruptly interrupt the softer verse and immediately change to the hard-hitting chorus. As the chorus turns into the verse once more, it takes no time at all to soften once more.

“Hurricane:” As the song begins, it has those electrical elements that sound similar to a 90s video game soundtrack. Panic! also utilizes group vocals at some parts to add a more complex effect, instead of having single vocals. Lyrically, vocalist Brendon Urie is able to write lyrics that have deep meaning. They sound simple on the outside, but there has to be more to them. For example, he uses a metaphor in the chorus, “We are a hurricane, drop our anchors in a storm.” It seems simple, but some examining and a story no one would have thought could emerge.

“Memories:” It starts off as a rock song and gradually changes from hard rock elements to a softer tone so Urie’s voice can be heard. This song tells a story about a young couple who fell out of love. It also describes a situation that most people can relate to: having memories that they do not want to let go of, but time eventually takes them away. “Oh memories where did you go? You are all I’ve ever known. How I miss yesterday and how I let it fade away.” Urie seems to be blaming himself for what happened to someone he loved.

“Trade Mistakes:” Urie’s vocal talent is truly represented in this song because it begins soft and his voice sounds delicate. As it advances to the chorus, his voice moves into a higher register and belts out huge notes. Alone, this makes it one of the best songs on the record. Still, it has the blending of rock and theatrical sound, but the theatrical feeling is different in this one.

“Always:” Who would not want to hear Urie sing a love song to them? Well, this is that chance. His main technique that he implements lyrically is imagery to describe how much he loves the girl he is singing about. “I’m the light blinking at the end of the road, blink back to let me know.” Another small technique is the soothing bell sounds in the background of the verses. This is a small addition but adds a bigger effect.

“Nearly Witches:” It is easy to tell this song is the finale to the record because of a variety of things. First, the slow group vocals in the beginning and at other points in the song and the slowed tempo in the chorus and toned down effects. Now, at some points it is the busiest song on the album, there are the most different electronic and theatrical effects that are going on at once. The change from these busy verses to a slowed down chorus add a creative contrast. The whole song is rewarding to listen to and perfect to wrap up this theatrical experience.

Overall, this album is one that should be listened to by everyone, whether or not you are already a fan of Panic! at the Disco or not. This album could be the one that could introduce you to the incredible artists they are.

Rating: 8/10

 

Allison Wulfhorst is a freshman majoring in Journalism. To contact her, email her at akw5392@psu.edu.