My Chemical Romance – Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (Reprise)
My Chemical Romance has parted ways with the monochromatic, dark parade and are now neon-colored outlaws on their fourth studio album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. Danger Days is part of an entire epic adventure set in 2019. The Killjoys are a revolutionary gang, fearlessly fighting an evil corporation that has banned art and color. Seem like a lot to swallow? Wait until you hear what the Killjoys have to say. Singer Gerard Way stated in an interview that the title Danger Days refers to its four-year creation period: “What it takes to make an album like we do… it’s a very dangerous time you end up living in.”
My Chemical Romance – Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (Reprise)
My Chemical Romance has parted ways with the monochromatic, dark parade and are now neon-colored outlaws on their fourth studio album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. Danger Days is part of an entire epic adventure set in 2019. The Killjoys are a revolutionary gang, fearlessly fighting an evil corporation that has banned art and color. Seem like a lot to swallow? Wait until you hear what the Killjoys have to say. Singer Gerard Way stated in an interview that the title Danger Days refers to its four-year creation period: “What it takes to make an album like we do… it’s a very dangerous time you end up living in.”
Who better to welcome us to that time that Dr. Death Defying, a pirate radio DJ that broadcasts for the cause? Dr. Death Defying’s introduction makes it clear Danger Days isn’t just a collection of songs. My Chemical Romance has produced a conceptual album, focusing as much attention on the creation of the story as the music behind it. Their music videos are short films documenting the Killjoys’ adventures. Like recent My Chemical Romance albums, this release is part of a bigger picture, and tracks should not be taken at their musical “face value.”
“Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)” immediately pulls listeners into their vigilante lifestyle: screaming sing-a-longs praising love, drugs and anarchy. It was the first song written for Danger Days and served as inspiration for the entire album. Its high energy is felt immediately, and has plenty of My Chemical Romance’s distinctive passion. It’s also over-the-top, but fans shouldn’t expect anything less from the group by now. “Bulletproof Heart” and “The Only Hope For Me Is You” are more of the same; sweepingly epic tracks packed with guitars churning classic rock chords, Way’s soaring vocals and hooks that stay in your head for days.
“S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” is one of the few ballads on the album, and a welcomed break (escape) from the dizzying story (danger), despite the ostentatious name. “Summertime” is similar; its strumming acoustic guitars, synthesizer, and childlike lyrics cement this track as the poppiest on the album. It’s a departure for the band that released the punk-infused debut I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, but it somehow flows nicely in the dramatic narrative.
Several tracks are chapters in the Killjoy book and may not meet the high musical standards of long-time fans. “SING” has powerful lyrics but a lackluster chorus that fails to inspire the masses. The music video, however, brings the song to life as a fitting soundtrack for a daring rescue (albeit with guns that look like toys). “Party Poison” and “DESTROYA” are similarly important songs that may not be appreciated unless viewed as part of the album’s narrative.
Guitarist Frank Iero released a statement upon the album’s release, announcing that Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys is “the soundtrack to raging against the death of the creative spark.” Each integral track on the album champions freedom of expression in true My Chemical Romance fashion; apocalyptic lyrics, orchestral choruses, and Way wailing as the Killjoys fight against the uninspired. Fear not, Iero. Danger Days is packed with enough creativity to bring the most hopeless artist back to life.
