It's the season of all those award shows and I think this will be my first year to actually watch any of them, namely the Grammy's. "Why?" you ask? Simple. Panic! At the Disco's album Death of a Bachelor was nominated for the Best Rock Album of the year. If you have not listened to that album yet, do yourself a huge favor and do so, immediately! Still need convincing?
Here are 5 reasons why you MUST listen to Panic! At the Disco's Death of a Bachelor right now:
1. Brendon Urie.
What is there not to like about Brendon Urie. Remember way back when in 2005 when he and the rest of Panic! At the Disco (at the time) released "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" from A Fever You Can't Sweat Out? Remember when they were so theatrical and even toured in their quirky get ups? Well, Brendon Urie is the sole member of Panic! At the Disco now and he could not be doing a better job. The sound of P!ATD did change every album, but that's what we love about it. Urie gives us something new and different. He knows exactly what he is doing in this industry.
2. The Sound.
There is something for everyone on this album. Majority of the sound from this album is a modern "Big Band" and Frank Sinatra night club feel. "Crazy=Genius" sounds like Brendon Urie is leading a large nightclub band in a suit. "Death of a Bachelor" sounds exactly as it is portrayed in the music video - Brendon Urie singing into an old school mic, dressed in a suit, in an empty club, all in black and white. It is refreshing to hear an album sound so different from the rest of the music being released and played on the radio today.
3. The Energy and Emotion.
Brendon Urie delivers a certain energy in his music - live or studio versions of his songs. You can honestly hear it in his voice that this is what he loves. He loves sharing his music, his talent, his emotions with the audience. He loves performing. You can see it in his stage presence. When you listen to any given song on this album, you can hear such a naked and raw artist. He is wearing his heart on his sleeve without a doubt.
4. The Lyrics.
Brendon Urie's lyrics are no less than poetic. His use of imagery is captivating. You can close your eyes and see his story unfold. I am a big fan of the phrasing "death of a bachelor". Any passerby who isn't giving that phrase a second thought may hear the word "death" and question how this song could be romantic. However, upon listening to the song, you hear that he is giving up that bachelor life in exchange for a "happily ever after." Maybe I am too much of an English major and analyzing too much - or even a hopeless romantic - but I adore his word choices and lyrics for every song. Trust me, each song tells a whole story in a matter of minutes.
5. The Vocal Range.
As a rock artist, Brendon Urie's vocal range is quite impressive. I'm confident there are naysayers because they studied and practiced singing. But he, as a rock star, still has an impressive range - and he loves to show it off! From his vines to live renditions of his songs, he does not let us forget how high his voice can go - which is from a D2-C7. He showcases his range in songs like "Victorious", "Death of a Bachelor", and my favorite "Emperor's New Clothes". All of these songs, by the way, he tweaks in his live performances and gives us higher notes! I could listen to him sing all day!
Still not convinced? Well, check out the album for yourself and watch the music videos for the title song, "Death of a Bachelor", "Don't Threaten Me with a Good Time," "Victorious," and particularly "Emperor's New Clothes". You will not be disappointed!
Don't forget to watch the Grammy's on February 12, 2017!
