As different as the music may be from what fans of Panic's early work might hope for, there's an effortless cool on display here, alongside a mountain of sharp hooks and some smartly used samples. Say Amen (Saturday Night) is a clear early favourite, boasting a massive, horn-fueled chorus (and, thanks to outside help and samples, a total of fifteen songwriting credits, but that's pop these days).
There are smash hits waiting to happen up and down the track list, like the slinky and groovy Hey Look Ma, I Made It, the percussive and triumphant anthem High Hopes and the propulsive banger The Overpass, to name a few. There's a stickiness and a sheen to this album that lends even the biggest missteps a tasty groove or an ear worm to latch onto.
That said, there are a few clunky lyrics and overly busy moments here and there that slow the momentum somewhat, though this is by and large a very quickly moving (11 songs in 34 minutes) and consistently entertaining record. The energy is high throughout, with the exception of closing ballad Dying in LA, which establishes itself as the sobering aftermath of the preceding party.
Overall, Pray for the Wicked is a very effective summer pop record that is smarter and sharper than most pop; it's also successful in appealing to a rock fan like me who, despite not fully getting on board with the band when they were, you know, a band, can appreciate the gall it takes to drag old time aesthetics into the future in such a bombastic and enjoyable fashion.
June 22, 2018 • DCD2/Fueled By Ramen
Highlights Say Amen (Saturday Night) • High Hopes • The Overpass
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