Can My Chemical Romance stop making concept albums? Probably, but there is no need to. They know how to do them well, and why change a good thing? After the smash success of 2006's The Black Parade, My Chemical Romance has crafted an album about a group of bandits named The Killjoys who live in the California desert in the year 2019. Sound confusing? I agree. But it's also outrageously different than anything they've done before. However, it's also one of their strongest albums.
From what I've gathered from numerous sources, song material and interviews, The Killjoys are fighting against an evil corporation named Better Living Corporation and it's leader Korse. Furthermore, they are being guided by a radio DJ named Dr. Death Defying. The rest of the story concerns a member of the Killjoys being captured and the rest of the gangs attempt to get her back, and the trials and tribulations they face. But I'm almost positive the majority of people aren't into the story. They care about the music. And the music is just as ambitious as the story.
The biggest difference with this album is how optimistic it is compared with earlier material, especially pre-Black Parade era. Songs such as "Bulletproof Heart" talk about running away to find a better life. "Planetary (GO)" and "Sing" are more bombastic numbers than we're used to from Gerard Way and company, and that's far from a bad thing. The former sounds like it would be playing during a car chase, and "Sing" is a stadium ready anthem about just singing out loud. It's different for My Chemical Romance, and unexpected.
However, the highlights of the album all arrive in the middle. Tracks 8 through 12 are some of the 5 best tracks that My Chemical Romance have constructed. "Party Poison" features Japanese radio broadcasts and is an explosive number and features some of Frank Iero's best guitar work. "Save Yourself, I'll Hold Them Back" and "S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W" are also outstanding songs, easy to sing along to with powerful vocals. Gerard Way hasn't been better, and his singing is one of the album's highlights. Finally, my favorite track "Summertime" sums up the album's optimism and powerful feel. It's a sing a long number that would have captured Modern Rock radio if it was released in June as a summer single. Easily one of their best songs. The final 3 songs contain 1 interlude, and the album ends on a satirical number about band breakup, perhaps an ode to critics of the band's constantly shifting styles.
Band's are expected to change and grow. My Chemical Romance is one of the few bands who has found success with every style they form, not relying on the sound that made a previous album successful. It's a trait that is easily admirable, even if you're not a fan of the band. They have been able to make a great sound in every album they've released, and each has been different. Danger Days is no exception. It's ambitious, optimistic, and catchy. It's also one of their most consistent efforts. Gerard Way and company are back after a long 4 years with one of the best albums. Welcome back Killjoys, it's nice to meet you.
Final Grade: 8.5/10 (Get this album)
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