Fall Out Boy - "I Don't Care"

Rolling out of the box with a swagger that's part Blondie's classic "Call Me" and part Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit In the Sky," Fall Out Boy carve out a welcome return. Not as immediately arresting as the #1 smash "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race," "I Don't Care" is still likely to please the group's army of fans and possibly gain a bit more attention in the mainstream rock arena.

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After the big picture grasp of Infinity on High, it looks like Fall Out Boy may be more interested this time around in simply churning out driving, high quality pop-rock. That is a laudatory goal as well. The lyrics explore interpersonal politics and relationship issues, but it is ultimately the music here that is front and center.

Big drums and chunky guitars kick off "I Don't Care" and give it an insistent, propulsive drive guaranteed to rivet attention. The chorus reaches for anthemic territory, but it lacks the instant hook of some of Fall Out Boy's greatest classics. The judicious use of vocal chorus effects, instrumental effects that bear more than a passing resemblance to rock classics, and the closing rally cry of "I Don't Care" will appeal to pop and rock fans who have found some of the band's penchant for long song titles and self-consciously clever wordplay off putting.

From the first listen, "I Don't Care" is brimming with swagger and self-confidence. Fall Out Boy continue to sound as if they know exactly where their music should be and should go. All we have to do as fans is follow and enjoy.