PATRICK STUMP

Soul Punk

[Island]

If ever you needed proof that Fall Out Boy was primarily a vehicle for bass player Pete Wentz, one listen to the solo debut from lead singer Patrick Stump should convince you. Largely eschewing FOB’s driving power-pop, Stump lets his funk flag fly right away on the opening “Explode,” its propulsive electro-pop resembling some of his outside work with Cobra Starship or the Roots. Likewise, “This City” shows more of a creamy R&B sound than FOB fans might be prepared for—although Stump loads the tune with instant earworms like the staccato “ah-ah” in the chorus. “Dance Miserable” is a highlight of the album, with an instantly infectious funk groove and wry observations like “The hippies sold out, traded pot for coke/Moved to the suburbs, found God in a vote.” Soul Punk is ample evidence that Stump is full of ideas that need a loud, varied outlet outside a hit-making machine like Fall Out Boy. –BC