Musically awesome, lyrically mediocre, but Dying In LA is FANTASTIC. Not as good as a lot of Brendon’s other music, but I still recommend it! But it should definitely not have the label “alternative”, let’s admit it, Panic! at the Disco has become pop music. Good pop music, but it’s not alternative anymore. It’s definitely not as good as Death of a Bachelor, but I’d recommend it if you appreciate pop music with some jazz and musical theatre undertones and excellent use of violins. Individual song-wise:
Silver Lining: Brendon Urie saying that life is amazing. Musically very interesting, lyrically pretty good, a fair amount of layers to it.
Say Amen: I honestly have no idea what this song’s about. Lyrically it has some great lines and it’s interesting and musically it’s absolutely epic.
HLM,IMI: It’s not great. Musically it’s very interesting, it has some great layers to it. Lyrically it’s not amazing. It’s a fun song and it makes you smile a bit.
High Hopes: Pretty good. Musically good, lyrically not awesome. Some strange analogies, but it’s motivating in a way. Feels a bit like he’s bragging at parts.
Roaring 20s: Awesome song. Musically it’s fantastic (some great jazz and Bollywood undertones, and vocally amazing; he definitely learned something special on Broadway), and lyrically it’s one of the best on the album with some awesome imagery.
Dancing’s Not A Crime: It’s okay. It’s not a lyrical masterpiece to say the least (but the filthy/guilty as charged lines are nice), and the instrumentals can be a bit irritating. It’s not bad per say, though.
One of the Drunks: Vocally fantastic and it’s awesome if you listen to it with both headphones in. Some good imagery lyrically and great musically as well.
The Overpass: So fun musically, lyrically mediocre. Catchy but in a good way. Fun to dance to. Would recommend it, musically it’s very interesting with a lot of layers.
King of the Clouds: Musically AWESOME. The melody is so cool and the verses have an awesome vocal effect. Some cool imagery lyrically.
Old Fashioned: Lyrically not awesome, musically not awesome. This song is not awesome. Impressive vocals are what makes this song worth listening to. It’s not annoying, but I don’t go out of my way to listen to it.
Dying In LA: A masterpiece. An absolute masterpiece. The music, lyrics, and vocals work together to make this song the most emotional song on the album. The violins are to die for. It brings tears to my eyes. This song is breathtaking.
Overall a pretty good album. I’d recommend it.