26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Panic is back baby...love it, love it, love it!, Mar 27 2011
By E. Wheeler "Fool for a good romance" - Published on Amazon.com
Panic! At the Disco's debut album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, was edgy, dark, emotional and filled with raw energy. Their sophmore release, Pretty Odd, was basicly the exact oppisite, with it's nostlgic, mellow and happy vibe. While Pretty Odd was like the Fever album's alter ego, Vices and Virtues is more like it's older brother. It is not a repeat of the Fever album by any means but it has the same kind of magic that Fever drew you in with and is a very strong, well put together album. Overall, Vices and Virtues is pretty energetic and upbeat, it makes you want to sing and dance along with songs like Hurricane and Sarah Smiles but also has a couple really strong slower songs like Always and the Calender. Give it a listen, even if you are sceptical after Pretty Odd, you will be pleasently suprised at what the two remaining members of Panic have done here.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Exclamation Point is Back and so is Panic, Mar 22 2011
By Datura - Published on Amazon.com
I was disappointed when P!ATD left behind their signature, over-the-top theatrics. I do think it's important to respect musicians' need to grow and experiment, though. I think part of the reason this album is as good as it is, is because of Pretty.Odd. In Vices & Virtues, Panic! returns to that original sound that fans love, but brings with it a greater maturity and improved songwriting. Fast tempos and heavy strings make for a seriously fun listen. 'Hurricane' has the most addictive hand-clap percussion and shout-along chorus--I can't quit listening to it, so awesome.
It's true that Vices & Virtues doesn't have the same bite of their old lyrics, and I do miss that. But honestly, it can't be healthy to be that angry and bitter all the time, so if Brendon wants to croon melancholy love songs, I'm good with that. 'Always,' a ballad of acoustic guitar, is particularly beautiful. Brendon's singing has improved so much since their debut. He's completely left behind the emo yell/sing, and this is him at a vocal peak. What a voice!
I think Vices & Virtues takes their old style and marries it with the maturity of Pretty.Odd. I bumped a star off for some songs like 'Memories', which are nice but kind of forgettable. That said, if you were a fan of their first style, give Vices & Virtues a shot; I'm so happy they're back.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a step up., Mar 24 2011
By Arthur Fillinger - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Vices & Virtues (Audio CD)
In comparison to their last cd, this one is so much better. I enjoy all of the songs, and I am glad Panic is back into making the type of music they did on their first CD. Their previous one, for me didn't sound well and I believe they lost some fans because of it. I suspect the two members that left were the cause of the change. I want to hear Panic, not a band trying to sound like The Beatles. If you aren't sure if you should buy this because of their last CD, I can say it will not be a waste of money.