If it weren't for the infinitely douchey Pete Wentz (who of all the band members probably has the least impact on the music - he plays bass) it would be a lot easier to like Fall Out Boy. That said, their last single isn't helping things much easier. They've lost the catchy melodies of From Under the Cork Tree as well as the wit and irony that made that album so fun to listen to. The morals of their songs are heavy handed and dumb now, and the music is boring and unsettlingly closer to pop than punk.

A pop star who's primary property is her persona, I think it's therefore fair to judge her by her appearance. In point of fact, she'd have received a lower score from me if I was to rate her purely on her ability. The music is ridiculous, pointless, and at times without melody. Even worse, I heard she refused to accept MC Jelly Donut's challenge to her at one of her shows in the bay area.

Comparisons to Fall Out Boy, Justin Timberlake, and Maroon 5 are apt, but they are less gay than Maroon 5, have less rhythm but more rock more consistently than JT, and don't have the douchebag stigma of Fall Out Boy. I'm actually sort of reminded of my favorite band from the 80s that just happened, No More Kings.

inspires feelings of compassion, intensity, lonliness. hearing this music makes my breast swell with pride at what can be accomplished by the will of the human spirit

At first I wanted to make Fiona Apple comparison because of her husky voice but she's definitely more of a singer than a songwriter. The songs are driven by the vocals which are impressive. The melody is strong and the pacing of the song is also quite satisfying, though I can't help but think that her future as a musician depends on how willing she is to take control of her own music. This single Chasing Pavements sounds like a joint-songwriting project with industry professionals that lends it a polished but ultimately soulless feel that is juxtaposed sharply with Adele's soulful warble.