Ever since Panic! At The Disco has become only the mind of Brendon Urie, a debate has been going around between diehard fans of the group and music critics everywhere. The question at hand, of course, is has Panic! At The Disco changed for the better or for the worse?
Now, we all know that in the music industry, artists have to do what is necessary to not only stay relevant, but also to change their artistic vision to accommodate their new callings. However, there is definitely a difference between growing as an artist and making music for the money.
At the beginning of its career, Panic! At The Disco was one of the newest acts in the alternative music genre. Discovered by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz and signed to his label, Panic! At The Disco released their debut album shortly after, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. During a press junket, Wentz stated: “I’ve got a couple of bands coming out soon on Decaydance, one being this band called Panic! at the Disco,” Wentz said. “Their record is going to be your next favorite record. It’s called A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out — get it before your little brother does.”
This album truly changed the course of emo music forever. Simply put, it is an iconic record with recognizable songs and mature lyricism that isn’t expected from a group of high school boys.
As the years went by, Panic! At The Disco lost and gained members and changed the style of its music. Now, in 2019, the style of music from its newest, Pray for the Wicked, definitely differs from its old one in a myriad of ways.
Is it fair to call its new work bad compared to the old? Personally, I enjoy the old music more than the new. The new music that’s only created by Brendon Urie doesn’t seem as genuine as it used to. The fans that have an idée fixe with Urie and everything that happens in his private life only proves it. It’s not about the music anymore; it’s about him.
This doesn’t mean I hate Panic! At The Disco, but it’s sort of bittersweet if you think about it. Yes, as an artist, Urie has become bigger but is losing everything you once had worth all this new-found glory?