Since the release of their first album in 2005, Panic at the Disco has been one of the most listened to bands on my iPod. While their two main albums have significant differences in sound, there is no mistaking the timbre of lead singer Brendon Urie’s impressive voice. Here is a list of my favorite Panic songs that I think everyone should become acquainted with:
1. Build God The We’ll Talk
A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (2005)
This song depicts a graphic and somehow familiar story of the most degrading kind. I was immediately struck by their use of a Sound of Music quote, “Raindrops on roses and girls in white dresses” as the chorus, bastardizing the original happy lyrics into the twisted existence they have in this song. Finally, as a string player I have to give a thumbs up to the string interlude towards the end of the song. Classic, and always good.
2. Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off
A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out
The provocative song with an even more provocative title starts off soft and sexy, ends strong and powerful, and for me was an instant attraction to lead singer Brendon Urie. The lyrics makes you remorseful for any wrong you’ve done your significant other, sure that you will never do it again, and have a craving for intimacy in general.
3. I Write Sins Not Tragedy
A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out
This song remains intriguing despite being overplayed on many pop stations. I happen to love the pizzicato strings in the introduction and applaud the uniqueness of the sound. Like many of their songs, this one tells an angry yet somehow uplifting story that touches a nerve. It has a beat that seems to make you dance, which is probably reason for its popularity.
4. Nine In The Afternoon
Pretty. Odd. (2008)
The beginning of this hit seems to reference “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles, especially considering the opening of the music video where Brendon gets out of bed and the first lyrics in the Beatle’s song (woke up, got out of bed.) Similarly, the trumpets used in the orchestration and the colors of the album in general have a nostalgic feel that just has to have been influenced by Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This song is catchy beyond all belief and, as is the whole second album, much happier than their first album.
5. Folkin’ Around
Pretty. Odd.
This is the only song of theirs with a true country feel, complete with fiddle and banjo. It is simple, upbeat and just plain old fun. Most importantly, you can really hear the beauty in Brendon’s voice in the earnest and touching melody.
6. That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)
Pretty. Odd.
While the lyrics are at some points difficult to make out in this song, the tune is catchy and upbeat. It has a nice use of traditional rock band instruments and is a far departure from their technology dominated first album. Furthermore, there is a beautiful harmony in the chorus that just begs you to listen.
7. Mad As Rabbits
Pretty. Odd.
This seems to be one of the only songs where band members other than Brendon have solo vocal lines. It has a “rough around the edges” feel, adding to its charm. It is strikingly reminiscent of the Beatles, maybe due to the vibrato-less vocalization of the second singer. As a bonus, it has an amusing music video that makes you fall in love with the band.
8. The Only Difference Between Martyrdom And Suicide Is Press Coverage
A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out
This selection has a relentless and edgy beat that seems to ask you to tap your toes (as does the first verse…) The power in Brendon’s voice was the first thing that struck me in this song, important since it was the first Panic song I heard. It has the upbeat, techno feel that is prominent in their first album.
9. There’s A Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven’t Thought Of It Yet
A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out
This song has a weird yet cool swing feel to it that is unique to the album. When you can get past the seemingly crazy change in genre and listen to the lyrics, you realize that everything fits together in a seamless puzzle of story and music.
10. She’s A Handsome Woman
Pretty. Odd.
This final selection has more cryptic lyrics than some of their other tunes, especially considering that the singing is so fast it is hard to make out the words. However, there is something inexplicably wholesome about the chorus (Go on, grab your hat and fetch a camera/ Go on, film the world before it happens) and the manner in which it is sung. It is one of the catchiest songs on this second album and, as usual, upbeat.
