Viva Las Vengeance

For the title track, see Viva Las Vengeance (song).

Viva Las Vengeance
Studio album by
Panic! at the Disco
ReleasedAugust 19, 2022 (2022-08-19)
Recorded2019–2022
Genre
Length43:42
Label
Producer
Panic! at the Disco chronology
Pray for the Wicked
(2018) 		Viva Las Vengeance
(2022)
Singles from Viva Las Vengeance
  1. "Viva Las Vengeance"
    Released: June 1, 2022
  2. "Middle of a Breakup"
    Released: July 20, 2022
  3. "Local God"
    Released: August 5, 2022
  4. "Don't Let the Light Go Out"
    Released: August 16, 2022

Viva Las Vengeance is the seventh and final studio album by American pop rock solo project Panic! at the Disco, released on August 19, 2022, through Fueled by Ramen and DCD2 Records. It is their first studio album in 4 years since their 2018 album, Pray for the Wicked, marking their longest gap between studio albums, and the last album prior to the project's disbandment.[1] It was announced alongside the release of the lead single and title track "Viva Las Vengeance" on June 1, 2022, and was supported by a tour that began in North America in the third quarter of 2022,[2] and ended in Europe in March 2023.[3] The tour included support from Jake Wesley Rogers, Marina and the Diamonds, and Beach Bunny in the United States, and Fletcher on international dates. The tour saw Urie perform the album in its entirety, along with greatest hits. The tour sold out several venues worldwide and earned the band's highest grossing concert of all time at their Madison Square Garden show.

Background

Brendon Urie called the album "a look back at who I was 17 years ago and who I am now with the fondness I didn't have before. I didn't realize I was making an album and there was something about the tape machine that kept me honest."[4] The album was also described as a "cinematic musical journey about the fine line between taking advantage of your youth, seizing the day, and burning out".[5]

Recording

Urie recorded Viva Las Vengeance live to an 8-track tape machine to capture a "retro vibe".[6] The album was recorded with notable contributions from Jake Sinclair, Mike Viola, and Butch Walker in Los Angeles.[5]

Composition

Viva Las Vengeance has been described as pop rock,[7] glam rock,[7] power pop,[8] rock and roll,[7] and soft rock.[9] The album also mixes new wave,[10] punk,[10] and baroque pop.[11] It has also been considered to be a "classic-rock callback", adding to a "sound that showcases guitars and nods to the arena-rock sound of decades past, primarily the 1970s."[5]

According to Chris Willman of Variety, while discussing the album's influences, "agreeable nods to the Police, Thin Lizzy, the Beatles and other late '60s/'70s/early '80s bands come fast and furious".[8] The album is also noted for its similarities to Queen,[8][12] with its "swooning theatricality and falsetto... sparkling guitar work, and well-timed harmonies".[13] "Star Spangled Banger" and "God Killed Rock and Roll" have been cited as examples of Queen's influence.[7][11]

Release

In May 2022, a website called "Shut Up and Go to Bed" was set up, hinting at new music from Panic! at the Disco the following month.[14] This was followed by the announcement of the single "Viva Las Vengeance" on May 29, 2022.[15] On July 20, 2022, the second single "Middle of a Breakup" was released.[16][17] On August 5, 2022, the third single "Local God" was released.[18] On August 16, 2022, the fourth single "Don't Let the Light Go Out" was released.[19] The album was released on August 19, 2022.[4][5] On the same day, a music video for the song "Sad Clown" was released.[20][21] On August 23, 2022, a music video for the song "Sugar Soaker" was released.[22][23]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?6.9/10[24]
Metacritic82/100[25]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[26]
Clash5/10[7]
Evening Standard[27]
Hot Press7/10[12]
Kerrang!4/5[28]
NME[10]
The Telegraph[29]

Viva Las Vengeance was well-received by music critics. It holds an average score of 82 out of 100 on Metacritic based on seven reviews.[25] Matt Collar of AllMusic described the album as a "declaration to everything sumptuously mythic, exultant, tragic, and...silly about loving and aspiring to be a part of the rock'n'roll world".[26] Emily Swingle of Clash noted that "[the album] does knock out some definite singalongs", but also noted that "there is something missing beneath the veneer of theatricality".[7] David Smyth of called the album "A classic-rock riot," and compared the guitar solos to Brian May.[27]

Edwin Mcfee of Hot Press described the album as "A love letter to rock's golden era."[12] Ali Shutler of NME complimented the sound of the album stating, Panic! typically strive for precision and polish but with this album recorded live to tape... [it] sounds like it belongs on a jukebox rather than Spotify, but...Panic! strut between the worlds of new wave, rock'n'roll and punk with utmost confidence.[10] The Telegraph noted that "[while] originality has never been Urie’s forte, his pearly-white star power and finger-clicking showmanship ably make up for it."[29]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Brendon Urie, Jake Sinclair, and Mike Viola, except where noted, and produced by all three, except "Viva Las Vengeance", produced by Sinclair, Viola, and Butch Walker.

Viva Las Vengeance track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Viva Las Vengeance" 3:27
2."Middle of a Breakup" 3:20
3."Don't Let the Light Go Out"
3:49
4."Local God" 3:00
5."Star Spangled Banger" 3:09
6."God Killed Rock and Roll"
4:17
7."Say It Louder"
  • Urie
  • Walker
  • Sinclair
  • Viola
3:30
8."Sugar Soaker"
  • Urie
  • Sinclair
  • Viola
  • Kibby
3:11
9."Something About Maggie" 3:20
10."Sad Clown"
3:46
11."All by Yourself"
4:18
12."Do It to Death"
  • Urie
  • Walker
  • Sinclair
  • Viola
4:35
Total length:43:42

Personnel

Panic! at the Disco

Brendon Urie – vocals, background vocals, drums, guitar, harpsichord, piano, synthesizer (all tracks); organ (2–12)

Musicians

  • Jake Sinclair – background vocals, bass, guitar, organ, synthesizer
  • Mike Viola – background vocals, guitar, harpsichord, organ, piano, synthesizer
  • Rachel White – background vocals (5–8)
  • Butch Walker – background vocals (5), guitar (7, 12)

Technical

  • Jake Sinclair – production
  • Mike Viola – production
  • Brendon Urie – production (2–12)
  • Butch Walker – production (1)
  • Bernie Grundman – mastering
  • Claudius Mittendorfer – mixing, recording
  • Rachel White – recording
  • Johnny Morgan – production assistance
  • Rouble Kapoor – production assistance
  • Dan Pawlovich – drum technician (2–12)
  • Rob Mathes – orchestral arrangements and conducting

Charts

Chart performance for Viva Las Vengeance
Chart (2022) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[30] 10
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[31] 46
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[32] 20
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[33] 70
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[34] 70
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[35] 34
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[36] 18
Hungarian Albums (MAHASZ)[37] 35
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[38] 80
Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon)[39] 23
Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)[40] 64
Portuguese Albums (AFP)[41] 34
Scottish Albums (OCC)[42] 5
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[43] 85
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[44] 46
UK Albums (OCC)[45] 5
US Billboard 200[46] 13
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[47] 2
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[48] 3

Release history

Release dates and formats for Viva Las Vengeance
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various August 19, 2022
[49]

References

  1. ^ "Panic! at the Disco Announces Split: 'It's Been a Hell of a Journey'". Variety. January 24, 2023.
  2. ^ Blistein, Jon (June 1, 2022). "Panic! At the Disco Reflect on Fame and Vegas Roots on New Song 'Viva Las Vengeance'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  3. ^ Murray, Robin (June 1, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco Announce New Album 'Viva Las Vengeance'". Clash. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Carter, Emily (June 1, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco return with Viva Las Vengeance album and tour". Kerrang!. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d Garcia, Thania (June 1, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco Return With New Single, Unveil Track List for 'Viva Las Vengeance' Album". Variety. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  6. ^ De Loera, Carlos (August 19, 2022). "Death! of a hiatus as Panic! at the Disco hits the stage after three-year break". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Swingle, Emily (August 19, 2022). "Panic At The Disco, Pray For The Wicked". Clash. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c Willman, Chris (August 18, 2022). "Panic! at the Disco's 'Viva Las Vengeance' Giddily Co-opts Queen and Other Classic '70s Rock: Album Review". Variety. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  9. ^ Soloman, Kate (August 19, 2022). "Panic! At the Disco's Viva Las Vengeance is a mess of childish word play". iNews. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d Shutler, Ali (August 19, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco – 'Viva Las Vengeance' review: pretty odd jukebox rock'n'roll". NME. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  11. ^ a b Johnston, Maura (August 19, 2022). "Panic! At the Disco's 'Viva Las Vengeance' Is an Audacious Classic-Rock Throwback…With a Heart!". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 20, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c McFee, Edwin (August 19, 2022). "Album Review: Panic! At The Disco, Viva Las Vengeance". Hot Press. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  13. ^ Speter, Tiana (August 20, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco: 'Viva Las Vengeance' Review – Brendon Urie's Rock Opera". Music Feeds. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  14. ^ Daly, Rhian (May 15, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco tease new music with cryptic website". NME. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  15. ^ Robinson, Ellie (May 30, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco announce comeback single 'Viva Las Vengeance'". NME. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  16. ^ Carter, Emily (July 20, 2022). "Watch the video for Panic! At The Disco's new single Middle Of A Breakup". Kerrang!. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  17. ^ Jones, Damian (July 20, 2022). "Watch Panic! At The Disco channel 'Grease' in video for new single 'Middle Of A Breakup'". NME. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  18. ^ Wilson-Taylor, James (August 5, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco Release New Track 'Local God'". Rock Sound. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  19. ^ Rogers, Jack (August 16, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco Drop New Ballad 'Don't Let The Light Go Out'". Rock Sound. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  20. ^ Carter, Emily (August 19, 2022). ""It's time to dance": Panic! share theatrical new video for Sad Clown". Kerrang!. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  21. ^ Rowley, Glenn (August 23, 2022). "Panic! At the Disco's Brendon Urie Is the Life of the Party in 'Sugar Soaker' Music Video". Billboard. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  22. ^ Scarlett, Liz (August 24, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco share video for peppy new track Sugar Soaker, featuring a cameo from Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz". Classic Rock. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  23. ^ Richards, Will (August 23, 2022). "Watch Panic! At The Disco's Pete Wentz-featuring video for 'Sugar Soaker'". NME. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  24. ^ "Viva Las Vengeance by Panic! At The Disco reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  25. ^ a b "Viva Las Vengeance by Panic! At the Disco Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Collar, Matt. "Viva Las Vengeance Panic! At the Disco". AllMusic. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  27. ^ a b Smyth, David (August 18, 2022). "Panic! At The Disco - Viva Las Vengeance review: A classic-rock riot". Evening Standard. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  28. ^ Carter, Emily (August 23, 2022). "Album review: Panic! At The Disco – Viva Las Vengeance". Kerrang!. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  29. ^ a b McCormick, Neil; Hall, James; Pritchard, Will; Ruskell, Nick (August 19, 2022). "Loudon Wainwright III drinks and moans, Demi Lovato flees her demons – the week's best albums". The Telegraph. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  30. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  31. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  32. ^ "Ultratop.be – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  33. ^ "Ultratop.be – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  34. ^ "Panic at the Disco 2 Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  35. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  36. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  37. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2022. 37. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  38. ^ "パニック・アット・ザ・ディスコ" (in Japanese). Oricon. May 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  39. ^ "Weekly Digital Albums Chart: August 29, 2022" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  40. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums – Week of August 29, 2022". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  41. ^ "Portuguesecharts.com – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  42. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  43. ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  44. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Panic! at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  45. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  46. ^ "Panic at the Disco 2 Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  47. ^ "Panic at the Disco 2 Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  48. ^ "Panic at the Disco 2 Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  49. ^ Viva Las Vengeance release formats:
    1. "Viva Las Vengeance Cassette". Panic! At The Disco. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
    2. "Viva Las Vengeance CD". Panic! At The Disco. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
    3. "Viva Las Vengeance Digital". Warner Music Australia Store. Archived from the original on August 18, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
    4. "Viva Las Vengeance by Panic! At the Disco". Apple Music (US). Retrieved August 18, 2022.
    5. "Viva Las Vengeance Milky Clear Vinyl". Panic! At The Disco. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.