Called the most anticipated album of 2008 by the Alternative Press, the new All-American Rejects album has had fans waiting since 2005s Move Along. Their 2008 album When the World Comes Down, released on 16 December 2008, the same day as a new offering from Fall Out Boy. It features the highly successful singles “Give You Hell” and “Mona Lisa (When the World Comes Down).”

According to a Tyson Ritter interview with Entertainment Weekly, the album is “like nothing you’ve ever heard.”

When the World Comes Down

With a female choir, and at times a full orchestra, the All-American Rejects’ When the World Comes Down maintains a radio-friendly pop formula, with most song lengths remaining around the 3:30 mark. Producer Eric Valentine adds some gloss and finish to the product as the band lays some of their most intricate, and most melodic moments on record.

The new All-American Rejects album’s initial single “Gives You Hell” features the scathing lyric: “I wake up every evening / A big smile on my face / And it never feels out of place / And you’re still probably working / At a 9 to 5 pace / I wonder how that tastes / When you see my face / I hope it gives you hell.”

The album’s second single “Mona Lisa (When the World Comes Down)” opens: “Here’s another penny / There’s another chance / Try to learn a lesson / But you can’t / If we can burn out city / In futures and in pasts / The vow to change our lives will never last.”

All-American Rejects

The All-American Rejects, formed in 2000 and are commonly known as AAR They brought together Stillwater, Oklahoma, talents Tyson Ritter (vocals) and Nick Wheeler (guitar). Adding Mike Kennerty (rhythm guitar) and Chris Gaylor (drums), the All-American Rejects hit the ground flying as the creative vehicle for bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and frontman Tyson Ritter.

Two EPs, two DVDs, three albums, and on a spot in the hit video game Rock Band 2 later, and the All-American Rejects have free reign to create their music as they see it. In this case that vision includes orchestras and strings, folk duets, and backup singers.

Their self-titled first album in 2002 featured the hit single “Swing, Swing,” which was followed by 2005’s Move Along. Bringing the band to national alternative, rock, and emo attention, Move Along featured singles “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along,” “It Ends Tonight,” and “Top of the World.” Both albums were certified platinum sellers by the RIAA.