The band intended to work on new music sooner, but the release of its cover of Michael Jackson's " Beat It" as a single stood in the way. Wentz explained that the process was the same as usual: "I'll go over to Patrick's house and he'll kind of just sit there and play songs, and I'll be like, 'Ah, that one's awesome!'" Lead vocalist/guitarist Patrick Stump and bassist/lyricist Pete Wentz began turning these ideas into songs over the following month. Fall Out Boy spent time during June 2008 formulating ideas at Avron's home, where "three to four" song ideas were developed. This led to more material to sift through when the band decided to enter the studio. Despite this unsuccessful attempt, the group felt energized from the experience and became inspired to write more music. However, the group was unable to make the flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to Antarctica due to poor weather. In March 2008, the band attempted to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only musical act to perform in all seven continents in nine months, planning to perform in Antarctica for an audience of scientists. The two worked together at Stump's home during the early stages of the album's development.įall Out Boy began writing material for a possible successor shortly after the release of the 2007 album, Infinity on High. Patrick Stump and Pete Wentz performing in London on October 22, 2008. As of 2013, Folie à Deux has sold over 449,000 copies in the United States. The album received favorable reviews from critics, with many focused on the creativity and various styles touched on while others expressed concern that it was overly indulgent. To promote the album, the band launched a viral campaign based around a Big Brother-type organization named " Citizens For Our Betterment" and embarked on an extensive tour schedule.įolie à Deux debuted at number eight on the US Billboard 200, selling over 149,000 copies in its first week of sales, although it was less commercially successful than Infinity on High. Fall Out Boy recruited several guest artists for Folie à Deux, as well as employing instruments and recording techniques previously unfamiliar to the group. The album's style moved away from early emo power chords and toward a wider variation in genres. The recording sessions inspired lyricism relating to decaying relationships, moral dilemmas, and societal shortcomings, many with a political edge.
Unlike their earlier releases, the album was recorded in relative secrecy with producer Neal Avron from July to September 2008.
Regarding the writing process, the band considered Folie à Deux to be their most collaborative record. As with their previous two albums From Under the Cork Tree (2005) and Infinity on High (2007), its music was composed by lead vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, with lyrics penned by bassist Pete Wentz.