My Chemical Romance fans have had quite the wait for the bands 4th studio album Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys. In this time the band has truly shed their Black Parade personas and theatrics and returned to their rock roots bringing a whole new look MCR and a brand new sound.

The album opens with "Look Alive, Sunshine" a 30-second introduction from "Dr. Death-Defying" that launches into second song (and first single) "Na Na Na" (Na Na x another 10 or so.) This song is the kind of song that would even have My Chemical Romance haters reluctantly nodding their heads and tapping their toes, with its insanely catchy beat and clever lyrics.  Airtight guitar work from Ray Toro and Frank Iero as well as the thumping bass line from Mikey Way and Gerard Way’s rocking vocals complete the song. It’s an in-your-face, solid rock anthem from the band and shows My Chemical Romance at their absolute mainstream best.

"Bulletproof Heart" follows, with Gerard's earnest vocals opening the track before it launches into a faster paced rock song. It is again another cleverly delivered, catchy rock-pop song from the band and will be stuck in your head for days after.

If "Famous Last Words" was the anthem on The Black Parade then "SING" is for Danger Days. Like "Famous Last Words", "SING" is the second single to be released. Way’s slightly distorted vocals in the verses make way for a passionate chorus: "Sing it for the boys, sing it for the girls, every time you lose it, sing it for the world." "SING" is a song written for the fans, and ones that they will be sure to embrace with open arms.

"Planetary (GO!)" is a song I originally didn’t pay much attention too until my third listen or so, and am now currently having a little obsession type fit over it. I never thought I’d use the words dance and My Chemical Romance in the same sentence, but this is a deadly dance/mosh anthem. With an electronic vibe going, the song with definitely make you ‘get up and go.’

"The Only Hope For Me Is You" is a synthed-up song that demonstrates improvements in Way’s vocals and a definite standout track on a CD that is really just full of standout tracks. The energy remains high for "Party Poison" with Gerard Way demanding "Everybody pay attention to me." "Party Poison" has an anti-party theme going on (This ain’t a party / Get off the dancefloor) but has the clear potential of being one of those foot-stomping, heavy moshing songs that the crowd would go insane to live.

"Save Yourself, I’ll Hold Them Back" is a motivational anthem to fans, and while catchy is slightly lacklustre. Ray Toro’s guitar solo picks up the song a bit towards the end after a slow start. "S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W" as well as having an odd name is a bit of an odd song in general, ending quite abruptly just as you start enjoying it.

"Summertime" portrays a softer side of the band, not seen much on this record with Way’s vocals taking on a whimsical tone making it a great rock ballad. "Destroya" demonstrates that the band hasn’t gone that soft yet, with the thrashing guitars taking on a heavier tone with Way’s vocals taking on a forceful edge that hasn’t been heard on the CD yet. "The Kids From Yesterday" is slightly forgetful, maybe only due to the fact it is placed after such an epic song and in my mind all I seem to be chanting is ‘Destorya, destroya!’

Danger Days ends with track "Vampire Money" and first thoughts upon hearing it was that it sounded something reminiscent of their songs off their second studio album Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, and leaves the listener feeling like they have just been one hell of a crazy journey.

The progression made from the band has made Danger Days well worth the wait. One particular aspect that stood out was the fact that you didn’t have to be a hardcore My Chemical Romance fan to enjoy this album – there is something for everyone on there. Haters are gonna hate, but if given the chance it’s a CD that demands multiple listens and easily one of the best records made in 2010. And that’s not over-excitement stating that – it’s just that good.

Review score: 9/10