Fall Out Boy - Folie A Deux Analysis

1. Fall Out Boy Front CoverFall Out Boy Front Cover
ColourColour
The colours used in this album cover are very simplistic and this seems to be The colours used in this album cover are very simplistic and this seems to be
quite stereotypical for an album within this music genre. The fact that the quite stereotypical for an album within this music genre. The fact that the
colours are so simplistic also emphasises the fact that the band have tried to colours are so simplistic also emphasises the fact that the band have tried to
make this album not seem clear at first glance and instead have filled it with make this album not seem clear at first glance and instead have filled it with
hidden meanings; for example, simplistic colours contradict the idea of a hidden meanings; for example, simplistic colours contradict the idea of a
madness.madness.

2. Fall Out Boy Front CoverFall Out Boy Front Cover
The reds could show anger, death or maybe even love, giving the audience The reds could show anger, death or maybe even love, giving the audience
the idea that this album could be about many different topic areas and not just the idea that this album could be about many different topic areas and not just
a singular one. The browns of the bear and the bear suit signify that there is a singular one. The browns of the bear and the bear suit signify that there is
some kind of connection between the two characters; they share something, some kind of connection between the two characters; they share something,
and this directly links to the name of the album. and this directly links to the name of the album.

3. Fall Out Boy Front CoverFall Out Boy Front Cover
The name of the album ‘The name of the album ‘Folie a deuxFolie a deux’ is also the exact same colour as the ’ is also the exact same colour as the
bear suit, anchoring the fact that the name of the album is about the bear suit, anchoring the fact that the name of the album is about the
pictured subjects; disguising the fact that it is actually about the band pictured subjects; disguising the fact that it is actually about the band
members. There is also an emphasis on trying to turn the attention away from members. There is also an emphasis on trying to turn the attention away from
the band as their group name is the only white coloured part of the album; the band as their group name is the only white coloured part of the album;
connoting that the band is very separate from the songs on the album. connoting that the band is very separate from the songs on the album.

4. Fall Out Boy Front CoverFall Out Boy Front Cover
CharactersCharacters
The two characters shown on this cover have been carefully chosen and The two characters shown on this cover have been carefully chosen and
positioned to emphasise the idea behind the title of the album, folie a deux (a positioned to emphasise the idea behind the title of the album, folie a deux (a
madness shared by two). The fact that one character is a bear and the other madness shared by two). The fact that one character is a bear and the other
is dressed as a bear anchors the idea that they are not exactly identical but is dressed as a bear anchors the idea that they are not exactly identical but
they share something very similar. they share something very similar.

5. Fall Out Boy Front CoverFall Out Boy Front Cover
Also, the way that they have been positioned. The fact that one is carrying Also, the way that they have been positioned. The fact that one is carrying
the other again emphasises this idea of something shared and a connection the other again emphasises this idea of something shared and a connection
as they could have easily been walking next to each other. This positioning as they could have easily been walking next to each other. This positioning
could also show how the figure carrying the bear inherited the madness that could also show how the figure carrying the bear inherited the madness that
they share as he is on the bottom, carrying the bear instead of being at the they share as he is on the bottom, carrying the bear instead of being at the
same level as it.same level as it.

6. Fall Out Boy Front CoverFall Out Boy Front Cover
Font and LanguageFont and Language
Folie a Deux when literally translated means ‘a madness shared by two’ and Folie a Deux when literally translated means ‘a madness shared by two’ and
also means a rare psychiatric syndrome in which a symptom of psychosis, also means a rare psychiatric syndrome in which a symptom of psychosis,
particularly a paranoid or delusional belief, is transmitted from one individual particularly a paranoid or delusional belief, is transmitted from one individual
to another. This is represented hugely by the positioning and chosen to another. This is represented hugely by the positioning and chosen
characters within the image. characters within the image.

7. Fall Out Boy Front CoverFall Out Boy Front Cover
On the other hand, the font could be seen to both anchor and oppose this On the other hand, the font could be seen to both anchor and oppose this
language. The font itself is very simple and, because of this, completely language. The font itself is very simple and, because of this, completely
oppose the idea of any kind of ‘madness’ that the title hints at. However, the oppose the idea of any kind of ‘madness’ that the title hints at. However, the
fact that there is a mixture of both upper and lower case characters fact that there is a mixture of both upper and lower case characters
emphasises this idea of madness and a psychiatric problem. emphasises this idea of madness and a psychiatric problem.

8. Fall Out Boy Front CoverFall Out Boy Front Cover
Throughout the rest of the cover the band use imagery and colour to Throughout the rest of the cover the band use imagery and colour to
distance themselves from the idea behind the album and the album itself, distance themselves from the idea behind the album and the album itself,
however, the font is used very differently. The fact that the name of the however, the font is used very differently. The fact that the name of the
album and the bands’ name have been written in the same font shows the album and the bands’ name have been written in the same font shows the
clear connection between the two and anchors the idea stated by one clear connection between the two and anchors the idea stated by one
band member that the songs are almost too personal. This idea of hidden band member that the songs are almost too personal. This idea of hidden
madness within the album could also be hinting to the songs featured on the madness within the album could also be hinting to the songs featured on the
album.album.

9. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
ColourColour
The colours used on the back cover are also very similar to use on the front The colours used on the back cover are also very similar to use on the front
cover. The red background has once again been used, connoting the topic cover. The red background has once again been used, connoting the topic
areas that could be covered within the songs; anger, death, love. However, the areas that could be covered within the songs; anger, death, love. However, the
dark red seems to be slowly encasing the simplistic block red above it and this dark red seems to be slowly encasing the simplistic block red above it and this
idea of being encased or taken over can be seen all over the album. idea of being encased or taken over can be seen all over the album.

10. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
This could connote that the madness is beginning to take over the personality This could connote that the madness is beginning to take over the personality
that the band has established as all the songs on this album were written by a that the band has established as all the songs on this album were written by a
band member about the band themselves. The white and yellow from the band member about the band themselves. The white and yellow from the
cover of the album has also been used, again for the written sections that are cover of the album has also been used, again for the written sections that are
to do with the band and their music. to do with the band and their music.

11. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
The yellow is again the exact same colour as the bear suit on the front again The yellow is again the exact same colour as the bear suit on the front again
anchoring the idea that the band are trying to draw attention away from the anchoring the idea that the band are trying to draw attention away from the
fact that the album is about them and not the characters on the front. fact that the album is about them and not the characters on the front.
However, unlike the front cover, the white font has been coupled with the However, unlike the front cover, the white font has been coupled with the
yellow instead of separated, maybe hinting at the fact that the music is yellow instead of separated, maybe hinting at the fact that the music is
ultimately about the band themselvesultimately about the band themselves..

12. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
Characters Characters
As with the front cover of this album, there are only two visible characters on As with the front cover of this album, there are only two visible characters on
the back cover. This could again emphasise the idea of the name of the the back cover. This could again emphasise the idea of the name of the
album, Folie a Deux; a madness shared by two. However, unlike the album, Folie a Deux; a madness shared by two. However, unlike the
characters on the front cover, these characters are solely black and white. characters on the front cover, these characters are solely black and white.
This colouring contradicts the idea of madness as black and white is This colouring contradicts the idea of madness as black and white is
traditionally seen as very simplistic. traditionally seen as very simplistic.

13. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
However, the body language of the characters also connotes the idea of a However, the body language of the characters also connotes the idea of a
‘madness shared by two’. This is because the characters have been created ‘madness shared by two’. This is because the characters have been created
so that they are exact mirror copies of each other. It could also connote so that they are exact mirror copies of each other. It could also connote
madness as the image is very confusing as there is no reference to anything, madness as the image is very confusing as there is no reference to anything,
such as pirates and skeletons, anywhere else on the album.such as pirates and skeletons, anywhere else on the album.

14. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
Font & LanguageFont & Language
Compared to the front cover, the writing on the back cover connotes the Compared to the front cover, the writing on the back cover connotes the
idea of madness a lot more. This is because all writing to do with the band idea of madness a lot more. This is because all writing to do with the band
and their music is written back to front. Even the information about who and their music is written back to front. Even the information about who
produced and mixed the music has been written back to front. This connotes produced and mixed the music has been written back to front. This connotes
the idea of madness as the back to front writing completely contradicts the the idea of madness as the back to front writing completely contradicts the
‘norm’. ‘norm’.

15. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
However, writing for the business section of the cover is written the correct However, writing for the business section of the cover is written the correct
way, and this could connote how the band distance themselves from this way, and this could connote how the band distance themselves from this
side of the music industry; again connoting the idea that they are not side of the music industry; again connoting the idea that they are not
bothered about selling the albums, when they actually are, but instead bothered about selling the albums, when they actually are, but instead
getting their ideas and messages out to their audience. getting their ideas and messages out to their audience.

16. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
Some names of the songs also connote the idea of madness. For example; Some names of the songs also connote the idea of madness. For example;
‘‘Disloyal Order of Water BuffaloesDisloyal Order of Water Buffaloes’ and ‘’ and ‘Headfirst Slide into Cooperstown on a Headfirst Slide into Cooperstown on a
Bad BetBad Bet’. The spelling and grammar used for some of the titles could also show ’. The spelling and grammar used for some of the titles could also show
this idea of madness. For example, the song ‘this idea of madness. For example, the song ‘America’s SuiteheartsAmerica’s Suitehearts’ is spelt ’ is spelt
incorrectly, and the song ‘incorrectly, and the song ‘w.a.m.sw.a.m.s.’ is all in lower case while the rest is in .’ is all in lower case while the rest is in
uppercase, whereas the grammar should be the other way round.uppercase, whereas the grammar should be the other way round.

17. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
LayoutLayout
Similar to other back covers within this genre, the names of the songs are in Similar to other back covers within this genre, the names of the songs are in
order going down the centre of the back cover. Below this is the bonus tracks order going down the centre of the back cover. Below this is the bonus tracks
included and also the names of the people who produced and mixed the included and also the names of the people who produced and mixed the
included songs. Below this, also centred are the two characters dressed as included songs. Below this, also centred are the two characters dressed as
pirates. pirates.

18. Fall Out Boy Back CoverFall Out Boy Back Cover
At the very bottom of the cover there is a change in background colour to At the very bottom of the cover there is a change in background colour to
black and everything to do with the business side of the music is featured here. black and everything to do with the business side of the music is featured here.
For example, the names of all the record companies and their logos, the band For example, the names of all the record companies and their logos, the band
and record company’s website, the copyright and year, and to the right of this and record company’s website, the copyright and year, and to the right of this
is the bar code.is the bar code.

19. Fall Out Boy CD InlayFall Out Boy CD Inlay
CD InlayCD Inlay
Similarly to other CD inlays in this music genre, the inlay is completely blank Similarly to other CD inlays in this music genre, the inlay is completely blank
and only features a background colour. As with the rest of the album, the and only features a background colour. As with the rest of the album, the
darker shade of red seems to almost be taking over the block red colour at the darker shade of red seems to almost be taking over the block red colour at the
top of the inlay. This continues the idea that the feeling of madness that this top of the inlay. This continues the idea that the feeling of madness that this
album talks about is slowly taking over. album talks about is slowly taking over.

20. Fall Out Boy CD InlayFall Out Boy CD Inlay
The fight between the darkness and the deep red background appears to be The fight between the darkness and the deep red background appears to be
never ending as it always an issue no matter which side you look at. However, never ending as it always an issue no matter which side you look at. However,
the simplicity of the background also contradicts the idea of madness, as the the simplicity of the background also contradicts the idea of madness, as the
idea of madness would normally encourage thoughts of many things going idea of madness would normally encourage thoughts of many things going
on at one time whereas this background is very empty and almost gives off a on at one time whereas this background is very empty and almost gives off a
feeling of calmness. feeling of calmness.

21. Fall Out Boy SpineFall Out Boy Spine
SpineSpine
Unlike many other CD spines from CDs in this genre, the font of the band Unlike many other CD spines from CDs in this genre, the font of the band
name and the album title is the same font used on the front cover. This may name and the album title is the same font used on the front cover. This may
have been done for two reasons; firstly it may have been done to make the have been done for two reasons; firstly it may have been done to make the
album easily recognisable just from the spine as this font will be known to album easily recognisable just from the spine as this font will be known to
anyone who has seen the front cover, and secondly, it could have been anyone who has seen the front cover, and secondly, it could have been
used to ensure that the idea of madness is continued all over the album as used to ensure that the idea of madness is continued all over the album as
the font connotes madness as it is written in both upper and lower case but the font connotes madness as it is written in both upper and lower case but
in the wrong sections. in the wrong sections.

22. Fall Out Boy SpineFall Out Boy Spine
The colour scheme has also been continued on the spine and this also The colour scheme has also been continued on the spine and this also
anchors the idea of madness that the band is trying to get across. It also anchors the idea of madness that the band is trying to get across. It also
anchors the idea that this idea of madness is encasing the CD as this is what anchors the idea that this idea of madness is encasing the CD as this is what
the colour scheme is doing. The logo and name of the record company has the colour scheme is doing. The logo and name of the record company has
also been featured at the top of the spine and is significantly smaller than also been featured at the top of the spine and is significantly smaller than
the name of the album and band, connoting that, to the band, this is less the name of the album and band, connoting that, to the band, this is less
important than the music itself. important than the music itself.

23. Fall Out Boy SpineFall Out Boy Spine
At the bottom of the spine is the catalogue number for the album. This number At the bottom of the spine is the catalogue number for the album. This number
and the record company logo have been placed at either end of the spine and the record company logo have been placed at either end of the spine
with the name of the band and album in between, again signifying the with the name of the band and album in between, again signifying the
importance of the band themselves and the music they have created importance of the band themselves and the music they have created
compared to the businesses involved.compared to the businesses involved.