REACT Panic! At The Disco Viva Las Vengeance ALBUM Producer REACTION Songwriter

[@jontylerlud]

This review was a nice Breath of fresh air lol. After seeing people hating on this album and me liking it I just wanted to know if I was just crazy for finding some of these tracks geniusely put together. I also think your review really does pay homage to how much work was put into the instrumentals. Similar to Pretty Odd. this album really made the instrumentals a big part.

[@KevinBessey]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, the arrangements are top notch!

[@joshuafult84]

it's just teen girls who love drama hating on it. As someone with no bias at all that never listened to Panic! until this album it's a great album.

[@TECfan1]

It's getting good reviews from Music magazines and big reviewers. Rolling Stone gave it a good score. I think mainly some general audiences are hating on it. It's definitely an excellently composed album.

[@sail_withme]

most critics are enjoying this album, most people i'm seeing hating are just fans expecting something more "emo" like DOB or Brendon haters lol I understand this album doesn't appeal to the general public as it has a lot of different elements, but it's definitely far from bad.

[@negardanaeifard6166]

@@sail_withme I’ve been a fan since the first album and I don’t get the hate tbh!

[@JamesCPotter13]

This is one of those albums that feels REALLY GOOD to listen through start to finish because you can hear a real through line between songs. Certain songs remind me of others, like “Don’t let the light go out” reminds me of “lost in love” by Air Supply and they hit that much harder. I also noticed the very end of “Do it to Death” slides into the “INTRODUCTION” from A FEVER YOU CAN’T SWEAT OUT, the VERY FIRST TRACK FROM THE FIRST ALBUM. As a “I know where I came from, I rose and fell and burned bright and burned out, but I’m gonna live my life as much as I can and circle right back to the start and do it again” feeling as well as , how you said “an ending song that ties into the beginning” but to a WILD extent.

[@annahart7110]

Beautifully said!

[@KevinBessey]

What a catch! Well done 👍🏾 and I agree about the album being a good one to listen to start to finish. I think the whole is greater than the sum of its parts for sure.

[@kenhard]

This kind of react is the best react out there, the depth of music knowledge with nice clear explanation made me appreciate this album more

[@KevinBessey]

Perfect!

[@esiahtorres6230]

Sad Clown gave me old P!ATD vibe which was awesome, and Say it Louder was very good. Viva Las Vengeance is definitely a top track. I really give it a 8.5/10 (almost a 9).

[@maison_D]

The album really shows that they are experimenting on sounds and the amazing transitions. God Killed Rock and Roll is definitely my favorite. I have been listening to it on loop. Great Reaction!!

[@KevinBessey]

Thank you! Yeah, it’s cool to hear experimentation pay off so well.

[@tsuki5993]

For the last honeybee line, someone pointed out that it ties to the start of the song. The honeybee at the start sounds like their getting their attention and the last honeybee indicates desperation.

[@KevinBessey]

Ohhhh! That makes a lot of sense!

[@Tiringasenfuturo]

P

[@Tiringasenfuturo]

P

[@Tiringasenfuturo]

1pp

[@Tiringasenfuturo]

P1p

[@sail_withme]

Hi Kevin! Thanks for making a video giving your opinion about Viva Las Vengeance! I confess that I was expecting a more "emo" album, so when I heard the first singles I was a little doubtful if I would like the album. It was a nice surprise when I finally heard the whole thing, I really liked some songs a lot! Don't Let The Light Go Out, Sugar Soaker, Say It Louder, God Kill Rock and Roll, and Sad Clown are definitely making their way onto my list of all-time favorite Panic! songs! Sad Clown surprised me, because I didn't like it at first but this song keeps growing on me more and more with each listen! There's something really special about this album, maybe it's this more organic production you mentioned, I don't know, but it seems like this album has a "soul" that I didn't feel much on the last panic album (PFTW). Overall, I thought it was a very creative album, which sought to pay homage to old rock bands, adding elements of musical theater (a personal trademark of Brendon, in my opinion) and doing all this... Loud! 😂 I think for some it will be "too loud", but for me it was ok, I really liked it! I think Brendon's voice came out the way it did on some songs on purpose, just to add more vulnerability and emotion to the songs, it didn't bother me, anyway.

[@KevinBessey]

I’m glad you liked my thoughts! I agree with a lot of your takes. I do feel like the last album was a little light on soul. And, I feel like this album is much heavier in that department.

[@Ele__02]

What a great reaction! This has just became my favourite panic album🌸

[@KevinBessey]

Thanks!

[@daisysourcream13]

I think "you're the only one who knows how to operate my heavy machinery" is very poetic. It's got a few layers. One, like you said, could mean that the singer is telling their partner that they are the only one who knows the singer on the deep, dark, intimate level--they are emotionally connected like no one else is. Or it could be an entendre for "you know how to please me sexually." People are complex and those who we let ourselves be close to is a very vulnerable thing to do. Humans are heavy machinery. There's a lot of layers to us.

[@KevinBessey]

Good read on the line!

[@_camel_]

I feel like you need to hear this album twice or thrice to really enjoy these song. Cause that's also happened to me, when I first listen to these songs I was "I don't think I like these song" but after a few listen they become great songs

[@sebastianledesma8405]

Thank you for giving an honest reaction, I’ve been sooo frustrated that every reaction I got to see was hating the album and for any actual reason. I really liked that you say what you liked the most and what you didn’t like. Subscribing right now hahah.

[@KevinBessey]

Perfect! Grateful for the subscription.

[@Sungod777]

Nice vid man, I’m glad to see people who actually know about music review stuff

[@KevinBessey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hanaenam5836]

I've been listening to this album non stop since it came out!! thank you for this review :)

[@KevinBessey]

You’re welcome!

[@judycia]

When he says "i don't know if this is about a woman, a car or a drug" I was like "it's Brendon, it means the three of them" hahaha. A loved this reaction, you completely understood the idea of this album, what a great video

[@KevinBessey]

Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimmee72]

This is maybe the 3rd video I’ve heard people express mixed feelings about the ‘heavy machinery’ line in DLTLGO and I just have to say it’s personally one of my favorite lyrics on the entire album! It really evokes the imagery and symbolisms of Vices & Virtues with the steampunk vibes all over that record. I don’t really get ‘construction worker manual’ vibes from it, more like gears and cogs are what I’m picturing when I hear it which makes this song that already feels classic and like V&V even more full circle in my opinion, but yours is valid !! Love the video

[@KevinBessey]

Oh my goodness! That didn’t even occur to me!

[@daniel.s.ferreira]

I think you had a great take on the album, the Vegas and production backgrounds help a lot to understand some of the choices. I do believe it's a beautifully made album and the little Easter eggs only add to it. I love especially that it goes from life (Viva) to Death in the entire album.

[@thea-side3397]

Great video dude! Your personality is so chill and relaxing. I'm glad you liked the album! You were even warmer toward it than I was in my video and I thought I was the only person who liked this record. Panic is my favorite band and seeing them take on a 60s Beach Boys esque sound on songs like Something About Maggie and Don't Let The Light Go Out warmed my little heart. It reminds me of a mix of Pretty Odd and Vices. Also, the snippet of your song was amazing. It reminded me of Fleet Foxes. I'm subbing and 100% listening to your record. From one music KZbinr to another, you've got killer content

[@KevinBessey]

Thanks man! I appreciate that so much! Good luck with your videos!

[@moose3347]

Awesome to see a great reaction from a genuine musician. The album is getting a lot of hate rn so glad to see someone appreciate it for what it is

[@KevinBessey]

People are hating it?? What for? That's so weird

[@Ryan-qv9fb]

@@KevinBessey unfortunately there are an abundance of people out there that blindly hate Brendon and spend their every hour complaining, bashing and review bombing. It seems he knows that his fans love it though :)

[@KevinBessey]

@@Ryan-qv9fb Glad to know he got the message. That honestly sucks.

[@volacticmilk9614]

@@Ryan-qv9fb Or... Some people just don't like this album? I'm a massive Panic fan. I really didn't like Pray for the Wicked and the singles for this album were rough, but even then, I still went in hoping for the best. In my opinion, this is the worst album I've heard all year from a band/group that I actually like. I disagree with disliking the music because they dislike the individual, but frankly most people are disliking this album because they just don't like the album, myself included. It has nothing to do with Brendon and everything to do with the fact that I just don't think it sounds pleasing to the ear except for two or three songs.

[@whocarestw]

@@volacticmilk9614 totally agree with you. I'm huge fan of panic, but I just can't say this new album is good. After all those albums Brendon has released through, I just don't get how come he would think that VLV would be acceptable.

[@abbasragamuffin3857]

I really enjoyed your take on this album. And the little things you mentioned (from a producers pov) helped me appreciate them in the songs more. I agree about the line "My heavy machinery". I think it's just referring to the heart, the machinery of it and the heaviness of it or heavy emotions or when your soul feels heavy and that person knows how to navigate it? I don't know lol, but thank you again for this! Subscribed :)

[@KevinBessey]

Great explanation!

[@klovem]

Thank you for this video! I didn't really get the songs when I saw the couple of the music videos back in August, I still didn't really get them with the first two listens of the album, bet then when I was listening again and again, I absolutely fell in love with it. It's so genius in its small musical details and instrumentals. Still every time I listen to the album, I find something new. And your video is one of the few where people also notice and enjoy these musical details. Thank you for making me notice even more things in there :D

[@KevinBessey]

I love your story! Yeah, it takes some people a second for sure. It's so good.

[@rooster-bh6td]

this was a great take by you! i subscribed, i love vlv and it’s personally my favorite album by panic, brendon urie is truly a generational talent and i hope he does return to music one day. this album is truly underrated and under appreciated because the formula is very anti radio and that’s what makes it so awesome, very bold and against the grain of what todays music is. now that panic is over i realized how many times he hinted at it on this album, the main theme i’ve taken away is burnout and he needs a break from the industry

[@KevinBessey]

I'm glad you appreciated my thoughts! Yeah, I think it's a great album as well. And, I hope further down the line it starts getting more recognition.

[@albertramirez6981]

This is in my top 3 panic albums. It’s up there with the two Ryan Ross albums. I love the 70s rock vibe that is has. You can really hear the cheap trick influences on middle of a breakup and you can hear the queen/Bowie influences on all the tracks. I overall love this album and think it’s hella underrated

[@CarolinaMarienDias]

Excelente análisis, que placer escuchar gente que realmente sabe de un tema, hablar sobre él jajaja. Muchas gracias, es una bocanada de aire fresco 😄

[@KevinBessey]

Me alegra que le haya gustado a usted!

[@rachelfryman1711]

I really enjoyed watching your video. I’ve been listening to the album a lot since yesterday. And you pointed out musical influences I didn’t even think of the Police and Billy Joel but you are completely right ! I thought of others like Queen

[@KevinBessey]

Perfect! Glad to hear it.

[@janet5427]

Thank you for this review!!! 15:43 is the perfect explanation!!! Those moments definitely stand out in comparison to every other Panic! album.

[@lady8303]

Thank u for this review, I loved the album soooo much and didn't understand why most of the people were hating. I guess most of the fans are still stuck in the old eras and can't deal with change. Clearly musical knowledge makes a difference in the reviews, I saw some people saying that the vocals are bad, but I felt that Brendon was doing his thing so carefree it was refreshing to hear.

[@KevinBessey]

I'm glad you enjoyed the review. I don't think his vocals sound bad. But, it does sound like there could be some damage. And, that's a little concerning to me.

[@luisoliveira4339]

For me was hard to endure the album because my least favorite musics stays at the start of it. But I kinda enjoyed the middle of album, there's this bizarre feeling to the songs that kept my attetion. Your video helped me understands better the "song design" behind it and made me respect the album for what it is. Nice job!

[@AndreaDoesItAll]

Spot on 👍🏻 also love the Format/FUN reference!! ❤️

[@KevinBessey]

Format and Fun are so sick. The two fun albums are incredible.

[@katiebuck1786]

I think that Local God is actually about the opposite of what you mentioned. Saying that he'd almost rather be a local hero than the celebrity he's become. He even says "did you ever get weighed down by your heart of gold, because you really only cared about that" and getting their money back from selling their soul. He's referring to the local talents making decisions based on being good humans rather than the fame and money. Something that it sounds like he wishes he'd done. He's talking about the pitfalls of celebrity. I don't think he's mocking the little guy.

[@partyonwayne4]

Man, I’m happy that not everyone wants Brendon to slit his wrists and burn in hell after listening to this album. I’m a long time Panic! fan and I do admit that every album has two skips for me on occasion. I remember hating Pretty. Odd. and Too Weird the first time I heard them but after giving them many listens I really enjoy them. I gave VLV a 7/10 in the same line as Too Weird. My favorite being Vices & Virtues because of Spencer’s drumming I feel is always top notch and is sorely missed but appreciated. I look at each album like a book akin to The Boxcar Children or The Hardy Boys. Sure, there’s 7 albums so far and each has Brendon’s vocals but I know that not everyone is going to like the same numbered books. Some people will say that Album 1 is the only album that matters, some will cherry pick all 7. At the end of the day, I will continue to listen what Brendon puts out because the idea of “What’s the sound going to be for the new album” always excites me

[@KevinBessey]

I feel that! I like that he’s willing to experiment with his sound

[@Niftynasri8]

This was so insightful! Loved the video and made me appreciate the album so much more.

[@KevinBessey]

Thanks! I’m glad I was helpful in any way!

[@Ang-nh1ee]

I absolutely love this album!!

[@Uhhhhhhhhhm]

Yo I share the same top 3, doab, pretty odd, and this are amazing

[@KevinBessey]

Awesome! You obviously have great taste lol

[@luvfairlyoddparents]

I have a theory that "God killed rock and roll" is a reference to his past Mormonism, and how his parents weren't originally supportive of him becoming a musician. Instead they wanted him to become a missionary.

[@luvfairlyoddparents]

Anyways, thank you for an unbiased review. It's nice to see the music being focused on, and not Brendon's past actions.

[@partyonwayne4]

I thought it might’ve been a reference to the Buddy Holly/The Day the Music Died

[@zaneburden]

The verses of Star Spangled Banger give me heavy Boys are Back in Town vibes, or even a little Reelin' in the Years

[@skeletalwhisper]

you sound like Jacks Films and look like Bo Burnham. amazing

[@KevinBessey]

Hahaha thanks!

[@RegionalForest]

i think honeybee was added at the end because brendon wanted to loop the song in a a way

[@KevinBessey]

Ohhh that makes sense

[@09williamsa]

FYI the 'Tail light in the back of her head' is just a very dirty line haha. Sugar Soaker is absolutely about a woman.

[@daisysourcream13]

I also agree that God Killed Rock and Roll has a Bohemian Rhapsody feel to it. Glad I'm not the only one who picked up on that. Also, Don't let the Light Go Out is my favorite song off the album. I feel like these songs are good individually but commenting on it as a whole, I would describe the album as messy. I listened to the album for an entire week on repeat, so I got real comfortable with each song. The back half didn't hit for me at first, but then I started to like them. I like Sugar Soaker, it feels rougher than the others and I like it. Oh, when you mentioned early on that Brendon's voice sounds rougher than before; I totally agree with you. I saw him perform on the Today show recently and it was...strained...Brendon is a good singer with a wide range, but I don't think he takes care of his voice and is very reckless with it. He's gonna lose it if he's not careful. Sad Clown has the same melody as Never Enough from The Greatest Showman; when Brendon sings "leave me alone" it's the same notes as "never enough" or very similar to my ears.

[@KevinBessey]

I almost feel like it’s meant to be messy lol. It has a charm from that.

[@katherinevan]

1. I love this video. 2. I love the Sad Clown music video (if you haven't yet I suggest you watch it lol I love it so much) 3. I love all of the songs, they make me happy, but mainly because he's back.

[@KevinBessey]

1. Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 2. The music video is pretty great. I’ve thought about reacting to it. 3. Awesome!

[@katherinevan]

@@KevinBessey I love the music video so much that I would love for you to react to it.

[@5t3ph3n3]

Interesting about their relationship with Vegas

[@KevinBessey]

Yeah! It’s something that gets talked about sometimes in the local scene. I personally am totally cool with giving them as much credit as other bands from Vegas.

[@nurliazul]

from Malaysia and i definitely love this album but not my friend i thought im the weird one

[@lonelyunicorn46]

I’d say sugar soaker is about a girl, that he compares to a car and drug. loves “breaking my bed”, she’s got red tail lights in the back of her head if he ever needs her to slow down otherwise he will just “drive her till I’m dead” and I’d say she’s also as addictive as a drug, just an easy obvious guess there. But that’s my theory. Ever had a girl or guy please you like that gawd daYUM😅

[@nadikim1740]

I cant find you on audea - can you post audio versions of your videos there? I would love to listen to them! thanks again for the awesome content!

[@KevinBessey]

What is audea? I've literally never heard of it, I'm glad you enjoy the content!

[@danorganplayer]

The String section at the very end of the album gives me a production vibe of Nat King Cole.

[@orthofox9302]

I’m 50/50 on the album

[@RainMakerSenpai]

A time stamp would be really helpful thanks in advance 🙏🏼

[@KevinBessey]

Done! It's in the description.

[@RainMakerSenpai]

@@KevinBessey thanks a lot man you’re the best !

[@blink182lives100]

Nothing they've put out has lived up to their first two albums. These songs aren't bad but they just sound so mainstream. A fever you can't sweat out and Pretty odd are albums that overflow with creativity and the new stuff sounds like anything else that could be on the radio or tv

[@KevinBessey]

There first two albums are going to sound completely different because the writers are completely different.

[@blink182lives100]

@@KevinBessey yea exactly they’ve all been worse in my opinion. Ryan was the secret weapon evidently

[@fenrirfrost7592]

Lovely! >:D

[@SigridUK]

Please react to How To Let Go by Sigrid!!! Her new album is so amazing and well produced :)

[@wade_says]

It’s average at best. This coming from a PATD fan since 2006. There are really only 3 songs I actually like lol.

[@dwymaya7428]

i think heavy machinery means his ADHD

[@KevinBessey]

Oh interesting! I didn’t even know he had adhd.

[@tttt_gyyy]

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