On April 16, American pop-punk band Fall Out Boy released their fifth studio album, “Save Rock and Roll.” It marked the band’s first full-length album release since December 2008 when the band announced that they would be going on a hiatus to pursue down time and solo careers.

The news left many fans heartbroken and uncertain about the future of the band.

Would they ever return to the music scene as the foursome many had come to cherish? And if they did, would their music still be what we wanted to hear?

The hiatus left people with doubts and rightly so but “Save Rock and Roll” has marked a triumph for the band and a prolific milestone in the history of their discography.

The album reached number one on American music charts within a week and it’s been met with widespread critical and fan acclaim.

At this point, the only thing I can do is heap on more praise.

With the creation of the tracks on “Save Rock and Roll” — recorded over the span of six months — without the prying eyes and ears of the media, Fall Out Boy finally managed to make the album they wanted to make without the influence or input of critics or fans who would laud their work.

The result is nothing short of stellar. It seems the band has finally found their niche with a strange but effective pop-rock fusion.

Arguably, all of the material is less radio-friendly than hits from the band’s sophomore album that thrust them into the limelight but it’s definitely better and provides for a more enjoyable listening experience.

There are very few points where “Save Rock and Roll” actually falters.

The placement of track nine, “Young Volcanoes,” seems a little off as it’s situated between two of the heavier songs on the album.

Something about the light, lilting melody of “Young Volcanoes” just seems oddly timed. It takes the listener out of the experience that the album has been building.

However, even at its low points, “Save Rock and Roll” is a joy to listen to.

In true Fall Out Boy fashion, the album features several unexpected guests: indie soloist Foxes is featured on one track while rapper Big Sean and ’90s grunge icon Courtney Love is featured on another.

The highest of highs on the album is the title track, “Save Rock and Roll,” which closes the album and features music legend Elton John whose unique voice brings something extra to a track that proves to be extremely masterful.

With ease, “Save Rock and Roll” (the song and album) could and probably should be Fall Out Boy’s biggest success to date. What’s so great about this album is the thing that people feared most — it sounds different from its predecessor, “Folie a Deux,” — the way that album sounded different than the one before it, and so on.

Fall Out Boy have done something not many bands are capable of: they’ve continually made albums that reflect a natural maturation and development.

“Save Rock and Roll” is the band’s most personal album yet and there are definitely more hits than misses on the 11-track LP.

“Save Rock and Roll” is available on iTunes and at music stores near you now.

Rating: A+