Patrick Stump's 'Soul Punk'

OK, who thought Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump was gonna become the next Prince? Yet here comes Stump's thrilling solo debut, "Soul Punk" (Island Def Jam), with his rich falsetto, funk guitar and dance rhythms making the album sound like the follow-up to The Purple One's "Controversy," with some "Off the Wall"-era Michael Jackson thrown in. Even more impressive is how he makes great, unexpected lyrics part of the package, in the dark but catchy "Dance Miserable" or the funky but inspirational "Spotlight." It all works stunningly well.

PATRICK STUMP

"Soul Punk"

THE GRADE A

BOTTOM LINE Smart, surprising, ambitious dance pop