Preceded by its lead single, ' The Ballad of Mona Lisa', the album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, selling 56,000 copies within its first week. Critics praised the album's wide variety of musical stylings, while criticism was aimed at the compositional simplicity and Urie's verbose lyricism. Upon release, the album received somewhat mixed, but overall positive, reviews. The album's artwork was conceptualized by touring bassist Dallon Weekes, who was inducted as a full-time member of the band near the end of recording. honesty, industry, generosity, and chastity. Vices & Virtues took over two years to create, and the increased time in the studio brought forth new musical experimentation. I like the ones that end in 'y.' I think I’m interested in this because a few very important virtues, if encouraged into American culture, might make a huge difference, esp. The lyrics touch on themes of manipulation and confusion. While Walker and Ross' exit left a hole in the Panic! songwriting regime, the experience became the catalyst for Urie deciding to take over as the band's principal songwriter.
