Sunday, October 26, 2008

Album Review: "Funhouse" by Pink

Funhouse cover
The sleeper hit "I'm Not Dead" brought Pink back on the radio and pop charts, and now she's back with an all-new album, bouyed by the worldwide smash "So What". Here is a track-by-track (in order) review of the album:

"Sober" - The song lives up to its title; listening to this track has a very sobering effect, especially after jumping around to "So What". The second single is a mid-tempo ballad adorned with many different instruments; drums, violin, and a few guitar riffs make up the backbone of this song. Pink, very passionately, sings about being at a party where everyone's drunk except her, and she feels better than the others (a real-life event apparently). It's a great song, not as radio-friendly as her first single, but its definitely noteworthy. Rating: 7.5/10


"I Don't Believe You" - Pink drops the rock sound for this track, singing about denial in a relationship. With all the screaming and rocking, you tend to forget that Pink is actually a really good singer. In fact, this is one of the best vocals she has ever delivered. Her voice is vulnerable while still powerful. While the lyrics make the song seem like a typical "please don't leave me" ballad, the magic is all in Pink's voice. Rating: 8/10


"One Foot Wrong" - The most interesting thing about the song is the subtle use of amp feedback throughout this slow-burning rock song. Other than that, there is nothing really special about this song. Of course, Pink sounds great, but the rest of the song lacks the energy she provides in her voice. Rating: 6/10


"Could've Had Everything" - Another OK song following the previous track. Pink follows the broken relationship theme with this song, talking about she "screw[ed] herself over". The repetitiveness of that basic theme is pretty annoying, distracting from a decent song. Pure filler. Rating: 5.5/10


"Please Don't Leave Me" - I didn't even realize I used the song title in my review of "I Don't Believe You". Anyway, the song is pretty good, thanks to some really good lyrics and a 60s rock sound, something you bop along to. She doesn't sound as desperate as the song would imply, but then again, you will never see Pink at someone's feet. Rating: 6/10


"Bad Influence" - Finally, some fun! Following the vein of "So What", this song is delicious mix of rock and pop, with some cool, funny lyrics. Pink sounds like she's having a pretty kick-ass party here, singing with attitude like she did on her #1 hit. What I love about this song is that instead of being about a relationship, its just about having fun, and being bad. This definitely a pop-banger in the waiting (4th single maybe). Naughty and fun, this track is one of the highlights. Rating: 8.5/10


"Funhouse" - For the title track, Pink goes for some Maroon 5 as she sings about a house haunted by something. The funky sound is pretty cool, but I'm not feeling the lyrics at all. There is a short deviation in the middle of the song, making it even weirder. Honestly, this is a song I suggest just listening to the music. Rating: 5/10


"Crystal Ball" - Another standout track for me. I love the stripped-down sound, leaving just guitar strums and Pink and a partner singing some pretty metaphoric lyrics. Everything about this song is pretty, from the melody to her voice. While I personally feel she may have oversung a bit, its not enough to detract from this awesome, gorgeous ballad. Despite what the song, there are very little cracks in this song. Rating: 8.5/10


"Mean" - Back to the relationship stuff. To further get her point across, she switches things up, turning to classic Southern rock. Here she sings about a broken-down relationship where the two can barely tolerate each other's presence. It's another "pretty good" song, and she gets points for expanding the album's versatility. Still, the song is adding to the pile of relationship baggage. Rating: 6/10


"It's All Your Fault" - Remember "Since U Been Gone", Kelly Clarkson's smash hit? Well, this song is that, but better and more modern. The song blames the lover for ruining everything, and is definitely a pick-up from the previous somber. Pink excels at the "F--k you" sound, and it shows here. The electronic embellishments throughout the song are pretty innovative. Rating: 7/10


"Ave Mary A" - Yes, its a play on words, based off the Christmas album staple. This song is a near polar opposite. The verses are rapid-fire, and its a full-blown midtempo rocker. It's not a standout song for me (or anyone), but it definitely helps balance the album out. Rating: 7/10


"Glitter in the Air" - Best song on the album next to "So What" and the true standout. It's an absolutely stunning piano-driven ballad, one of the best she has ever recorded. She sings metaphorically about the ins and outs of love, and its one of those love songs that everyone, regardless of your musical taste, should be able to identify with. The lyrics are sweet, without being sappy. Her voice is powerful, without being overblown. It's utterly perfect. Rating: 10/10


"So What" - Probably the best song on the album. It's everything you expect from Pink: fun and filled with attitude. It also helps that the chorus is ridiculously catchy and that she even fits a celeb zinger in there (sorry Jessica). Pure pop anthem right here, and one of the best singles of the year. Rating: 10/10


Final Thoughts: Pink's new album is definitely not expected, but then again, expectations aren't very cool. Neither is half the album being filled with the remnants of Pink's divorce. When she did it right, it was awesome. When she did it wrong, it was annoying. Still, the album has some great moments, and two moments of brilliance. What can be said about this album is that its well-rounded and it definitely has something for everyone, making it one of the best of the year so far.


FINAL RATING: 7.5/10

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