The ‘Sophomore Slump’ is a very real thing. Music artists desperately try to escape the dreaded fate of having a second album drag them down or not live up to their fan’s expectations.
The indie trio Fun. needn’t worry about this effect. The band, composed of members from The Format (Nate Reuss, lead vocals), Anthallo (Andrew Dost) and Steel Train (jack Antonoff), doesn’t disappoint with their second album, “Some Nights.”
The album, which was released Feb. 21, has jumped into popular culture with its lead single, “We are Young”, featuring Janelle Monae. The song debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is the group’s biggest success by far.
The song gained momentum when it was performed on an episode of “Glee.” However, its appeal goes much beyond a popular television show. The opening is simple, with a powerful drumbeat backing Reuss’ lyrics, which serve as a modern type of ballad. The chorus then slows down, with persistant piano chords in the background, and the song’s main message is belted out- “Tonight, we are young/So let’s set the world on fire/We can burn brighter than the sun.”
This single is more than a pop tune — it is an anthem to the power of youth.
While “We are Young” may be Fun.’s most popular song currently, the album’s tone is set by the very first song, “Some Nights (Intro)”. Both whimsical and profound, the song slowly crescendos, and an opera singer can be heard in the background. The emotion in the lyrics and Ruess’ voice is raw and real and adds authenticity to the entire album.
Another song that grabs the ear is “Some nights.” The tribal beats serve as a contrast to the lyrics that speak to the confusing nature of life. “Who am I? What do I stand for?” sings Reuss. This song both speaks to the universal feelings of discovery and reflection while making the listener think about their own beliefs and opinions.
The group stepped out of their box and utilized both autotune technology and synthesized drum beats. These songs are catchy, but not the strongest parts of the album. They add nice variety and show musical experimentation, if not growth from their first album, “Aim and Ignite”.
The high points of the album are in the more profound songs. Fun. manages to provoke self reflection while providing catchy and inspiring songs. An example of this blending can be found in the song “All Alright,” which features a children’s choir. A driving piano beat and a powerful chorus add the right amount of whimsy and pop sound to ensure a catchy song with meaning.
Investing in “Some Nights” will not disappoint previous Fun. fans. The group has grown musically while remaining true to their uniqueness in the current market. This album will also serve as a well-balanced introduction to new fans, leaving everyone pleased.