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fun.
Aim and Ignite
Nettwerk
out August 25th
84/100
[Rating Scale]
[rating:84/100]
Nate Ruess doesn’t really care about traditional structure, tempo, and instrumentation. He doesn’t need to create a memorable, radio-friendly chorus for every song. No, that’s too easy for the former lead singer of The Format. He much prefers throwing in gospel choirs, swing beats, swelling violins and pulsing drums wherever he pleases, not necessarily where the song requires it. He likes to mix it up, play around a bit. He likes to have fun.
That’s why the opening track to fun.’s debut record, Aim and Ignite, is so perfect. Ironically titled “Be Calm,” the song frenetically shifts from a sweet ballad, to a full-blown show-tune number, to a stomp-along head-banger for just two awesome seconds (2:03) and finally to a euphoric marching band anthem.
fun. – [download id="163"]
The opening 20 seconds of “Be Calm” also work as a sort of overture for the album, which in turn could work as a full-fledged Broadway musical. Stories are told, characters are created, multiple voices are heard, and most importantly, Ruess’ theatrical vocals and instrumentals paint a picture with their flamboyance. And through it all are scattered elements of normal pop songs.
But “normal” tracks aren’t really on the menu when Ruess is in charge. Same goes for Jack Antonoff, lead singer for the phenomenal Steel Train, who plays guitar for fun. and makes his influence felt too. Gospel choirs barge into tracks like the epic “Benson Hedges” and the stunning, uplifting “Barlights.”
fun. – [download id="164"]
Female vocalists chime into “Be Calm” and “At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be).” But the spotlight is never taken away from Nate, whose voice is on par with that of Freddie Mercury’s, reaching unreachable high notes and making you feel emotions that you didn’t know existed. It is truly powerful and versatile- Nate can croon the soft, sweet, tune of “The Gambler” just as nicely as he powers through the raw intensity and soul of “Benson Hedges.”
The over-the-top feel of Aim and Ignite can definitely become tiring, but only in rare occurrences (“Light A Roman Candle For Me,” “I Wanna Be The One”). And even in those occurrences, it’s never the entire song that’s full of cheese, just particular moments. Nate’s lyrics, good as ever, save these tracks from being too trite. From “Roman Candle”- “You look for a legend, I’m looking for common ground, your heart isn’t breaking, and mine isn’t making a sound.”
In reality, all ten tracks are epic pop songs that you haven’t heard the likes of since The Format’s Dog Problems. “At Least I’m Not As Sad,” Aim and Ignite’s literal and emotional climax, is brilliant and memorable. “All The Pretty Girls” is joyous and poppy- reminiscent of both Queen’s best and The Format’s best. “Walking The Dog” is perfectly-tamed wackiness. Ruess even has time for some slower stuff, with “The Gambler” taking a page out of Ben Folds’ strings-and-piano playbook.
fun. – [download id="165"]
Topping it off, album closer “Take Your Time (Coming Home)” takes it’s time indeed (7 minutes and 51 seconds, to be exact), and deservedly so. It’s a victory lap for the band, which has worked so hard on creating a pop masterpiece and has 100% succeeded.
80-84 — Excellent. One of best offerings of the year, but may only appeal to fans of that genre. (Rating Scale)
Stream the full album @ Spinner.
To enter to win a copy of fun.’s Aim an Ignite on vinyl or CD format (a total of two winners), leave a comment with your thoughts on the tracks you’ve just sampled, this review, or (if you’ve listened to it) the album. Make sure you leave your name/email address in the provided fields! Entries will be accepted until September 4th
by on August 25, 2009 ‡ 7 reactions
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this album! I’ve been waiting ever since I downloaded ‘At Least I’m not as sad as I used to be’ a few weeks ago. I’ll have to search out the Format (which I’m not familiar with), but this music is fantastic. I listened to most of the songs & haven’t found one I don’t like. It’s always great to find someone who knows how to write fantastic pop music – and dare I say it – fun to listen to. Huzzah!
I feel like his voice is so powerful it would sound great over anything… the face that the instrumentation is spot on then puts this over the top for me. love it!
I love the instrumentation used in these songs. So classical, so theatrical, so good. There are ways to do this type of music good, and there are ways to make it sound awfully cheesy. fun. did it right. I have to say my favorite song out the bunch is At Least I’m Not as Sad (as I Used to be). The female vocals are really good, but it’s the steel drums that make this song something special.
It makes me so happy to see that PMA loved this album. I sort of thought that due to the poppy-ness of this album that indie-scenstars would write off Fun. But I’m glad I can expect more from PMA. “Be Calm” by far one of my favorite songs of the year. It’s like a whole musical contained within one song. Great stuff
so excited for this cd! does it top the format’s “dog problems” though? that album was seriously epic. the tracks here definitely sound great though so I can’t wait to pick up the whole album.
A definite Classic. Been loving this album since it leaked and can’t wait for the vinyl to show up. Every track on here is epic in some nature, and its the perfect album for any season. Not an easy feat to accomplish. You can play this album for pretty much any mood and enjoy it. Great review!!!
I love this album! I’ve been a fan of The Format for a long time now and started listening to fun.’s album since they started streaming the tracks on MySpace. I think my favorite tracks so far are “Be Calm” and “The Gambler.”
i can’t stop hearing this album, totally awsome, i love it!!! soooo fresh, unique and nice!!! sometimes reminds me a lot of Mika
I agree. This album was incredibleee. I’ve been listening to the stream for the past. I’m so excited to see them live on the 11th!
I think fun.’s album is a real throwback to Queen, almost tribute-album-ish. I didn’t like it the first time I heard it, but it grew on me after listening to it a louder volumes. I would love to see this band perform in arena’s with a great production.
Pretty good album. Why are the mp3 file sizes so big? 3 minute long songs aren’t usually 8-9 MBs big
still not sure about this one, your damn right about that 2:03 moment though in be clam, wish there was more of that.
Great review Ads, you’re best if you don’t mind me saying. I’m super excited to FINALLY have a listen to the album in its fullest. I don’t even remember how long ago I first heard Benson Hedges and such. ‘At Least I’m not as Sad’ is up there with some of my favorite tracks of the year, catching up to those off of ‘Bitte Orca’ / ‘MPP’ / ‘Veckatimest.’
yay fun!
I think the rating is about right.
Great record!
Wow. Better than Dog Problems. I love this album. Favorite is probably Be Calm.
Not even close. More like Dog Problems lite!
Oh dear lawdy, I have been so looking forward to this album since you gave us At Least I’m Not As Sad.
I’m just listening to those 2 new tracks that you have given us now… It’s kinda like music Mika would make if he were straight.
They’re officially the best band with compulsory punctuation since Wham!! (see what I did there?)
OMG. When I get it I can review it for my uni magazine, and then 30,000 or so students will be enlightened and indebted to me and I will be their hero.
Be Calm is awesome. Some of Beirut with Mars Volta. I never heard their sound. Instant love!
Ever since the album leaked a few weeks ago, it has been on loop everywhere I am. Every track is simply amazing. I was so sad when it was announced that the Format was splitting, but totally relieved when fun. was announced. The accompaniment, the harmonies, the added female vocals, EVERYTHING to like on the album. However, I do HATE that people are comparing fun. to the Format. It’s a completely different band people! And Nate is a totally different person with this. The music is so different that you can’t truly compare it. Even between “Interventions & Lullabies” and “Dog Problems” there was so much of a difference to compare within the same band. I love everything Nate does, musically, and will continue to support his endeavors as a true musical artist.
Absolutely amazing. I cannot stop listening to this album. Every song has something amazing and unique to offer. It has truly moved me. Wow…The Gambler….first time I really sat down and listened to it I got goosebumps all over, chills, cried and smiled all in 4 minutes and 11 seconds. Great production, vocals, instruments, melodies, sequence…EVERYTHING! The last album that I could say I loved every single song on was Dog Problems, you’re doing something right, Nate Ruess.
I have to say this album is a great end to the summer.
It just goes to show you how indescribably good fun. really is. Every song is just so catchy, poppy, and instrumentally fantastic that it actually gave me goodebumps. I feel some roots to Queen’s style of music, but boy this is one band that I really fell in love with at first listen.
October 7, 2003… One of the best songs I have ever heard was released to the public, since then Nate’s voice has entranced me. His work has always lifted me up in my lowest times. When the terrible day came when he announced the separation of The Format, it was difficult to get threw any day thinking i would never hear a new masterpiece by some one this such great talent…… finly when he anouced the formation of fun. i smiled. I was on constant watch for when he would come home to Arizona, and wow he did, i drove down to tuscon to see there first headlining show. It felt so good have Nate back in Az, cause when he was gone the area was a dry quiet desert. and hearing my new favorite songs live for the first time was an experience i will never forget. Not only was Hearing Nate’s voice amazing, meeting Andrew Dost and an amazing dummer we refer to as thunder, made the night unforgetable. So many diferent styles colided to create something so amzing
Not even close. More like Dog Problems lite!
This album is fantastic. Amazing in every way. even the few songs you found tiring, I love completely. I am very happy to see I’m not the only one making Queen connections, as well. The whole album has that off pop feel Queen did so well, not to mention the amazing choral vocals and rocking guitar riffs in songs like “All The Pretty Girls” and “Take Your Time.”
Great article! fgavfmkt
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