Fun.
On the night before I turned 16, I saw Jack’s Mannequin play (for the 3rd time) in New York City with a group of friends. While waiting for the band to come out, two openers took the stage. The first: I can’t remember. But, the second one sounded extremely familiar simply because of the lead singer’s voice. The band, named Fun., is lead by Nate Ruess, the former lead singer of the band, The Format.
You may have heard Fun.’s single “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae, performed on Glee a few weeks ago. While I appreciate Glee’s renditions of popular songs, I wish they had given Fun. more publicity before taking that song. But! Fun. has made an original contribution to the music world with its new album “Some Nights,” which was released on Tuesday.
The title song has a (slightly questionable) theatrical intro that is a variation of the main track which is filled with emotions and several instruments. As soon as I heard it, I imagined being back in the concert hall singing “Some Nights” at the top of my lungs. The songs on the album may not be optimistic, but they sure are purposeful and well-done.
Despite Ruess’ declaration that he “doesn’t know what [he] stands for,” the album surely stands for individual strength and a world that isn’t necessarily all bad, but definitely isn’t perfect. Fun. hopes that “if you’re lost and alone or sinking like a stone, carry on,” (“Carry On”) and I recommend taking this album with you wherever it is you go.
Andy Grammer
You probably heard Andy Grammer’s song, “Keep Your Head Up” playing on the radio this summer, a couple thousand times a day; but, this radio hit has more talent that meets the ears of the unsuspecting radio listener. He has toured with the Plain White T’s, Natasha Bedingfield, and Colbie Callait.
Grammer’s self-titled album was released in June 2011 and is filled with songs that deserve to be blasted while you get ready in the morning (to my neighbors: I apologize). “Fine By Me” is now being played on the radio and “Miss Me” was an iTunes free download in June, and both are upbeat and mainstream in a fresh way.
The theme of Grammer’s songs is about finding real love and the girl that he believes was made for him. “Build Me a Girl” reminds me of The Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” because of it’s hypothetical tone and theme of searching. “Ladies” is a cute tribute to his respect for women- his mother especially. Hear that ladies? A good looking, true-love-searching, woman-respecting guy is looking for you!