MUSIC: Pink, <em>Funhouse</em>

By Elise Stawarz

Thursday, October 30, 2008

After listening to the infectious first single, “So What,” from Pink’s fifth album, Funhouse, one would expect her new CD to be a mix of party anthems and post-divorce tunes (She split from husband Carey Hart earlier this year). While there are plenty of tracks about the divorce, Pink’s playful side so prominent on past releases is missing on this album. Funhouse is deeply introspective and often focuses on personal issues instead of the outside world and her partying lifestyle.

One of the album’s best tracks, “Sober,” features minimal instrumentation, something that is a theme for much of the album. It is a great showcase for Pink’s fabulously gritty voice and sometimes uncomfortably personal lyrics.

Other standouts are “I Don’t Believe You” and “Glitter In The Air,” heartbreaking tunes about her divorce and her sadness in its aftermath. The song’s melodies are the best on the album. They’re easy to sing along to, highly memorable, and do a great job of showing off the versatility Pink’s voice.

While most of the tracks on the album are well-written and melodically interesting, something seems to be lacking by the end of the disc. Pink just can’t live up to the party girl image she’s cultivated for herself on previous records. Writing music based on life experiences is a good idea, but so is offering the catchy, upbeat music to the top 40 audience she’s cultivated for herself.

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