Music Review: P!nk - Funhouse
Published November 28, 2008
Originally hitting the music scene as an R&B artist in 2000, P!nk (Alecia Moore) has changed her sound as often has she has changed her hair style. Her new album, Funhouse, is a cornucopia of popular music genres, with aggressive rock tunes offset by sweet pop ballads, mingling with country and soul. P!nk has used this forum as a sort of public therapy session, and many of the songs deal with the rough edges of relationships, presumably inspired by the recent breakup of her marriage.
The hit single "So What" leads off Funhouse, and was P!nk's first solo number one single on the Billboard Hot 100. However, this album is chock full of songs that are ready for their spotlight, so don't stop there. Thematically, the songs unravel to reveal the different stages of the destruction of a relationship. Beginning with the post-relationship celebrity breakdown of "So What," P!nk tells stories of substance abuse, co-dependency, and emotional/physical abuse. Alternatively cursing her lover and also pleading with them to not leave, she explores the complexity that led to the broken ending that began the album. 
The final song, "Glitter in the Air," is a delicate and sober reflection on the complete trust and surrender in a loving relationship, and after the rollercoaster ride through the Funhouse, it's a reminder of why we humans continue to line up to ride.
Musically, there's a little of something for everyone. Most of the songs will be comfortable on modern rock and pop stations, but there are a few tunes that branch out in to other categories. "Crystal Ball" and "Glitter in the Air" should be given attention by adult album alternative (AAA) folks, and someone needs to get "Mean" on country stations as soon as possible.
"Bad Influence" is the source of my favorite line from the entire album: "I'm the instigator of underwear showing up here and there." It gives me a chuckle every time, thinking of the folks in my own life who fit that description. P!nk is, in many ways, fearless in her lyrics. Bristling at any perceived weakness while exposing her vulnerable side, she is "keeping it real" while also maintaining a healthy sense of humor. There's no candy coating on her songs — just raw truth.
Anna Creech is a librarian and blogger who dreams of a day when she can improve the ratio of read-to-unread books in her house.
- Music Review: P!nk - Funhouse
- Published: November 28, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Acoustic, Music: Adult Alternative, Music: Country and Americana, Music: Pop, Music: Rock, Review
- Writer: Anna Creech
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Dani, I think you will enjoy the rest of the album. Honestly, there isn't a song on there that I would want to skip, and that's rare. Most of the time, even my favorite bands/artists will have songs I wish they hadn't recorded.
Best cd ever!
I love all her songs!
P!nk is awesome! =]
Being Alecia's Dad I think she is the best ever and actually, there really aren't that many female singers that can be labeled "entertainers" today but P!NK can. She is the real deal, what you see is what you get. She is so talented and did all of this by herself. She also writes part of or all of her songs. Last but not least she is a wonderful person with a golden heart. She hasn't changed at all from being open minded, loyal or sincere after almost 12 years in the music business. She can sing any kind of music and the song "Mean" should really be on the country stations. It is an awesome song and great to dance to also.
Almost forgot.........P!NK has just been nominated for a Grammy for the song, "So What" which is her number one single. If this is a fan vote then I hope all her fans do take a second to vote for her. She really does deserve a Grammy on this one.
The CD rocks. She has quite the way with words, and knows how to sing within her range for great effect.
Lyrics like: "it's only half-past the point of oblivion" are so evocative. That line sticks with me much more than anything else on the CD.
I did like "I'm Not Dead" better as a whole CD, but this is a great follow-up. I'm not a new music person (stuck in the 70s) but P!nk is the best of the new breed.
And it's been a long time since I've seen a live show that can compare to the show she did at First Avenue back in 2006. She's an even better live performer than she is on CD. Go see her. You won't regret it.
I finally gave this CD another listen this week while at work, and I love it! I played it over and over. Right now, I think "One Foot Wrong" is my favorite, but that line from "Bad Influence" got stuck in my head, too :-).
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I have been a fan of Pink for quite a while. I love the new single "So What". The rest of the album is on my hard drive, but I've only listened to it once. After reading your review, I'll have to give a second listen to the songs you mentioned.