Funhouse [Explicit Lyrics]

Not many artists can produce 3 top selling albums and then top them with something that is all together in a different league. Not many artists can have such a wide appeal whether you're 16 or 60. Not many artists can produce an album with lyrics so very personal without sounding self absorbing. Well Pink has done all of those. Whether you want straightforward rock, dance music or stunningly beautiful ballads (no Dion/Carey warbling here), combined with edgy almost bluesy vocals, this album has it all. Frankly, this is a classic.

Well, P!nk (Alecia Beth Moore, for those who don't know already) is back. Back, and better than ever. The majority of the songs on the album deal with divorce (no surprise due to her recent break-up with ex-husband Carey Hart), and while they are unlikely to depress you, Funhouse is Miss P!nk's most mature offering yet - and a fantastic one at that. With the fantastic lead-single So What lifting the album to high heights, expect P!nk to have another roaring success with this album, and God bless, because she and the album really deserve it.

1. So What [3:36] | As aforementioned, the debut single from the album, which has went to number one in eight countries (so far), and also on the Global United World Chart where it is her sixth number one there. No questioning why; this corker of a track truly deserves it. It's not very often a fantastic, catchy pop song like this will come along these days, and (although I'm sure everyone's heard it by now) check out the instrumentation at the end of the song; it's epic.

2. Sober [4:13] | Planned second single from the album, and a fantastic track to follow the amazing lead single. This is very 2001-ish, very M!ssundaztood, which was also an awesome album, so if you liked that album, you'll surely love this song. A wise choice for second single, it'll most certainly be another hit for P!nk.

3. I Don't Believe You [4:35] | No. Words. This song is just ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. A breath-taking, heart-breaking lyric provided with no more than only acoustic instrumentation, this may be her finest ballad ever, and possibly her best track ever altogether (though there are SO many gems on this album, ha!). No doubt written about her heartbreak with Carey, I Don't Believe You is definitely one to listen out for. The album is worth paying the price just for this track alone in my honest opinion.

4. One Foot Wrong [3:26] | Very bluesy song; although this song is still mind-blowingly fantastic, it's the only one on the album I haven't completely fallen in love with yet. The song is strictly about troubles as P!nk sings "Somebody gets it, I'm gonna fall" / "The lights are on, but I'm in the dark." VERY relative song, I'm certain everybody will find something they can relate to that links to this track.

5. Please Don't Leave Me [3:53] | Up there with I Don't Believe You as my favourite song on Funhouse and my favourite P!nk song altogether. This is beautifully written and produced, VERY emotional; you can hear the pain in her voice, particularly during the third verse. Another extremely upbeat, catchy tune; although it's about pain, as I said, it's unlikely to bring you down, infact quite the opposite. BRILLIANT track.

6. Bad Influence [3:38] | Here the listener gets treated to a combination of P!nk and Danja (who produced Britney's "Blackout" album and works with the likes of Timbaland). It works EXTREMELY well and, while is still kept in grand P!nk style, it's very funky and the chorus is one of the catchiest hooks! Yet another standout, but there are just too many, speaking of which...

7. Funhouse [3:26] | ...the title track. This funky 70/80s disco take is also a different direction for P!nk, and the musical changes during the song (there are two) are a pleasant surprise. This song represents the whole feel of the album: "This use to be a funhouse, but now it's full of evil clowns." It's as if to say life isn't what it seems, but we're still having fun. The countdown is also EXTREMELY fun (no pun itended, but it really is). Dance along and sing along.

8. Crystal Ball [3:28] | The second fully acoustic track on the album. And what a gorgeous song it is. The subject matter speaks about not knowing what the future holds, but liking it that way: "Fortune teller says maybe you will go to hell, but I'm not scared at all." This one may be one of the most beautiful, emotional lyrics she has ever written also, it's very inspiring too: "I've felt that fire and I've been burned but I wouldn't trade the pain for what I've learned." Very true, very honest song.

9. Mean [4:19] | Wow! And here we are introduced to Country P!nk! She's back to her usual agressive ways, though, cussing here and there and giving the impression of an angry emotion. Not that this is a bad thing; the song works well with P!nk's fabulous vocal and, if this were to be sent to Country radio, I'm sure it'd blow up! Great, new direction, and again, the album may be worth the purchase on this track alone if you want to hear this new side of P!nk.

10. It's All Your Fault [3:54] | There are so many songs on the set that could be released as a (successful) single; this here is no expection. A fast, furious, angry, bitchy take on a breakup: "It's all your fault, you called me beautiful, you turned me out, and I can't turn back," It's All Your Fault will be sure to please the listener's ear!

11. Ave Mary A [3:17] | This one really needs to be paid full attention to. P!nk sings of some of the unfortunate ongoings in this world today; another VERY emotional, all the same impressive number: "If the darkest hour comes before the light, where is the light?" / "I can't help thinkin' that we lost the plot, suicide bomber and a student shot." Fantastic take on today's society, P!nk really captures all the scenes well.

12. Glitter In The Air [3:48] | The closure of the album, and the third and final ballad/acoustic performance taken from the set. VERY tearjearking; this album includes P!nk's best ballads and this is no expection - once again, OUTSTANDING, AMAZING, heart-shattering, emotional vocals and instruments, and the bridge in this song may just be the most emotional - and best vocal she has ever delivered: "There you are in the garden, clutching my coffee, calling me sugar. You called me sugar." Listen to her voice go!

On a sidenote, the UK also get the brilliant "Boring" and "This Is How It Goes Down" (featuring Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes), as well as the enhanced video for "So What" as bonus features. These are all the more reason to buy the album!

A fantastic return from P!nk; I'm sure she'll go far with this one, and I for one sure hope she does.

It comes as no surprise that the bulk of Pink's fifth album deals with her recent divorce. This is not meant in a negative sense in any way. The great thing about Pink is that she has always tackled deep, emotional issues through her music and it has always sounded sincere and came across very well. Never depressing but instead engaging. This album is no exception to that. There are some lighter moments too such as lead single 'So What', 'Funhouse' 'Bad Influence' (which is possibly better and catchier than So What).
The albums sound is similar in style to her last album 'I'm Not Dead' though the overall sound of the album is darker than her previous. Max Martin and Billy Mann are back producing most of the material with Tony Kanal (of No Doubt) and surprisingly Danja aswell (however the style stays true to Pink).
There are a few uptempo songs such as 'So What' 'Bad Influence' and 'It's All Your Fault' and some truly moving slower songs such as 'I Don't Believe You' and 'Glitter In The Air'. Overall there really are no weak songs at all on the album. Pink is still making pop music with the most credibility, attitude and substance and if you liked her last album then you will love this album. It has a slightly different feel but it is not a huge style change. This really is one of the best albums of 2008. I highly recommend you buy it and find it out for yourself!