Funhouse lacks much of the flash of Pink's last studio release I'm Not Dead, but the solid songwriting, production, and musicianship help solidify her reputation as one of the most consistent of today's pop stars. This album is another collection of strong, heartfelt songs straddling genres from mainstream pop to R&B to a touch of country. Most of the album is significantly quieter and more introspective than the #1 smash single "So What."
Released October 2008 by LaFace Records
Emotional Fallout Everywhere
As the album kicks off "I guess I just lost my husband, I don't know where he went," much of Funhouse is heavily influenced by the breakup of Pink's marriage to motocross racer Carey Hart. The moving ballad "I Don't Believe You" details desperately trying to hold on to the relationship. Pink turns introspective on "Crystal Ball," and announces she is "not scared at all." "Mean" pulls out an Aerosmith style guitar hook to ask "How did we get so mean?"
Pink Sticks With Past Collaborators
Pink has frequently shifted her production and songwriting partners from album to album. However, here she sticks with key personnel who made I'm Not Dead a big success. Butch Walker, Max Martin and Billy Mann are all on hand to lend their talents in helping make Pink sound distinctively Pink except perhaps for the title song which is a Ting Tings soundalike.
Top Tracks on Funhouse
- "So What"
- "I Don't Believe You"
- "Please Don't Leave Me"
- "Crystal Ball"
- "Mean"
Consistency Is the Word on Pink's Funhouse
Funhouse is a solid if somewhat unexciting effort. The roar of "So What" would lead many pop fans to expect more of the same here, but they will be disappointed. Those who bought the top 5 smash "Who Knew" will be much more at home here. There is not a bad track here, and Pink's lyrics are always worth hearing. Funhouse will make listeners eager for Pink's next step forward.
