‘Some Nights’ by fun. finds its beat

By Brian Winkel on April 3, 2012

With the influx of so much hip-hop and pop music pumping through popular radio, seeing the alternative rock scene start its own fire is always welcome. One group quietly paving its way to the top is fun. Most people will recognize their hit song, “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae, which was the first alternative rock song to hit the top of the Billboard 100 since “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay back in 2008.

The band started back in 2008 and is composed of Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost. Between the trio, all parts are recorded, but they usually recruit help when playing live shows. The group has released two albums since its formation, Aim and Ignite, released in August of 2009, and Some Nights, released in February of this year.

The band’s most recent album, Some Nights, has reached the number one spot on both the U.S. Rock and Alternative charts, and the number three spot overall. The album throws back the clock to a time when music had to be familiar enough to be catchy, like in the days of classic rock, but interesting enough to be unique and innovative. That is where fun. has found its beat. The band crafts harmonies and melodic lines wonderfully to make the songs exciting and fun to listen to.

The title track, “Some Nights,” is best described as Queen performing The Lion King soundtrack. The beat is infectious and the lyrics incredibly well-shaped to fit the song. The most popular song, “We Are Young,” does not fail to meet the standard fun. has set either. The tempo changes and composition of the song force the melody and rhythm into your head.

Lesser known tracks on the album that are equally fulfilling are “Stars,” “One Foot” and “Carry On.”

In the music industry, incorporating technology into songs will make or break the record. fun. has been able to establish itself as technologically driven but not bound by the computer. The human aspect still resides in its music, which is why it is so easy to learn to love the songs.