Artists in this Article
FUN. FEAT. JANELLE MONAE
We Are Young (4:10)
Producer: Jeff Bhasker
Writers: fun. and Jeff Bhasker
Publishers: WB Music Corp., FBR Music, and Bearvon Music
Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic
With "We Are Young," New York indie pop group fun. takes its warm retro sound into soaring ballad territory. Careful arrangements layer sharp, bright piano melodies with big, booming drums and multiple vocal harmonies, but frontman Nathan Reuss' vocal dexterity shines through as the track's strongest component. Reuss shifts from vulnerable verbal tumbling in the song's sonically sparse intro to the grandiose declaration, "Tonight, we are young/ So let's set the world on fire" in the massive chorus. Unfortunately, Janelle Monae's guest spot is a missed opportunity, as the budding R&B star is relegated to background harmonies instead of adding something soulful and special to an already powerful hook. Still, "Young" finds fun.'s sound growing immensely, and the track is a bold statement - and possible breakout hit -- from this quirky pop group.
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