Rock Euphoria

At first spin, Pink’s latest album, Funhouse seems to have been slapped with the wrong moniker. Colored by her recent split from husband Carey Hart, there are more melancholy moments on Funhouse than the high-spirited fun that Pink’s fans have come to expect. While she’s traveled dark territory before with songs like “Just Like a Pill,” “Who Knew,” and “Dear Mr. President,” were small just a small portion of material on what otherwise comprised her fun-loving repertoire.

Upon further listening, the former Alecia Moore’s fifth disc is rather appropriately named. Pink’s self-reflection on Funhouse morphs into self-refraction. The result is like gazing into a distorting funhouse mirror. Depending on the angle, these reflections can be either humorous or spilling over with enough raw emotion to make the one standing before the mirror cringe or break down and cry regarding what stands before them..

The bulk of the disk, however, is pure Pink — for better or worse. The perennial pop-rock chameleon showcases her many mood swings on what could be dubbed her “divorce album.” She (rightfully) has no shame in letting it all hang out. Then again, when has Pink had any trouble with that? One of the things so likeable about Pink is her immature, tomboy sense of humor offset by the ability to hit a nerve with personal treatises on depression and the state of the world. This time, it’s a lot more personal, chronicling her (relatively amicable) break up with Hart, who actually appears in the video for “So What,” the album’s lead single.

Perhaps the ultimate break-up anthem, “So What” encompasses the myriad of feelings involved in the dissolution of an important relationship. Setting a deceptively upbeat tone for the album’s somewhat gloomy overtones, the track charts a course through the giddy, cocky sense of freedom that gives way to putting on a show for the benefit of an ex. In spite of its catchy, swaggering bounce, Funhouse’s lead single belies the twinge of sorrowful regret that finds itself suppressed once again behind the rollicking chorus.

In the same vein, “Bad Influence” is an upbeat ass-kicking track that recalls the shit-stirring bar antics of “U + Ur Hand” from Pink’s previous album, I’m Not Dead. For all its vodka-swilling bravado, “Bad Influence” is sprinkled with what could be construed as a cry for help, all of this partying masking the tears of a clown. Butch Walker received a co-writing credit on “Bad Influence,” easily one of the most fun tracks on Funhouse. The other co-Walker penned entry on the disc, “Mean” traipses into country territory. As Pink laments the disintegration of kindness in her relationship, her voice transforms into a hybrid of country twang and bluesily reminiscing Janis Joplin on “Me and Bobby McGee.”

“Sober,” features another repeat co-collaborator in pop songsmith (and newest American Idol judge), Kara DioGuardia. The subtly eerie backing vocals and string arrangements provide contrast on this heavy, rock track. Brash power chords pack a punch alongside dark lyrics that, once again, portray an aura of searching for something to cling to.

Walker and DioGuardia aren’t the only familiar names to appear on Funhouse. Billy Mann and No Doubt’s Tony Kanal also chime in on writing and production duties throughout.

The disc’s title track delves into funk territory with a cool bass riff running through the danceable track. On “Funhouse,” however, it’s not just the roof that’s on fire, but rather the whole house as Pink goes all Waiting to Exhale, intending to “burn this fucker down,” along with the memories of all that went on in her former love nest.

Many of the songs on Funhouse, while undoubtedly Top 40 confection in terms of structure and instrumentation, go much deeper than your typical pop pablum. One of the most poignant of these confessionals, “It’s All Your Fault” overflows with a sense of desperation that teeters on suicidal. Lyrics like, “I hold my breath / Because you were perfect /… I wish you could feel as bad as I do” underscore all of the beautiful moments of a defunct relationship as they flash before your eyes — more of a painful, taunting slap in the face than a fond memory to cherish. On the flipside, Funhouse’s closer, “Glitter in the Air,” offers an appreciative and accepting glimpse at these fleeting moments. Set against a sparse piano backdrop, “Glitter In The Air” interweaves sparkling metaphor with true life experience.

One of the most powerful female rock voices currently on the scene, on Funhouse, Pink survives what may be her most emotional chapter yet. With her sense of humor intact and displaying a graceful dignity, you can’t help but root for her to get through it and come out on top.