I’ve been listening to this album nonstop for the past few days and I’ve finally decided to write a review. I haven’t really written reviews before, but I feel that I really must review this album.
Aim and Ignite was released August 25th (yeah, yeah I know, I’m a little late…) and is the debut album from the band fun. I think it’s fair to say that fun. is a somewhat new band, but they actually began recording the album in September of last year. The band consists of former Format member Nate Ruess, along with Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff.
Alright enough information about the band… on to the review! (I’m going to review track by track most likely…)
WARNING: This review will be filled with much praise for this amazing album!
The album starts off with a sort of odd track titled “Be Calm”. Don’t let the uncommon song scare you off, there’s many more great tracks to come! I would ALMOST compare this song to a Panic! At the Disco track considering it isn’t a song you’d commonly hear.
One thing I notice throughout the album, the band is backed by more than just the usual instruments found in a “rock” band. Brass and string instruments can be heard throughout.
The second track “Benson Hedges” was actually the first song recorded by the band. It opens powerfully with harmonic. almost choir-like vocals. I find this song makes me think of a classic rock band backed by newer poppy instrumentals (if that makes any sense!). The song is far from boring, and I have to warn you, it might make you want to dance.
“All the Pretty Girls”
My only complaint about this song, is it opens similar to the last song with the choir-like vocals. Although the string instruments at times might seem out of place, they blend well with the other instruments and vocals in the song. Towards the end of the track, the song slows down a little, but picks back up quickly. It isn’t one of my favorites on the album, but it isn’t bad.
The next track, “I Wanna Be the One (BaBaBa)” is definitely a love song. Despite the constant instrumentals, the song is a little slower.
“At Least I’m Not as Sad (As I Used to Be)”, is also probably one of the slower songs on the album. One think I really enjoy during this song are the group vocals. Throughout the song, if you listen closely you can hear steel drums which compliments the style of the vocals in the song.
Alright, I’ve been lying, “Light A Roman Candle With Me” is probably the slowest song on the album. It’s probably one of the cutest/dorkiest love songs I’ve ever heard. Yes, I did just call it cute! If you listen closely, you’ll hear the album title within the lyrics of the song… ‘at least we would know that the sparks didn’t glow/but we owe everything to ourselves to try/so we aim and ignite!’
The next track, “Walking the Dog” has to be my favorite. Most likely because it was the very first fun. song that I heard. The lyrics are extremely catchy, and if you don’t have at least one part of the song stuck in your head after listening, there’s probably something wrong with you! In my honest opinion, it almost seems of Montrealish, but that could just be me. And of course, the song features ‘nah nah’s', what isn’t awesome about ‘nah nah’ songs?
“Barlights” is the third from last track on the cd, and it feels almost classic rockish to me. The backing vocals add a lot to to this song along with a trumpet.
Much like “Be Calm” this track, “The Gambler” almost seems out of place. It’s almost folky if you ask me, not to mention the violin/fiddle in the background. This band is really greate at “love” songs and I feel “The Gambler” although different, is a very good love song. The song talks about a more modern family, but it seems like an old folk song.
The last track. Although “Take Your Time (Coming Home)” is the longest track, I feel it is a perfect closing track. It’s almost like a review of the entire album with it’s different styles. I have to add, the backing vocals add a lot to this album.
The album is over. 
The only things I find wrong with this album, is the similar beginnings of different songs, but overall I can honestly say that “Aim and Ignite” is an album that I can listen to in it’s entirety and not skip through tracks I don’t like. (hmm this was a kind of long review…) So if you’re into indie-pop-rocky music, definitely pick this one up!
I give it 4 1/2 of 5 stars!
