Earnest and fun: Two faces of pop music

The two CDs today are the latest releases of artists who take “earnest and fun” to new levels of music enjoyment. One is from dab hand and constant Manila visitor Jason Mraz, while the second CD is the second outing for Fun., a trio of musicians from former indie bands, now making a name via the genre of indie-baroque!

Jason Mraz, Love Is a Four Letter Word (Atlantic/Warner Music). The new studio album of Mraz is by far his most accessible and most consistent. While the funk and wordplay he’d inject into some of his songs is pretty much absent in this new set, one can’t help but smile and nod along to the tuneful earnestness and feel good vibes that emanate from this CD. I loved the two “jazzy” tracks — Be Honest and 5/6. The opening two songs, especially The Freedom Song, are strong reminders of what we love about Mraz-matazz! And there’s a hidden track that plays after the last listed track. This may be mainstream Mraz, but he’s still a welcome visitor.

Fun., Some Nights (Fueled by Ramen/Warner Music). Who ever hasn’t heard Fun.’s We Are Young has been living under a rock, and should get up to speed with this indie band that’s comprised of former members of Format, Steel Train and Anathallo. Led by vocalist Nate Reuss, Fun. has taken indie music to a new commercial level, one that mixes baroque and orchestral elements with strong slowed-down sing-along choruses. Queen is an obvious influence on a number of tunes, as is Billy Joel on Carry On and Peter Frampton and the auto tuner on Stars. With slick time signature changes and effusive, hip lyrics, Fun. is here to stay. Music to drive with.