Fun. Featuring Janelle Monáe - We Are Young

April 19, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Fun. is a band who I have been aware of for quite a few years. They are on the same record label as Paramore: "Fueled by Ramen", and I get a weekly email newsletter from the record company, so I'm aware of what Paramore are doing, but I also know what's happening with the other bands on the label. Fun. is a 3-piece band, however in this video they are a 6-piece including their touring members. They consist of: Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, Jack Antonoff, Will Noon, Emily Moore and Nate Harold. This is their biggest world wide hit so far, and I'm interested in finding out if anything else will be just as good by these people. Janelle Monáe, real name Janelle Monáe Robinson, is a singer who has been going since 2005. She has charted in the UK a couple of times, but nothing as big as this, so it'll be interesting where her career will take her.

"We Are Young" was written by Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker (has done a lot for Beyoncé and Kanye West, as well as Fun.), Andrew Dost and Nathaniel Ruess (which is Nate Ruess, presumably). It has been a big hit everywhere gaining number ones in the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland and Israel. As for the UK, it first charted at number 7, last week, but by the looks of iTunes it is currently second... Will it knock off Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe"? It's doubtful.

This music video has divided a lot of people. There's ones who like it as it is relatable to the song, whereas there's others who don't like it, as much more could have been done with it. Personally I agree with both. I commemorate the fact that they've kept close to the song's meaning, but it's just not something I'd watch again, as much as I love the song.

It's both performance and narrative, although there is not a lot to the storyline. As far as I can tell it's about going out and things aren't going the right way, so you get hammered and end up being in a fight. But that is all, I'm happy that it is relatable to the song, but there really isn't anything that interesting going on.

To be honest I am always wondering what actually started this. I am young and I wouldn't have a fight with someone for no reason. Also it looks like they had a lot of fun making this video, and a lot of people would've wanted to be there, but then again wouldn't you be worried you'd get hit by a bottle or something? I know I would.

Overall, a really catchy song that is climbing up the charts giving Carly Rae Jepsen a run for the top spot, but the music video is less entertaining, and if this song doesn't get the top spot, could it all be down to the accompanying music video? It could be one of the main reasons.

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