Take three guys from three different, albeit successful, bands, cram them into one band, and what do you have? Fun. Literally.

Nate Ruess (The Format), Andrew Dost (Anathallo) and Jack Antonoff (Steel Train), released their second full-length album on Feb. 21 under the name “Fun.” Since the album’s release, Some Nights has brought in a whole new crowd of listeners for the band.

“Some Nights (Intro)” opens the album. The instrumentals and vocals are barely audible in the beginning.

About a minute in, one thing becomes clear: the song is a crescendo. Slowly but surely, vocalist Nate Ruess’s voice picks up. “And you, why you wanna stay? / oh my God! Have you listened to me lately? / Lately, I’ve been going crazy…” By the end of the song, you could swear you listened to a musical number after hearing Ruess’s voice bring the finale, followed by applause.

The next song, “Some Nights,” takes off in an a cappella fashion. Like most of Fun.’s music, the song is catchy but the lyrics mean something. Ruess sings, “Some nights, I wish that my lips could build a castle / some nights, I wish they’d just fall off.”

The third song on the album is one everyone should know by now. Fun. teamed up with Janelle Monáe, an R&B singer, for “We Are Young.” Monáe and Ruess sing together: “Tonight / we are young / so let’s set the world on fire / we can burn brighter / than the sun.” “We Are Young” is popular enough to reach the coveted number one spot on the iTunes top charts list for singles.

“Carry On” has a positive message attached to it: “If you’re lost and alone / or you’re sinking like a stone / carry on.” “It Gets Better” and “Why Am I the One” are lesser-known tracks on the album, but are still worth a listen.

“All Alone” sets itself apart instrumentally. Its catchy beat will get stuck in your head.

“All Alright” opens up with piano, adds some techno and then takes off with the chorus immediately. Anyone can relate to the chorus Ruess sings. “I got nothing left inside of my chest / but it’s all alright.”

“Stars” is a 6:53-long song, but it’s not the type you wish would end. It keeps you interested, much like the entire album.

Some Nights is a catchy album. Buy it and you won’t regret it.
(4 Stars)

Originally published in The Buzzworthy (3/29/12).