Funhouse [Import]

Vinyl LP pressing. 2008 release, the fifth album from the multi-platinum selling pop vocalist. From the front cover through most tracks on the record, she stokes the wild-child inside herself that made her famous in the first place, but in most examples there is also evidence of a fostering maturity, whether in the crystal beauty and depth of ballads "Glitter In the Air" or "I Don't Believe You" or the firm-handed command of more built-up tunes like the Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Joan Jett coarseness of "Sober" or sassy rocker "Boring" that somewhat improbably combines The Dandy Warhols’ "Horse Pills" and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ "Get Ready For Love" as though delivered by the Pussycat Dolls. And maturity aside, bold first single "So What" and future-funk swing dance "Bad Influence" are about the catchiest, and indeed gutsiest, things she’s delivered in years.