What makes Funhouse by Kid 'n Play notable?

Funhouse reached number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating Kid 'n Play's widespread appeal during this era. The album is notable for its fusion of hip-hop with new jack swing, influencing the sound of early '90s pop-rap and contributing to the genre's mainstream acceptance. Released in 1990, Funhouse was Kid 'n Play's third studio album, following the commercially successful 1989 release, From the Bottom to the Top. This album marked their peak in popularity during the height of their career, solidifying their status as leaders in the hip-hop scene while showcasing their signature comedic style and dance-centric sound.

How many songs are on Funhouse?

Funhouse has 11 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Funhouse

Kid 'n Play · 1990

50 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant blend of hip-hop and new jack swing, radiating infectious energy and playful charisma throughout its tracks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Energy — This opening track sets a high-energy tone for the album with its catchy hooks and playful lyrics about self-confidence and fun, encapsulating the group's vibrant spirit.
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Show ’em How It’s Done — This track highlights Kid 'n Play's charismatic performances and showcases their ability to blend smooth rhythms with assertive lyrics that encourage listeners to embrace individuality.
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Funhouse — The title track serves as a celebration of joy and creativity, featuring an infectious chorus that emphasizes the importance of enjoying life, perfectly embodying the album's overall theme.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

Funhouse blends hip-hop and new jack swing with energetic production, making it a notable entry in early '90s pop-rap.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first half.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
The production incorporates prominent brass and synth elements characteristic of new jack swing, creating a danceable groove.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Energy 3:56
2 Y U Jellin’ Me 4:28
3 Back to Basics 4:24
4 Toe to Toe 4:20
5 Show ’em How It’s Done 5:09
6 I Don’t Know 3:37
7 Do Watcha Want 2 5:19
8 Strokin’ 4:22
9 Can’t Get Enuff 4:27
10 Decisions 4:30
11 Funhouse 5:30

What to play next

Listen next

Face the Nation

1991

Go back to

2 Hype

1988

Full Kid 'n Play discography Artists like Kid 'n Play

hip-hop new jack swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata