I Like Fun
They Might Be Giants · 2018
40 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
A playful mix of witty lyrics and catchy melodies, blending alternative rock with a dose of surreal whimsy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Let’s Get This Over With Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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I Like Fun — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos with its upbeat tempo and playful exploration of joy amidst chaos, serving as an anthem for embracing life's absurdities.
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Mrs. Bluebeard — This track stands out for its narrative-driven lyrics and haunting melodies, illustrating the band's ability to blend storytelling with catchy hooks.
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An Insult to the Fact Checkers — With sharp wit and social commentary, this song showcases They Might Be Giants' knack for addressing contemporary issues through clever lyricism.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases clever lyrics and varied song structures, but its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and unexpected key changes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical exploration of absurdity
- steady mid-tempo flow throughout
- playful melodies with depth
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive experiences
- prefer serious, heavy themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues their legacy with engaging melodies and clever lyrics in later career.
- Themes
- absurdist humor· playful existentialism· whimsical chaos
- Career context
- I Like Fun marks They Might Be Giants' 20th studio album, released during a period when the band was celebrating over three decades in the music industry. Following their previous release, Phone Power in 2015, this album reflects a continued evolution in their sound while maintaining their signature quirky charm. The band has embraced a more streamlined approach to songwriting, delivering concise tracks that embody their characteristic humor and introspection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Weezer· OK Go
Tracklist
- 1 Let’s Get This Over With Start here 3:07
- 2 I Left My Body 2:36
- 3 All Time What 2:29
- 4 By the Time You Get This 2:17
- 5 An Insult to the Fact Checkers 2:34
- 6 Mrs. Bluebeard 2:43
- 7 I Like Fun 3:00
- 8 Push Back the Hands 3:01
- 9 This Microphone 2:36
- 10 The Bright Side 2:29
- 11 When the Light Comes On 3:17
- 12 Lake Monsters 2:56
- 13 McCafferty’s Bib 2:35
- 14 The Greatest 1:48
- 15 Last Wave 3:24
What to play next
Modern
2020
Continues the playful sound with fresh themes and catchy melodies.
The Escape Team
2018
Sets the stage with similar energy and whimsy that leads into 'I Like Fun'.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
of Montreal
Shares whimsical chaos and introspective lyrics alongside playful melodies and absurdist themes.
Picaresque
The Decemberists
Explores existential musings with a narrative flair, blending catchy tunes and quirky storytelling.
The Con
Tegan and Sara
Features playful yet poignant explorations of life’s complexities, matching catchy hooks with introspective lyrics.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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