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69. Strange Desire - Bleachers (2014)

Indie Pop

In the aftermath of the massive success that Some Nights brought Fun in 2012, Jack Antonoff found himself with the freedom to explore some passions more personal. The result was Strange Desire, the debut album of his solo project Bleachers in 2014. Heavily inspired by classic John Hughes films, the album precisely captures the weird, wild and wonder-filled essence of 80’s teen life. Each track manages to paint a sprawling depiction of curious adolescent uncertainty, scored with grandiose, cinematic and masterfully executed compositions. 

Lead single “I Wanna Get Better” made major waves upon its release, confidently wielding the pop prowess that Antonoff, along with Nate Ruess and Andrew Dost, showcased as Fun. Dialing in on eternal theme of love and all of its endless permutations in “wild hearts”, the album is replete with vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion. The cathartic proclamation “Now I’m standing on the overpass screaming at the cars ‘I wanna get better!’” conjures a welling of hopefulness. “Rollercoaster” is an homage to classic 80’s pop that begs to soundtrack a quick-cut montage of young lovers exploring a world that’s suddenly new and exciting at each other’s side. It’s an optimistic and encouraging reminder that the variety of love so endearingly encapsulated in those classic 80’s films might just be alive and well today.

*image; cover art for the album Strange Desire by the artist Bleachers

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