If there's one thing that's clear about Nate Ruess based on his debut solo album, 2015's Grand Romantic, it's that he's in love, and he wants you to know all about it. Purportedly inspired by his relationship with designer Charlotte Ronson (sister of DJs Samantha and Mark), Grand Romantic is a fittingly grandiose, occasionally silly, passionately effusive, and ultimately very catchy album. As the lead singer of Fun., Ruess has built a fan base with songs that manage to combine the bombastic pomp of '80s arena rock, the ...
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If there's one thing that's clear about Nate Ruess based on his debut solo album, 2015's Grand Romantic, it's that he's in love, and he wants you to know all about it. Purportedly inspired by his relationship with designer Charlotte Ronson (sister of DJs Samantha and Mark), Grand Romantic is a fittingly grandiose, occasionally silly, passionately effusive, and ultimately very catchy album. As the lead singer of Fun., Ruess has built a fan base with songs that manage to combine the bombastic pomp of '80s arena rock, the sample aesthetic of hip-hop, and the earnestness of emo, adult contemporary, and singer/songwriter pop. Grand Romantic is no different, and often sounds like something along the lines of a Kanye West-meets-Beach Boys-themed Glee episode. Working with producers Jeff Bhasker (West, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys) and Emile Haynie (Lana Del Rey, Kid Cudi), Ruess has crafted a concept album of sorts revolving around the glory of love -- or at least, the glory of falling in love again after having your heart broken. Think of it as an antidote to the melancholy breakup anthems of contemporaries like Adele and Sam Smith. Musically, cuts like the melodic "What This World Is Coming To" (a duet with Beck) and the sparklingly exuberant "Harsh Light" bring to mind the dynamic '80s nerd rock of bands like REO Speedwagon and ELO. Elsewhere, tracks like the yearning "Moment" and the dramatic title track, with their piano and orchestral flourishes, are so ornately celebratory, they're more akin to a Muppet Movie version of Elton John. Which isn't a bad thing. Vocally, even when he sounds on the verge of tears, as on "It Gets Much Worse," Ruess always commands your attention. Especially on the final track, "Brightside" -- with Ruess cooing a high-pitched baby-talk refrain of "Looka'chooo! Looka'chooo!" against a banner of harmonized "la la la's" -- Grand Romantic is the sound of a guy who is desperately, and yes, often embarrassingly in love. So much so, that the album will probably either leave you reeling with joy from the intensity of Ruess' romantic fervor, or somewhat queasy from the off-gassing. Either way, it's almost impossible not to get caught up in his majestic pop swoon. As he sings on "Harsh Light," "Nothing here is bringing me down." ~ Matt Collar, Rovi
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Add this copy of Grand Romantic to cart. $49.67, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2015 by Atlantic.
Add this copy of Grand Romantic to cart. $6.98, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Fueled by Ramen Records.
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Seller's Description:
Bhasker/Crosley/Dos; Bhasker/Hansen/Hayn; Bhasker/Haynie/Klin; Bhasker/Haynie/Rues; cummings; Manning. Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
Add this copy of Grand Romantic to cart. $7.07, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Fueled by Ramen Records.
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Seller's Description:
Bhasker/Crosley/Dos; Bhasker/Hansen/Hayn; Bhasker/Haynie/Klin; Bhasker/Haynie/Rues; cummings; Manning. Poor. Used-Acceptable, DISC ONLY, Withdrawn library disc(s). Includes a case. Artwork and liner notes not included. Disc(s) should play great, without any playback issues. Disc may include library markings, like writing, sticker, and protective label covers.
Add this copy of Grand Romantic to cart. $7.66, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Atlantic.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Grand Romantic to cart. $7.88, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by WEA/Fueled by Ramen.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Grand Romantic to cart. $7.88, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by WEA/Fueled by Ramen.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Grand Romantic to cart. $7.88, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by WEA/Fueled by Ramen.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Grand Romantic to cart. $7.99, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Fueled by Ramen Records.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
