Funplex

After the release of 1992's "Good Stuff", The B-52's remained inactive for 6 years and didn't release any new material except two unreleased tracks ("Debbie" and "Hallucinating Pluto") that appear on the "Time Capsule" Compilation Album in 1998. 10 more years pass and they finally decide to release a new album "Funplex", which is a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, with the title track and "Juliet of Spirits" (the singles) remaining staples among the band's best work. Cindy Wilson returning to contribute vocals and songwriting input on this album is a welcome addition. However, with the band being out of the game for quite some time, they lost significant momentum along the way.

The deep cuts are what actually stand out to me here, even more so than the aforementioned singles. The beginning of the album starts off mixed with "Pump" and "Hot Corner" being slightly generic. "Ultraviolet" is the unmistakable dud of the album, with perplexing lyrics and uninspired vocals. Once you get past these tracks, there are some surprisingly good ones that have electrifying and intriguing production throughout accompanied by lively vocals, all of which brings some much-needed energy to the album, particularly on "Eyes Wide Open" and "Dancing Now". I love everything about these songs because they embody the amazing elements that the B-52's are known for, specifically the Wilson/Pierson harmonies (with Schneider vocal interplay) and their signature, quirky production.

Pump - 60
Hot Corner - 60
Ultraviolet - 40
Juliet of the Spirits - 75
Funplex - 75
Eyes Wide Open - 85
Love in the Year 3000 - 75
Deviant Ingredient - 70
Too Much to Think About - 65
Dancing Now - 85
Keep This Party Going - 80

Album Score - 70