Pink News

Pink, "Funhouse" (LaFace)

After the recent breakup of her marriage, Pink returned to the music scene in typical, tough-girl fashion with the song "So What": The irreverent, in-your-face rocker oozes with attitude as she shouts lines like "So what! I'm still a rock star, I got my rock moves, and I don't need you."

But anyone who has listened to Pink over the years knows there's more to her than her big voice or her familiar snarl, and with her new CD "Funhouse," the singer explores broken relationships with a mixture of pain, frustration, bitterness and wistfulness, making for poignant collection of songs.

Pink reunites with Max Martin, who worked with her on the hit "Who Knew" and has created smashes for everyone from Britney Spears to Kelly Clarkson, on several of the album's strongest tracks, from the rambunctious "So What" to "I Don't Believe You" to the uptempo but ultimately heartbreaking rocker "Please Don't Leave Me," on which she confesses, "I can't be without, you're my perfect little punching bag, and I need you, I'm sorry."

While Pink is certainly fun when she's rowdy — "Bad Influence" is rollicking and "Funhouse's" best line is unprintable — she's at her best when she's vulnerable, and her soaring, smoke-tinged voice wavers with emotion. On "Mean," which has a dose of country twang that makes it perfect for a barroom serenade, she wonders how two lovers could grow to be so biting to each other. And on the last track, "Glitter In the Air," she talks about the power of love to make you take a leap of faith. What makes the song so moving is that despite all of the heartache, she doesn't appear gun-shy about taking the leap again.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: The stripped down, emotional ballad "I Don't Believe You" speaks to the irony of knowing you're in a bad relationship, yet not wanting to leave. Pink holds back on the power of her vocals, but her voice is still potent, full of hurt and confusion that anyone can feel.