Fitz & The Tantrums ‘More Than Just a Dream’

Words by Brielle Cotelo

Fitz & the Tantrums broke out on the scene in 2010 with their debut LP Picking up the Pieces, helping to give the neo-soul genre a swift kick back into the mainstream. Now, with their follow-up, More Than Just a Dream, the six piece LA-based band uses the characteristics that have made Motown and 80’s pop so memorable to create a lively collection of songs that will intrigue any ear to listen closely.

Initiating the high-energy tracks that await on the LP is the first song, ‘Out of My League’. Without a doubt this will, for sure, be stuck in your head all day after listening to its catchy 80’s melody and 4-lined chorus that repeats throughout the song. The core of it being about unrequited love, any listener can relate to the lyrics “You are out of my league/ all the things I believe/you were just the right kind/yeah you are more than just a dream.”

Not quite your cup of tea? Not to worry, Fitz & the Tantrums still employs those Motown moves from their previous album, too. ‘6am’ exemplifies this classic era using the funky sounds of that time and applying the 808 drum lightly in the background with the use of the synth to give it just a touch of a pop flare. For sure, from this point on in the album, this feeling is more prominent, especially in the song ‘Keepin Our Eyes Out’.

More than Just a Dream is jam packed with colorful, upbeat songs that, I think, break the mold of today’s typical music. Fitz & The Tantrums are really not scared to use the sounds of musical ancestors to bring back nostalgic memories for older listeners, and to broaden the musical taste buds of younger generations. Really take the time to hear this one out, it deserves the attention.