P!nk, Hurts 2B Human | Album Review

As she approaches 40, Grammy-winning pop superstar P!nk maintains her edge on her enjoyable and consistent eighth studio album, Hurts 2B Human.

It’s hard to believe, but Alecia Moore, better known as Grammy-winning pop star P!nk is pushing 40 (she’ll be 40 in September 2019).  Where did the time go? Even with middle age upon her, P!nk shows little signs of losing her edge throughout the course of her eighth studio album, Hurts 2B Human.  If anything, she’s more potent on Hurts 2B Human compared to her 2017 album, Beautiful Trauma.  No, the wheel isn’t reinvented on Hurts 2B Human, but this is an enjoyable, incredibly consistent pop album.

“Hustle”

“So, don’t hustle me / Don’t hustle me / Don’t fuck with me / And don’t hustle me.” ✓ “Hustle” proves to be another satisfying addition to the P!nk collection.  From the onset, the groove instantly drawing the listener’s attention, initially established by a bass (or bass-favoring synth).   The sound embraces retro-pop with a dash of soulfulness.  This soulfulness really comes full-throttle on the biting chorus where the song is at its most robust.   Here, the throwback horns help to amplify the infectious, irresistible ear candy.  Contributing to the soulfulness and overall ‘ear-catchiness’ is the crowning achievement – surefire, high-flying, big-time vocals.

✓ “(Hey Why) Miss You Sometime” keeps the momentum rolling on Hurts 2B Human after the rollicking jazzy-pop of “Hustle.” P!nk is at her best when she’s chocked-full of attitude, and “(Hey Why) Miss You Sometime” is a prime example. On the verses, she makes numerous pop cultural references to the size/type of love, including Jack Daniels, Titanic, Johnny Cash, and McDonalds.  She’s more profane on the chorus when she sings, “Hey, why you fucked up my life? / So hey, why do I miss you sometimes.”  Naturally, the pop superstar gets a lift from producers Shellback and Max Martin.

“Walk Me Home”

✓ “Walk Me Home” blends a couple of different stylistic ideas, including pop, rock, singer/songwriter, and some electronic elements.  Even though there are electronic elements, this record possesses the feel of more of an updated take on a classic folk song.  P!nk never overindulges, maintaining poise as she sings. That doesn’t mean that “Walk Me Home” never reaches a point where it rouses the listener, it just means it doesn’t go into overblown, gospel histrionics territory.  The lyrics are simple enough, but also thoughtful on both the verses.  As often is the case, the first verse is longer than the second.  There is a bridge, but lyrically, the “ooh-ooh(s)” are more ‘vibe’ than meaningful lyrics per se.  The centerpiece and best moments throughout “Walk Me Home” come by way of the chorus.

“Walk me home in the dead of night

I can’t be alone with all that’s on my mind, mhm

So, say you’ll stay with me tonight

‘Cause there is so much wrong goin’ on outside.”

“I keep hiding the keys in all these / Places even I can’t find / Hoping, one day, you’ll find them all / ‘Cause I wanna let you see inside my attic.” Like many of her other albums, P!nk delivers a more mature, singer/songwriter number. On Hurts 2B Human, that ‘deeper’ number is “My Attic.” The reflective tone of the record is a selling point, not to mention the gorgeous vocals. ✓ “90 Days” continues the excellence of Hurts 2B Human, featuring both production and vocals courtesy of Wrabel (Steve Robson also co-produces). What stands out about “90 Days” is how impressive the vocal chemistry is, particularly when the vocals are harmonized.  There is no percussion providing that rhythmic anchor, but it’s not necessary on this beautiful, high-flying modern pop ballad.

“Hurts 2B Human” 

The ballads keep on rolling – P!nk excels at them of course.  On the slightly quicker title track ✓ “Hurts 2B Human,” she is assisted by one of R&B’s hottest artists, Khalid.  After singing the first verse herself, Khalid arrives on the second, providing stunning contrast.  Once more, vocal chemistry is a strong suit when the artists join forces on the chorus sections.  Also, worth noting, they trade lines during the bridge section, before rejoining on the lyrics, “Maybe then you’d understand / How it hurts to be human, oh.”

The voice continues to be the biggest draw on “Can We Pretend” featuring Cash Cash.  Here, the tempo is slightly quicker, as P!nk gives the balladry a rest – at least for one song.  Cash Cash co-produce alongside one of pop’s biggest producers, Ryan Tedder.  The results are quite alluring, benefiting from a bright, energetic vibe.  That said, “Can We Pretend” likely won’t change your life – it’s quality pop as opposed to being innovative pop.

“Courage”

✓ “Courage” pairs P!nk with another producer she tends to ‘make magic’ with, Greg Kurstin.  She’s inspiring and utterly uplifting throughout, particularly the thoughtful chorus, which later adds additional layers further amplifying the brilliance.  She introspectively asks, “Have I the courage to change today?” Of course, she does.  She also has the courage to sing those sweet, upper register notes. On the relatable “Happy,” P!nk reflects on anxiety issues, and in some respects, ‘getting in her own way.’ Essentially, she believes she’s afraid to be happy, but makes it clear, “I don’t wanna be this way forever.” Notably, “Happy” is co-written by Teddy Geiger.

Greg Kurstin is ‘behind the boards’ once again on “We Could Have It All,” one of the lengthier songs on Hurts 2B Human.  That’s not the only notable collaborator – Beck serves as a co-writer! Listening closely, the influence of Beck is clear on this rocking pop joint. This round, P!nk has more tempo behind her, while those high notes associated with Kurstin productions remain a defining feature. Grammy-winning country musician Chris Stapleton appears on the marvelous, country-infused pop ballad ✓ “Love Me Anyway.” Once more, the vocal chemistry – the blend of two powerful voices – is awesome.  P!nk sounds smoother than Stapleton, but his grittier pipes provide terrific contrast.

“Circle Game”

As she does so often, P!nk is in full-on reflective mode on “Circle Game.” “I’ve got a little girl of my own and she look at me,” she sings on the first verse, continuing, “Like I’m a badass and you know that I wanna be / And now there’s monsters in her closet and they wanna come and play.” The premise of “Circle Game” seems to be about life coming full circle, appreciating and embracing the role you get to play.  Perhaps it’s a bit long – the longest record from Hurts 2B Human to be exact – but like everything else, it’s worthwhile. She concludes Hurts 2B Human consistently with “The Last Song of Your Life,” co-written and co-produced by Billy Mann.  Compared to the majority of the album, “The Last Song of Your Life” is a stripped record.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, P!nk delivers ‘the goods’ on her eighth studio album, Hurts 2B Human.  No, she doesn’t flip the pop script and suddenly reinvent it, but she’s a prime example of consistency at its best.  She works well with a superb cast of collaborators – songwriters, producers, and fellow musicians – and the results are marvelous.  Most of all, her voice is amazing.  

✓ Gems: “Hustle,” “(Hey Why) Miss You Sometime,” “Walk Me Home,” “90 Days,” “Hurts 2B Human,” “Courage” & “Love Me Anyway” 

P!nk • Hurts 2B Human • RCA • Release: 4.26.19

Photo Credit: RCA