Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

P!nk, Beautiful Trauma © RCAP!nk makes a respectable comeback on “What About Us,” the thoughtful promo single from her long-awaited, seventh studio album, ‘Beautiful Trauma.’

It took five-long-years for P!nk to return with a solo album.  Fans have been waiting since 2012, when she dropped The Truth About Love.  Now, 38-year old Alecia Moore drops Beautiful Trauma during the fourth quarter of 2017 (October 13).  Her comeback solo single, “What About Us” is thoughtful, reflective, and hard-hitting, in its own way.

“What About Us” features a number of pros. Vocally, as always, P!nk sounds top-notch.  While she still packs a punch, she also exhibits great control on this particular performance.  It’s not muted, but there is poise with just the right amount of oomph.   The chorus, as expected of any pop song, is a selling point, latching from a first listen.

“What about us? / What about all the times you said you had the answers? / What about us / What about all the broken happy ever afters? / What about us / What about all the plans that ended in disaster? / What about love? What about trust? / What about us?”

Another observation about “What About Us” is the production.  It lacks some of the rock edge of some of her singles.  This is by no means an urban-pop single like “You Make Me Sick,” but nor is it as hard-hitting in sound as, say, “Sober.” Maybe some will argue this scaling back of rock sensibilities a con, but all in all, this sound works for P!nk.  Just like the vocals having a bit more of a refined sound with less coarseness, it’s a departure of sorts, but not incredibly far-fetched.

Final Thoughts

All in all, P!nk has another potential hit on her hands with “What About Us.”  Lyrically, it has its poetic moments, without being inaccessible.  The chorus, once again, is a selling point.  Vocally, P!nk showcases incredible control, yet still has some bite.  Hence, “What About Us” is a success when it’s all said and done.

P!nk • Beautiful Trauma • RCA • Release: 10.13.17
Photo Credit: RCA
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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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