"More than Just a Dream": Fitz and the Tantrums

Moving out of infancy, Fitz and the Tantrums’ new album is a not-so-terrible number two. Fitz and the Tantrums released its debut album “Pickin’ Up the Pieces” in 2010 just two years after the band formed. The band achieved immediate success, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and touring with several prominent bands including Maroon 5 and Flogging Molly. Tuesday, the band released its second album “More than Just A Dream.”

And boy, if it’s not perfectly in time for summer.

“More than Just A Dream” keeps the same big sound traditionally espoused by Fitz, full of heavy drums, tambourines and vocal harmonies. This album does, however, lose some of the original Motown vibe  typical of the band, exchanging it for more of a pop twist. This is not necessarily a criticism, as the new sound retains the band’s original feel without making you wonder if you accidentally bought their first album.

The album also lacks the strong female vocal presence of Noelle Scaggs. She remains a minimal feature of the album making appearances in “Last Raindrop” and “The End.” This is a small disappointment, as the vocal chemistry between Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs was part of what made the group’s sound so recognizably different.

The release of the band’s sophomore album inevitably brings about comparisons to their first work. I’ll say it: it’s just not as good.But don’t despair. “More than Just A Dream” may not be a mind-blowing, face-melting, aneurysm-inducing success, but it is full of fun, upbeat dance music that is perfect for summer. Tunes like “The Walker,” “Merry Go Round” and “Keepin’ Our Eyes Out” are best played with car windows rolled down and sunglasses on.

While “More than Just A Dream” remains in the shadow of “Pickin’ Up the Pieces,” all in all, the album is a success and a great kickoff to summer. Someone give these kids a lollipop.

By Kit Gambill