Funplex

On the new B52s album, the group famous for ‘Love Shack’ party like it’s 1992.

The B-52s are still gloriously single-minded party animals more interested in giddily rocking love shacks than stoking intellects. [28 Mar 2008, p.65]

That material is sometimes far too automatic for its own good--see 'Deviant Ingredient,' which is as trite as its title portends. But on 'Eyes Wide Open' and the lustrous 'Juliet Of The Spirits,' a Pierson/Wilson song as strong as any they've done in mystic mode, the songs are up to the legend, and should sound as good at the B-52s' joyous shows.

Funplex, the band's first album since 1992, is loads of fun and totally free of 'plex.

Out of the blue and virtually as fun as a party out of bounds, Funplex is a dee-lightful reunion record.

There may be nothing on here Funplex that will challenge the likes of Rock Lobster or Love Shack, but Funplex is a consistently brilliant party album from a band that knows the value in simply having a good time.

Their first album in 16 years aims to achieve a similar blend of the edgy, catchy and commercial. And it does just that with 'Eyes Wide Open,' which features a synth loop that sounds like the Magical Musical Thing toy of the ’70s, then blossoms with the bright harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson.

It's not a genre shift for the Athens, Georgia merrymakers by any means, but a welcome revision. [Winter 2008, p.80]

They refresh all their tricks, with stripped-down, energetic guitar plus little electronics. [Apr 2008, p.92]

Funplex is a very good album, and a solid pleasure from end to end.

Funplex works best when the voices blend into the ass-moving momentum.

The band reassembles its signature elements and evaporates concerns about age by showing some fresh spring-loaded party pop.

Listen to the B-52s first studio album in 16 years and within ten seconds it's like the 21st century never happened. They sound just the same. [...] And it's a delight.