Fitz & The Tantrums: All About "More Than Just A Dream" Album - Explore Now!

03 May, 2025

Can a band truly capture lightning in a bottle twice? Fitz and The Tantrums, the Los Angeles-based indie pop and neo-soul outfit, certainly aimed to do just that with their sophomore effort, "More Than Just a Dream." Released on May 7, 2013, the album arrived amidst a backdrop of rising expectations and the inevitable comparisons to their critically acclaimed debut, "Pickin' Up the Pieces." The journey from a band discovered in a nightclub by Adam Levine to a Rolling Stone profile was now about to enter a different kind of limelight.

The genesis of "More Than Just a Dream" saw Fitz and The Tantrums venturing into new sonic territories, eager to evolve their sound beyond the confines of their initial Motown-inspired roots. The album, recorded at the iconic Sound Factory in Los Angeles under the guidance of producer Tony Hoffer (known for his work with Beck, M83, Depeche Mode, and Phoenix), represented a conscious effort to propel their music towards a more contemporary vision.

But, did this evolution translate into a cohesive and compelling listening experience? The shift away from the raw energy and the prominent saxophone, replaced by the embrace of synths and a perceived reliance on familiar lyrical tropes, sparked a debate amongst fans and critics alike. "More Than Just a Dream" became the subject of scrutiny. The question remained: did the band deliver on the promise of their potential, or did they stumble in their pursuit of sonic reinvention?

Category	Details
Band Name	Fitz and The Tantrums
Genre	Indie Pop, Neo-Soul
Origin	Los Angeles, California, USA
Formed	2008
Key Members	Michael Fitzpatrick (Fitz), Noelle Scaggs, James King, John Wicks, Joseph Karnes, Jeremy Ruzumna
Associated Acts	Maroon 5 (toured with)
Notable Achievements	Rolling Stone "Band to Watch" (April 2011), Billboard Chart Success, Global Tours
Significant Album	More Than Just a Dream (May 7, 2013)
Record Label	Elektra Records
Influences	Motown, 60's Pop Soul, Contemporary Indie
Official Website	fitzandthetantrums.com

The album's release on May 7, 2013, marked a pivotal moment. The anticipation had been building. The record label, Elektra Records, were banking on the band's continuing success. The title, "More Than Just a Dream," hinted at ambitions that extended beyond their initial breakout success. The single "Out of My League" emerged as a key track, and was a prominent part of the album.

The creative process involved in crafting "More Than Just a Dream" took the band from their familiar comfort zone, that was their first record. This time, under Tony Hoffer's direction, the band embraced new sonic textures and production techniques. The decision to record at the Sound Factory, a studio steeped in musical history, added to the weight of the project. The band experimented with what the band felt was a blend of styles and influences. The decision came with high risk.

The results, however, were met with mixed reviews. While some lauded the band's willingness to experiment, others lamented the departure from the raw, soulful energy that had defined their debut. The shift in instrumentation, with synthesizers taking the place of the saxophone, proved divisive. The lyrics, according to some critics, treaded familiar ground, lacking the spark of originality that had made their earlier work so captivating. The album certainly made people take notice, but in what context?

One of the album's greatest strengths lies in its production quality. Tony Hoffer's meticulous approach shines through, lending a polished and contemporary feel to the music. The use of sound textures are very detailed. The band itself, always known for their precision, deliver a solid performance. The arrangements are tight, the vocals are strong, and the overall sound is undeniably professional. Yet, the question remained: Is a polished album with good sound really enough?

The tracklist of "More Than Just a Dream" showcases the band's commitment to crafting catchy, accessible songs. "Out of My League," a standout track, quickly became a fan favorite. Other songs, such as "Break the Walls," sought to establish a connection with their listeners. The album featured a total of twelve tracks, each designed to build upon the band's established indie pop and neo-soul blueprint. Some found the tunes exhilarating.

The commercial performance of "More Than Just a Dream" was a mixed bag. While it achieved a degree of success, the album, in the eyes of many, did not reach the heights of "Pickin' Up the Pieces". The fact that the album was released on May 7th was very well known, but the date, which was set for the 13th had to be changed. The album still charted, but it didn't achieve the same level of impact or cultural resonance.

One key moment in the band's early career involved a chance encounter in a nightclub with Adam Levine of Maroon 5. This encounter led to an invitation to tour with the established act. The experience provided Fitz and The Tantrums with invaluable exposure and a broader platform for their music. As the band continued to grow, so did their fanbase, and the music industry took notice of the band's potential.

The band's refreshing take on the Motown sound had created an instant connection with an audience craving nostalgia, but with an indie edge. The blend of retro influences with contemporary production techniques allowed them to carve out a distinctive niche in the music landscape. Catchy, edgy pop riffs fill this recording. If you love r&b and 80's music, Fitz and the 'tantrums more than just a dream' 'fitz' the bill.

The influence of 80's music is very clear. The sounds and tones of those days can be heard with all the modern touches. Listeners also found that the lyrics to many of the songs are worth the time of day. One can get all the lyrics to the songs on more than just a dream by joining the genius community of music scholars. The album was an attempt to move forward with the band's sound, and showcase what they could do on a larger scale. The title comes from a deep place, a reflection of their ambition, and the desire to achieve something more. It was a statement about the band's goals for themselves.

The success of the album, "More Than Just a Dream," could be compared with the band's debut album "Pickin' Up the Pieces." Although they were both very good in their own way, the first album became more popular. More than just a dream is the second studio album by american band fitz and the tantrums, released on may 7, 2013, by elektra records. The album was produced by tony hoffer (beck, m83, depeche mode, phoenix) at the sound factory in los angeles. If you love r&b and 80's music, fitz and the 'tantrums more than just a dream' 'fitz' the bill.

The legacy of "More Than Just a Dream" is a complex one. While it may not have eclipsed the success of their debut, it stands as a testament to the band's willingness to experiment and evolve. It demonstrates the challenges of transitioning to the next phase of a band's career. It showcases a band that was beginning to refine its skills.

The album is available on vinyl. The band has a website that offers up-to-date merch, tour dates, music, videos and more! Explore songs, recommendations, and other album details for more than just a dream by fitz and the tantrums. Compare different versions and buy them all on discogs.

Ultimately, "More Than Just a Dream" reveals the band's ambitions. They were evolving, seeking to build on their strengths and forge a path into new territory. The album, a product of its time, serves as a glimpse into the band's ongoing journey. It is a snapshot of an indie pop and neo-soul band striving to find their place.

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