Aim and Ignite is the debut studio album by American indie pop band Fun. It was recorded at Appletree Studios. Background On February 4, 2008, The Format broke up. Soon after, vocalist Nate Ruess had called up Jack Antonoff, from the band Steel Train and Andrew Dost of Anathallo, They created the band Fun. and headed into the studio with producer Steven Shane McDonald. Composition The album was described as "what a pop album should sound like" and "the most essential pop album of 2009" by AbsolutePunk. AllMusic compared the trio to Queen and the Electric Light Orchestra. It was said "it used previous Format tricks like using bright horns and sophisticated harmonies". Release On April 20, 2009, it was revealed that fans could download "At Least I'm Not as Sad (As I Used to Be)" for free upon signing up with the band's mailing list. In addition, it was mentioned that the band's debut album would be released in August. Between late April and early June, the band supported Manchester Orchestra on their headlining tour of the US. On May 19, Aim and Ignite was announced for release in August. In addition, the album's track listing was revealed. In August, the band went on a tour of the US with Hellogoodbye, Limbeck and My Favorite Highway. Aim and Ignite was released on August 25 through Nettwerk. Two of the bonus tracks are re-imagined versions of songs on the CD, and two are remixes. The title of the album comes from a line of the lyrics on the track "Light a Roman Candle with Me". Following a support slot for Motion City Soundtrack, Fun supported Paramore on their headlining US tour in April and May. Reception Aim and Ignite was released to positive reviews. AbsolutePunk.net's Drew Beringer praised the album, calling it "what a pop album should sound like" and "the most essential pop album of 2009". AllMusic called the album "progressive, but in the best possible way" and admired Ruess's lyrics for "investigating the larger truths of life...with a witty approach that keeps the songs bubbling merrily along on a positive note". Dave de Sylvia of Sputnikmusic wrote, "Aim and Ignite isn’t the most consistent pop album around," but he ultimately commended the album as "a superbly mixed and arranged album made by musicians who clearly understand the limits and potential of pop music". Estella Hung of PopMatters was