Season 3 winners of “The Sing-Off” and Grammy award winning artists, Pentatonix released their self-titled debut original album on Friday Oct. 16.
Pentatonix is a five member Acapella group composed of beatboxer Kevin Olusola, bass Avi Kaplan, baritone Scott Hoying, tenor Mitch Grassi and mezzo-soprano Kirstin Maldonado.
As a huge Pentatonix fan, I was anxiously counting down the days until this album’s release. This album for Pentatonix differs from other work that the group has done primarily because it is full of original songs, including four covers. The album has a total of 17 songs, four of which are covers.
The first thing I noticed when listening to this album is the unique order the songs were in. Each song takes the listener on a roller coaster ride. It starts out with a big pop anthem-type song, “Na Na Na” and ends with a chill and feel-good song, “Can’t Sleep Love (Feat. Tink).”
The album covers a wide range of different genres including EDM (electronic dance music), R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop and Rock. It’s hard enough for an Acapella group to keep pitch, but to cover different genres while still keeping that crisp and spot-on sound that Pentatonix is known for is very impressive.
Other songs on the album such as “Misbehavin” is a modern soul track with an old-school doo-wop twist. “Ref” starts out as an EDM song, but then turns into a R&B/Hip-Hop song that makes the listener want to get up and dance. “First Things First” has an old-school Hip-Hop vibe that makes it the perfect party song. “Cracked” is a powerful gospel sounding song that swells at the end giving the listener chills. “New Year’s Day” is an everyday anthem and a celebration-esque song. “Rose Gold,” “Water” and “Take Me Home” are the three ballads on the album that each have their own beautiful productions.
The four covers on the album include OMI’s “Cheerleader,” Skrillex, Diplo and Justin Bieber’s “Where Are Ü Now,” Major Lazer’s “Lean On” and Shai’s “If I Ever Fall In Love.”
My personal favorite on this album is the cover of “If I Ever Fall In Love.” The song features Jason Derulo and even though it’s a cover, Pentatonix makes it their own and delivers it in a way that differs from the original.
My only critique on this album is the cheesy lyrics. In “Sing,” one line in the song reads, “I don’t know what you’ve been told, but music makes you lose control.” Also, the amount of na na na’s in “Na Na Na” makes it seem like Pentatonix couldn’t come up with any other lyrics other than that repeating line.
For an Acapella group to pull off an album that is not only at the top of the charts on Apple Music and surpassing Demi Lovato in album sales, but to deliver an innovative and versatile album with difficult beats and harmonies is impressive.
Although Acapella music is very underrated, it has slowly started to make its mark ever since “Pitch Perfect.” I feel as though Pentatonix is really setting the example of what Acapella music is and what is has the potential to be.
Someone can listen to Pentatonix’s new album whether they need a go-to anthem song, like “Sing”, a good cry, like “Light In the Hallway,” a go-to party song, like “First Things First” or if they just love choir-music in general.
Amber Cannon reviews Pentatonix’s new album track by track. It’s a well thought out review by someone who has actually listened to it rather than copy a press release. As Cannon states, ” I feel as though Pentatonix is really setting the example of what Acapella music is and what is has the potential to be.”
Amber Cannon reviews Pentatonix’s new album track by track. It’s a well thought out review by someone who has actually listened to it rather than copy a press release. As Cannon states, ” I feel as though Pentatonix is really setting the example of what Acapella music is and what is has the potential to be.”
Amber Cannon reviews Pentatonix’s new album track by track. It’s a well thought out review by someone who has actually listened to it rather than copy a press release. As Cannon states, ” I feel as though Pentatonix is really setting the example of what Acapella music is and what is has the potential to be.”
Amber Cannon reviews Pentatonix’s new album track by track. It’s a well thought out review by someone who has actually listened to it rather than copy a press release. As Cannon states, ” I feel as though Pentatonix is really setting the example of what Acapella music is and what is has the potential to be.”
“If I Ever Fall In Love” is a Boys II Men song covered by Shai….
“If I Ever Fall In Love” is a Boys II Men song covered by Shai….
Hey! The line. I dont know what you’ve been told, but music makes you lose control. It is my favorite line. To each his own. Carol 50 year old lover of music fan. Congratulations Pentatonix!
Hey! The line. I dont know what you’ve been told, but music makes you lose control. It is my favorite line. To each his own. Carol 50 year old lover of music fan. Congratulations Pentatonix!