Album- Hello
Artist- Karmin
Karmin are a couple who got a lot of attention for their YouTube
videos in which they put their own spin on well-known rap hits such as Nicki
Minaj’s “Super Bass” and Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now”. Their major label
debut isn’t actually a full album but is rather an E.P. however it is a mainstream
introduction that showcases their melding of hip hop/rap with pop. But is it a
good combination, and are they actually a group that can make a name for
themselves outside of the YouTube world.
Track 1- Walking on
the Moon
The opening track is one that really emphasises how they
want to meld the world of hip hop and pop together in an extreme way. But in
this case it doesn’t necessarily work, as the rap verses don’t meld together
within the simple pop hook of the chorus in a seamless way. The raps are indeed
the worst part of the track, as they feel to aggressive and bratty against the
chorus and the production, although certain elements of the rap are silly and
so a mildly good. However the simple chorus is strong and features a great
melding of Nick and Amy’s vocals for good harmonization, with the lyrics
creating a strong hook to the track. In terms of production the track is great
in terms of the combination of nice piano melodies with a booming bass that
creates a big wall of sound and so melds with the ideology of the track.
3/5
Track 2-
Brokenhearted
The records lead single is a fun and catchy pop tune that
feels very current and upbeat. The track is also cool in terms of the rapping
taking a little bit of a backseat, allowing for lead singer Amy to really shine
as a vocalist and show that she has real power in her voice. The lyrics of the
track paint a cool picture of the morning after and tap into the love struck
ideology that is the songs foundation, with the chorus being a very simple
statement driven piece that is extremely catchy. And whilst the subject matter
of the track may be about heartbreak, the production of the track with its
strong electronic beats and toe tapping rhythms make for a real upbeat and
preppy sound that would work really well on the dance floor and makes the song
a full package as a simply brilliant pop tune.
5/5
Track 3- I Told You
So
With this song the pop attitude of the previous number is
replaced by a stronger and darker hip hop edge, with the rap sections being
more prominent. However the pop hook and rap verses don’t feel as abrasive as
the first song on the record and so this is more of a comfortable listen that
emphasises how fast of a rapper Amy really is. Lyrically the track is all about
the group basically telling someone that they told you so and basically
exclaiming how they are on top and are just great whilst those who perhaps
doubted them are on the bottom. It’s a strong attitude that is giving gravitas
by the simple nature of the hook that makes for a bold record, and the
clattering hip hop beats and electronic influences make for a good sound in
terms of production, if a little stereotypical.
3.5/5
Track 4- Too Many
Fish
The saying “there’s plenty more fish in the sea”
(particularly used in terms of relationships) is the inspiration of this pop
driven track which sounds like a little bit of cheerleading track in terms of
the handclapping production and the strong pop hook that pervades the track.
The production is definitely the best thing about this track, giving a cool
almost soulful energy to the track with the clattering beats and the use of
horns in certain sections which give a punchy feel to the song. Vocally Amy is
strong and the rap pre choruses are powerful, although the hook of the track is
a little bit too auto tuned and so her distinctive vocals are hindered a little
bit. The hook is really simple and strong and is one of those hooks that can
easily get stuck in your head, whilst the lyrics of the track as a whole are
simple and effective, with the bridge making for a strong finish to the track.
4/5
Track 5- I’m Just
Sayin
The hip hop ideologies of the group come back in terms of
the overall sound of this track which lyrically is all about how the group will
get whatever they want to achieve and they are basically making no qualms about
it. The verses are ok raps but don’t really leave much of an impression, and
whilst the hook is as strong and is particularly effective in terms of the
syllable repetition, the vocals don’t sound as strong and so the hook feels a
little lacklustre. And whilst the heavy production makes for a nice groove it
doesn’t feel as catchy a rhythm as the other numbers, and so this is definitely
the weakest track on the record.
2.5/5
Track 6- Coming Up
Strong
This track is the emotional down tempo song of the record
and although it is a little stereotypical it is a great number in that we get
to have a true sense of this couple being a proper group, with Nick taking a
front seat in terms of the vocals. And although she is actually probably the
better singer, Nick actually outshines Amy, perhaps because his sections
feature a more stripped back sound and so aren’t as overpowering. The lyrics
are an empowering statement in which the couple show how they will always fight
their battles, however the hook isn’t as strong as the other tracks and is
quite clichéd, but is saved through the sweet and comfortable vocal
harmonization. The production is strong with some nice, powerful beats and
delicate piano melodies, although in places it can be a little overpowering,
and would have perhaps just worked better if it was a little more stripped
back.
3/5
Track 7- Hello
The title track is a strong dance pop number that does act
as a good track to show who Karmin is to the world. The song is about Amy and
Nick making a bold declaration and introducing themselves musically, as well as
speaking of making that first move in any aspect. Set against some propulsive
beats courtesy of Swedish pop greats Stargate and featuring strong vocal from
Amy, this is an assured end and an assured introduction to these artists.
4/5
Final Review
Karmin are a strong pop due who really know how to make a
well crafted track that features a strong hook and a great overall sound.
However on many occasions the melding of the rap and pop isn’t good, and it
seems that they should really keep the rapping a light flavouring on their
music and focus on singing and pop quality, as this is when they work best.
They also need to try and come up with a little less cliché for their first
proper studio album.
6/10
Best Track-
Brokenhearted
Worst Track- I’m Just
Sayin
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