On April 13th acapella sensation Pentatonix released their latest album, PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I , and it is not an exaggeration to say I've been playing it on repeat since the moment the pre-order downloaded to my phone. In several ways this album is the beginning of a new chapter for the group. It's the first of their PTX Presents albums, launching a series of tributes to Top 40 hits, as a nod to the groups orgins covering popular songs on YouTube.
This is also the first album with bass vocalist Matt Sallee as a full-time member of the group, after the departure of Avi Kaplan last year. It's a bittersweet change and the post-Avi-blues are very real for me. However, I'm glad to say I'm enjoying Matt's sound a lot I think he's a lovely addition to the team.
The group recently announced a North American Tour this summer, and you better believe I already have my tickets! I can't wait to hear these new songs mixed in with some of my favorites that are always fun to hear live. While I'm disappointed we didn't get to hear any original work this time around, I really loved hearing their take on some of our favorite ear worms of the moment!
1. Attention
The group's take on Attention was so fun, and the arrangement gave it a cool unexpected style. This one is definitely my go-to car jam right now.
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2. Finesse
I'm so incredibly excited they decided to cover this one! The 90's funk vibe is so great and the Pentatonix brand of acapella really highlights these sounds well.
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3. New Rules x Are You That Somebody?
I don't have a favorite, but if I did this one may be it. I had been blasting New Rules on repeat for weeks (my roommates were thrilled, as you can imagine), so it was very exciting to learn this would be on the album! I love the Are You That Somebody baseline throughout, it's a nice throwback to the classic 90's bop.
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4. Havana
All of the Scott riffs! Yes, please. Did anybody else hear Matt's percussion skills while Kevin was busy rockin' in on the "trumpet"? More to come in the future, I hope?
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5. Perfect
Beyoncé is back, y'all. (That's the name of Kevin's cello for anyone playing along at home.) I'm so excited to hear that cello again, and the arrangement was simply beautiful. More Scott riffs for days!
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6. Stay
Y'all! We get to hear Matt sing some lead vocal line! Like the tiniest possible amount, but still. Also these runs definitely were giving me some major Future Friends by SUPERFRUIT feels. Not mad about it, though.
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7. Feel It Still
I love this song choice! Mitch has got the perfect vibe for the song, and he kills this solo. Gotta love my boy Matt comin' in clutch with that bass line! Holy cow. So good.
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8. Despacito x Shape Of You
YAS KIRSTIE! Honestly it's about dang time they did a song in Spanish, especially since we know they've already got French and Japanese in their rep. Kirstin does a nice job on the Despacito lead vocals and I love the clever ways they've incorporated the Shape Of You melodies (some in Spanish) into the mix!
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9. Issues
This one has legit been on repeat for me this week! Kirstin's voice is lovely on this song and it was a great choice to showcase her soulful range.
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10. Praying
This song really builds in energy in power. I loved Scott starting it off and then passing the baton to Mitch in the second verse. And yes, the high note was on point, but who's surprised?
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11. Sorry Not Sorry
Not gonna lie, I would have loved a Kirstin lead vocal here, but of course it sounded great all the same. I get so hype for that jam sesh at the end of the song with all the voices chanting together. "BETTER WALK THAT WALK, BABY!"
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Make sure to take a listen for yourself on iTunes or Spotify!
