You can also pre-order Pulses right now on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/pulses! The album will be released on Tuesday, March 25th, 2014 to retailers worldwide
1. "Geronimo (Intro)"
As sort of an introduction to the whole concept of the album, Karmin has included this short 30 second filler that quickly leads into the main work featured on the 12 song set.
2. "Pulses"
Nick steps up his role and actually takes the lead singing position for the first time. Amy on the other hand delivers a small portion compared to usual. She doesn't actually sing on the track at all (which is new for her). The track is an interesting start but doesn't scream success for the album. It is also somewhat receptive, making it a little less pleasant.
3. "Acapella"
Ahh... their classic track. This bouncy and nearly a-capella track became a summer hit in a handful of countries last summer because it brought a fresh new style of singing to mainstream pop radio. Additionally, it became their highest peaking single on the CDS Music Chart Hot 50, reaching #5. That out peaks their debut single "Brokenhearted" (#12) and second overall single "Hello" which stopped at #21.
4. "I Want It All"
Following "Acapella" we find this ripe gem. This track returns Karmin more to their pop roots ("Acapella" was sort of a departure in my opinion). Additionally, it has this interesting dance flair that makes the song a candidate to be future United States dance #1 (their first two singles both hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart). The most interesting and shocking fact about this track is the fact that Amy doesn't rap at all. While some could argue that it downgrades the quality of the track, in truth its refreshing to hear something different.
5. "Night Like This"
Inspired by a low point in the duo's life, they decided to change their entire mindset and just sat down to write the lyrics for what they described as "an epic party song". "Night Like This" was born just like that. While it defiantly works as a party song, it isn't going to be the best one you hear in your lifetime, and in my opinion is the worst track displayed (of the first four tracks).
6. "Neon Love"
Karmin states that the album is kind of like a heart monitor. It has its bouncy, fun, disco tinged tracks ("I Want It All" and "Night Like This") as well as its smoother and softer ballad oriented tracks such as this one. "Neon Love" is easily the best track on the album so far. With that being said, it isn't the most radio friendly track and is likely too extreme to qualify for radio airplay in the United States.
7. "Drifter"
Wow. I was shocked. This track has everything. Rap, dance, pop and some amazing lyrics. It has a great beat and a solid chorus that makes me fall in love with it even more. It isn't generic but it has amazing potential and could eventually wind up being a radio hit around the world because it seems to really fit the demographic of Top 40 radio.
8. "Tidal Wave"
This track was described as the honest voice of the duo's relationship. While it's a slower song, it has its upbeat moments and has some passionate vocals. While remaining calm and gentle for the most part, it hits some euphoric notes. It finally feels like Amy and Nick have figured out how to evenly distribute the vocals and even the workload. When speaking about the track, Nick stated "With all the radio promotion and touring, Nick and Amy hadn't spoken in months. Karmin was great but Nick and Amy were not."
9. "Gasoline"
Though it was described as a favorite by the duo, it feels a little flat and cheesy. It is decent but not what I expected and a tad bit underwhelming. I would just eliminate this song all together along with "Night Like This" (which just so happens to be produced by the same person; Robert Marvin).
10. "Puppet"
Another great track that blows it out of the park for Karmin! This track has some clear throwbacks and has some influences that seem to come from Madonna and other prominent 90's-00's artists. A major success that also has the potential to become a radio smash. Worth the listen and to be honest I might pay $10 for this one track alone.
11. "Hate to Love You"
Initially titled "Doing Time", this track featured in a Shoe Dazzle commercial back in 2013 and was heavily hyped for the next few weeks. It has a strong and powerful upbeat instrumental that is reminiscent of another pop track from a few years ago (I can't name it and I don't remember the lyrics). Despite rumors that "Pulses" was selected as the third official single, "Hate to Love You" has already been confirmed as the next single.
12. "Try Me On"
Not the worst, but far from the best track on the album. "Try Me On" was featured in a Dasani Drops commercial back in mid 2013 (around the time "Acapella" came out). It features Amy rapping for the majority of the song's short 3 minute and 15 second run. A song that sounds good for the summer as well as whenever you need a pick me up.
13. "What's In It For Me"
Described as "a quick overview of the politically influenced music business" (wow that sounds like something I would rant about), the final song on Pulses goes out with a huge bang. I am surprised that the record label even let them release this track. It's very honest and very enjoyable.
Grade: 84% (B)
Certified Fresh
Overview: Pulses had a few weaker sections (namely "Night Like This" and "Try Me On") but remained rather solid throughout. "Puppet", "Pulses", "Neon Love" and "Drifter" were among the best tracks and "What's In It For Me" was a pleasant surprise that sets Karmin apart from mainstream artists (they are willing to talk negatively about the music industry in a song) though it wasn't among the best tracks. I was surprised to find that "Acapella" was in the middle for me though it peaked at #5 on my list. I guess that means Karmin should expect a lot of huge hits.
Top Tracks:
1. "Drifter"
2. "Pulses"
3. "Puppet"
4. "Neon Love"
5. "Hate to Love You"
6. "Acapella"
7. "I Want It All"
8. "Tidal Wave"
9. "What's In It For Me"
10. "Gasoline"
11. "Try Me On"
12. "Night Like This"
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