When a capella jams sound like an orchestra.
Pentatonix’s newest album, Volume 4 delivers the shivers.
Again.
Known for their covers of classics and Top 40 hits, Pentatonix consists of five singers: Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Avi Kaplan and Kevin K.O. Olusola. They’re all accomplished musicians and performers.
Together?
Pure magic.
Here’s the track listing for Pentatonix Volume 4:
(1.) Bohemian Rhapsody
Five minutes and 55 seconds of bohemian bliss.
Starting out as a ballad, Pentatonix croons away. As they alternate singing the main melody, the backup singers support the lead singer in a synth-string bed of haunting and beautiful smooth vocals.
The key lowers and the tempo speeds up and the group sings staccato. The mood lightens and brightens. The smooth melodic delivery lingers throughout and modulates back into the original key, back to the haunting and smooth ballad vocals.
Sassy and classy.
(2.) Imagine
This cover of John Lennon’s hit is a dream.
(4.) Over the Rainbow
Pentatonix make musical magic with this number.
This uptempo cover is high-energy, with harmonies, soaring soprano, and tenor melodies, beat-boxing, a warm mid-range and bass line unifying the piece.
The number opens with all five singers singing the vocal melody, rather than splitting the parts between vocal line and instrumental lines.
Songs are relate-able.
People love something they can sing along to.
Instrumental music doesn’t have that same impact.
The lyrics can be anything.
People love a melody that’s easy for them to sing along to.
It’s amazing what the human voice can do.
And Pentatonix brings creativity to their album. Each song they cover is a work of art.
Pentatonix Volume 4 – Classics – illustrates Pentatonix’s artistry – they are all accomplished musicians. And Pentatonix’s musicality and originality shows through each track.
Get the album.
Stream the jams.
Celebrate song in all its glory.
Listen to the harmonies.
Monika Weatherly 