Pentatonix Vol IV- Classics Review
Pentatonix's album 'Vol IV- Classics' was released on the 7th of this month and has been praised by both fans and critics alike.
Classics comprises of seven covers of iconic songs from the last 50 years or so, ranging from Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’.
I really enjoyed this album because it showcases the best of Pentatonix’s talent as an ensemble, but still captures the spirit of the original classics.
My personal favourites include ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Take On Me’, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ and ‘Imagine’.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is a classic loved by the generations. It was originally released by Queen in 1975. Since it’s release, it has been covered by heaps of artists, recently by Panic! At the Disco for the film ‘Suicide Squad’. The group did an amazing job of maintaining the spirit of the original in a logical arrangement that showcases their own vocals. Honourable mention: Mitch using a megaphone to create the iconic guitar solo.
‘Take On Me’ was a one hit wonder for the band, ‘A-ha’, released in 1984, and then in 1985, the latter to global success. It is well known for the falsetto in the chorus, and animated music video.This cover by Pentatonix is amazing because they met the high energy of the original. Specifically, the group did a great job of creating the chorus a capella style and the varying layers, especially the falsetto.
‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ was released by Elvis Presley in 1961 on the album ‘Blue Hawaii’. It topped the charts worldwide in 1962, and has been covered by numerous bands since its release. It has also been featured in many films, including ‘Coyote Ugly’ in 2002. The vocals and arrangement are simplistic, which in this case works as a positive. The song brings a sincere, soulful tone to the album, much like ‘Imagine’.
“Imagine’ was released by John Lennon in 1971 and has been covered by more than 200 artists since its release. Given the recent terrorist attacks globally and political climate in the USA, I think this song is very relevant. Pentatonix’s version is stripped back and raw, much like the original. I love it because they haven’t added any embellishments or tried to make it commercial or flashy.
I love this whole album because Pentatonix is well known for their pop covers and it’s great to see this different side of them. (Plus, how cool is that megaphone?) The band has also released music videos for ‘Imagine’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and of course ‘Jolene’ (which they did in collaboration with Dolly Parton, who did the original), which you can watch here.
My only criticism is that I would have liked more on the album.
The album is available on Spotify and Apple Music, and of course in places like Sanity and JB Hi-Fi.
Tracklist:
Bohemian Rhapsody
Imagine
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Over the Rainbow
Take on Me
Can’t Help Falling In Love
Jolene (feat. Dolly Parton)
