Ahead of ‘PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I.,’ standout a cappella group Pentatonix releases a third single, covering the Charlie Puth hit, “Attention”

They’re back! Who? Why Pentatonix, the absolutely killer, savagely awesome a cappella group.  Sadly, while Avi Kaplan has moved on, Scott, Mitch, Kirstin, and Kevin, with the addition of Matt Sallee, keep holding things down.  Following a stunning cover of “Havana” (Camilla Cabello), and a brilliant mashup of “New Rules x Are You That Somebody?” (Dua Lipa and Aaliyah), the a cappella darlings return with their take on the Charlie Puth hit, “Attention.” “Attention” marks the third single from their highly-anticipated album, PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I.

If this review says nothing else, the biggest selling point of Pentatonix is their vocal chemistry.  Duh, right? Right. This group, even losing and replacing a member, continues to maintain tightness and togetherness.  The arrangement is the crowning achievement.  Kevin and Matt do a fantastic job laying down the foundation – the bass and drums.  In the original by Charlie Puth, the bass line (particularly that chromatic moment) and groove is arguably most distinct, notable part of the record.  PTX carries this over to their take. Expectedly, Scott, Kirstin, and Mitch handle the melody and harmonies that sit atop that groovy foundation. All three continue to show just how incredible they are as musicians. Flawless.

Final Thoughts 

While they stay true to the original, “Attention” still gets plenty of flare from Pentatonix. Most notable are the jazzed-up harmonic moments.  Honestly, there’s little else to add as the music speaks for itself.  Covers and mashups are what PTX do, and they do them exceptionally well.  No complaints whatsoever here.

Pentatonix • PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I • RCA • Release: 4.13.18

Writers: Charlie Puth & Jacob Kasher « Producers: Ben Bram & Pentatonix

Photo Credit: RCA