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4 out of 5 stars

Pentatonix, PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. 1 © RCAWith the announcement of new album, ‘PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I.,’ standout a cappella group Pentatonix release a second single, mashup “New Rules x Are You That Somebody?”

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.  After stunning with a cover of “Havana” (Camilla Cabello), Pentatonix announces a new album, PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I.  The announcement of a new project wouldn’t be fitting without a new single.  That’s where “New Rules x Are You That Somebody?” comes into play.

The mash-up of old and new works absolutely brilliantly on “New Rules x Are You That Somebody?”  First, you have one of the best songs of 2017 regardless of genre with “New Rules” (Dua Lipa).  Then, serving as the foundation (Matt and Kevin), you take a 90s Aaliyah classic, “Are You That Somebody.” The vocal reproduction of the signature Timbaland production work is nothing short of awesome.  At times, Mitch and Kirstin are firmly part of the Dua Lipa camp, while at others, they play a role in the Aaliyah camp. Scott handles lead vocal duties, killing it as always.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Pentatonix shine once more on their mashup of “New Rules x Are You That Somebody?”  This is arguably more impressive than “Havana,” given the complexity of mashing up these two superb pop joints.  They deserve a medal solely for their superb execution of the accompaniment of “Are You That Somebody.”  The second single from PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I furthers excitement for the album (April 13, 2018).

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

 

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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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