Don't pass on Pasian (First Love - Karina)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	First Love - Karina
Date:	25/07/09 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great material, great potential

Disadvantages: A couple of weaker links

**Introduction**

Up until a few days ago all I knew of Karina Pasian was that she was a singer. This all changed when one of my facebook friends posted a link for a video on youtube which featured Miss Pasian. As this facebook friend had previously posted a video link for a song which I thought was amazing I thought I would click on this new link and see what I thought. After doing a bit of googling on Karina Pasian I realised that it was her birthday on the day I actually searched. She is 18 years old as of 18th July.

The New York born Pasian of Dominican and Armenian descent was interested in music from an early age starting to learn Piano aged just three and then having a vocal coach at the age of eight. She met the legendary Quincy Jones in 2003 and he was impressed with her talent. In 2006 She was such hot property even then that three big record companies were after her. Def Jam, Interscope, and Bad Boy Records. She signed a deal with Def Jam and in 2008 she released her debut album First Love.

**First Love**

The album was released on August 19, 2008 and features two singles, "16 @ War" and "Can't Find The Words. The album debuted at 57 in the Billboard charts and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. During the recording of the album, There were a staggering 70 tracks which she had recorded. Eventually eleven tracks were chosen for the album and we shall see whether any of them are released in the next couple of years if her popularity gets greater.

1.) 90's Baby
2.) Baby, Baby
3.) Can't find the words
4.) 16 @ War
5.) Winner
6.) Can you handle it
7.) Love we got
8.) They Ain't gotta love you
9.) Slow Motion
10.) Can't Bring Me Down
11.) First Love

**The Album**

Opening up First Love is the funky "90's Baby" which is about being born and growing up in the 1990's. This has a catchy beat and a good dance feel but does not show off her talent quite as well as some of the other tracks do. Next up we have "Baby, Baby" which is a hip hop style track with some funky hooks and a Michael Jackson like beat which work well together to create a great backing for her vocals. A very good uptempo track.

Now comes "Can't find the words" and this is a really flowing track which has an interesting combination between the catchy beat of an uptempo track and the keys of a ballad. This results in an interesting twist and works rather well. I really like the flow of this track and it's one of the best tracks on the album. Leading into 16 @ War now and this track is about being aged sixteen and although you are mature you are not as mature as you may think and you could get caught up with pressure of keeping up with friends.

Next up we have "Winner" which opens with gentle keys and then her vocals come in reminding me of Jordin Sparks. This also has a bit of Rihanna and Chris Brown about it. This is a good example of her talent but also shows there is more to come. This has a really interesting beat that comes in about the middle that really polishes this off. Next we have "Can you handle It" which opens like a beautiful ballad with soft keys and then the twist comes in the form of the shuffling beat which adds an interesting spin on things. A very good track.

Now we have "Love We Got" which is a catchy ballad with a nice beat which also has a bit of Jordin Sparks about it. this track is a great example of the good flow of her voice and I like the backing vocals which run alongside the hooks. This is a very good track. Next up is "They Ain't Gotta love you" which is a catchy uptempo track with a relentless beat which works well. This would be a great club track as it's a great energetic uptempo track.

Slow Motion is a truly fantastic ballad about wanting to take a relationship slowly when things are moving too fast and you are getting out of control and if you don't slow down then the relationship won't last. This track really showcases her beautiful tone and range. This track really shows off her talent and is a really brilliant love ballad. next up we have "Can't bring me down" which is a great track about self confidence and about getting over a bad relationship. This really showcases her vocals and her overall delivery.
Now we end the album with the title track First Love which is a very good ballad that has a bit of Jennifer Hudson about it aswell as a little bit of Jordin Sparks. This is a very impressive closer.

**Overall**

Whilst this is not a flawless debut there is more than enough quality here to expect Karina Pasian to be one of watch out for in the next few years. She has a strong voice, her songs are about meaningful things and her overall delivery is very good. I can see her improving her overall package and although there are a couple of weaker tracks there are a few absolute stunners which are absolutely brilliant. Check her out.

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