Customer Reviews

Boomkatalog One

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I was reading a magazine article one day about Taryn Manning and I discovered the fact that she was a singer. I knew she was an actress, appearing in 'Crossroads' with Britney Spears, '8 Mile' with Eminem, and 'Crazy/Beautiful' with Kirsten Dunst, but had no idea she had ventured into music as well. I became intrigued and purchased 'Boomkatalog.One'. Boomkat is a duo made up of Taryn and her brother, Kellin, and they don't fail to impress. This is a fun and funky debut, with awesome vocals and hot beats to back them up.

The album opens with 'Yo!Verture'. It a provides a strong introduction to the album and the brother-sister duo as a whole. The beats are fun, but also mysterious at the same time. Especially during the portion of the song where the two dedicate the album to their deceased father. After that it begins to speed up slightly with a kind of air-y feel. Taryn's vocals sound great. Then the track merges seamlessly into the upbeat 'The Wreckoning'. This was the first single from 'Boomkatalog.One', and with good reason. Taryn's vocals sound amazing, strong and drawn out in all the right places. I really like the lyrics. They're simple, nothing too spectacular, but they're full of power. After about two minutes, the song slows down for some leisured lyrics with intense emotion. There is also some bitter laughing from Taryn, before the track speeds up again to finish with a bang.

'Now Understand This' really introduces listeners to Taryn. It starts out really fun and energetic, and reminds me of classic TLC. Throughout it she makes use of Janet Jackson lyrics, twisting them around to suit herself, singing "My name is Taryn/Call me Miss Manning if you're nasty". However, my favourite lyrics from this song would actually be "Well I got kat class/And I got kat style/ I keep my nails sharp with my boomkat nail file". After a minute and 55 seconds, Taryn yells "Stop!" and the music almost ceases completely. However, it speeds up again slowly while Taryn sings some "la-la"s. The album slows down quite significantly with 'Wastin' My Time'. It's a ballad, and it sounds amazing. Taryn's vocals sound poignant and innocent, resulting in a haunting performance which leaves listeners with chills running down their spines. The lyrics are extremely simple, but that actually adds to the purity and beauty of the track.

'Move On' is probably the weakest song off of 'Boomkatalog.One'. It's a mid-tempo track with mediocre lyrics, and an average beat. There's nothing really interesting or moving to listen to, it's basically just filler. It does speed up after about two minutes and 20 seconds, but it's nothing spectacular and it's not enough to save the song from being average. 'B4 It's 2 L8' is a great track. Ignore the ridiculous use of numbers in the title, because the song actually has a strong message. It opens with the lyrics "I won't break/I might bend, but I won't break", then continues on before hitting the chorus, which has a sweet, uplifting tone to it. The second verse opens with strong lyrics again "I will try/I might lose, but I will try/'Cause at least I said I did it". Oddly enough, the chorus is actually the weakest part of this track. The verses are stronger both musically and lyrically.

The seventh track, 'Know Me', is a funky, upbeat song. Taryn is saying that it's important to her that a lover knows who she is, inside and out. She also states that she won't allow any guy to ruin what she's worked for so hard for. This track has an awesome beat, and I'm sure listeners won't be able to resist dancing along in their seats. 'Daydreamin'' reflects upon Taryn and Kellin's childhood. It's not quite a ballad, but not quite mid-tempo either. I really like the vocals on this one, very rough and sweet simultaneously. Things are reflected upon (such as "ice cream nights" and "road trips") and wanting to go back to before bills needed to be paid is also addressed.

'Crazylove' is the first song Kellin contributes vocals to, and his and Taryn's voices sound great together. Many people consider this the best song on 'Boomkatalog.One', but I disagree, even though I do think it's good. It's a cute song about appreciating everything in one's life. This is an upbeat, danceable track with fresh beats, and sweet lyrics. 'Look At All The People' begins sounding dark and mysterious, though fast at the same time. Taryn's vocals are haunting, especially on the chorus, which is spectacular. This is definitely a standout track, and one of my personal favourites. It's completely unique and stands apart from all the other songs on the album. About halfway through the music slows down and children can be heard chanting in the distance before it speeds up again. Though it won't get stuck in your head, this is a hard track to forget about.

'Bein' Bad' is a laid back, mid-tempo track. It starts out smoothly with a very calm feel. It's about hanging out with friends, letting off steam, and having fun. After about two minutes and twenty seconds, the beat changes and really speeds up, then Kellin jumps in for a quick verse, before Taryn takes over again to finish the track. 'What U Do 2 Me' is one of the best tracks on the album. This is a duet, and it's amazing. Taryn and Kellin's voices blend so perfectly together. They're both so unique, different, and recognizable. The hook is insanely catchy and I'd venture a guess in saying it's almost impossible not to get it stuck in your head, whether you want to or not. There are some lines from the Temptations which actually (surprisingly enough) blend perfectly into the song.

'Answers' addresses an ex-lover who asked what had happened to end the relationship. I really like the lyrics "What's your opinion on this break-up/And how's the view from your side of the story/So I don't gotta guess no more". This is a slow track, and Taryn's vocals are extremely powerful and they sound fantastic. This is a great song. 'Left Side/Right Side' is an amazing track, definitely one of the best on the album. It deals with regrets, longing, and differences between people, and is quite sad. It's a clap-along sort of anthem with great vocals and a simple beat. I find this to be a very inspiring, beautiful track, and a perfect choice for the last song on the album.

I'd recommend checking this album out if you're into pop music. I know that it's not for everyone, so I recommend that you listen to 'Boomkatalog.One' before you purchase it. It's definitely not an outstanding album, but it's a strong effort, and hopefully Boomkat will come out with another release that will be even better. Taryn and Kellin do have talent and definite potential, I know I'll be awaiting what they come up with next.

THE FINAL VERDICT: 80%

I was waltzin around FYE one day, and saw the cover of this CD. I decided to scan it and listen to it, and I was not disappointed. After bringing it home and popping it in, I found myself on cloud 8. One cloud away from cloud 9. It COULD be better, but I love it for what it is.

The tracks to pay attention to:

Yo!Verture - This song is an intro and thanks in one, but they showcase their musical ability with style and finesse and it is spectacular. Taryn's vocals and Kellen's musical aptitude is very apparent.

The Wreckoning - Ever hate someone so much you wanted to threaten them with payback that was worth than the actual payback? Here's your song. Taryn goes through a range of emotions but seems to end back up at the same point she started from...digging right into your heart.

Right Side/Left Side - Slow and poignant. This song is simply marvelous. Taryn handles the quieter, slower, more emotional song with superb ability. This one could be used at a tearjerking moment in a movie to perfection.

All in all, despite a few trite and overused themes, this album is an amazing debut and well worth your time and money.

I picked up a copy of "Boomkatalog.one" at HMV on a 'new artist' promo because I liked the song "The Wreckoning". Who knew that the rest of the album would be just as good? Boomkat is a combo of actress/singer Taryn Manning and her brother Kellin, and this is their highly pleasing debut CD.

Apart from the funky "The Wreckoning", there are many good songs to reccomend this album. Another upbeat track with great beats is "Now Understand This". "Crazy Love" is a silly happy song featuring a great back and forth dialogue between the siblings. "Wastin' My Time" and "Move On" are great softer ballads, and "Left Side/Right Side", which ends the album, is also somewhat slow, but with exceptional lyrics.

This is not an album of great musical innovation, but it is a very cleverly crafted set of songs with an incredible rhythm that just sounds wonderful. Add to that Taryn's very unusual voice (not a great voice, but quite distinct) and great/meaningful lyrics, and Boomkatalog.one is loads of fun and sounds very refreshing, especially when compared to your run of the mill pop.

This is probably one of my favorite albums i own. It clashes pop, hip-hop, with acustic and piano lines. The tracks rang from an up-lifting beat (Left side/Right Side) to a kick[in] anthem (The Wreckning) and surprisingly, adult sonding songs (Wastin' My Time). Tayrn's voice sounds like a Macy Gray influenct rnb artist, this is a must-have-album.

I first heard "Wasting My Time" on the 8 Mile soundtrack, and I thought it was so soulful, but I was blown away by the album. Most actors turn musicians are complete flops, but this album is amazing. Taryn has so much passion immediately in "The Wreckoning" that I was just flabergasted. The whole album just takes you on a roller coaster that makes you wanna get right back on when it's over!

Boomkat is a new group composed of brother & sister. Taryn ("Crossroads" "8 Mile" "Crazy/Beautiful") & Kellin Manning.

The debut record is called "Boomkatalog.One" and features the hit single "The Wreckoning". This album is fresh and new. Boomkat is an awsome group; their wild, fun, and you can't fit them into any music of genre cause they cover them all. Unfortunaly this record falls short of what it should have been. The best thing about this record is that it's something new and its a fun piece of music. But none of the fun songs match up to "The Wreckoning" itself all the others go more soul or to pop, so that is really the only stand out fast track on here and "Look at all the people" is one of the best on this record although not on the same lines of "The Wreckoning". Now the album is full of alot of slower tracks with r&b soul and keeping it hip like "Crazylove", "Daydreamin'", & "B4 It's 2 L8" and sound great. Then it finally has the slower tracks that show off more of Taryn's vocals although none of these ever really hit a climax(yet still really good) like "Wastin' My Time" "Bein' Bad" & "Answers". Overall this is not a bad album and can be quite good (& relaxing) depending one one's taste. So I suggest you check it out but make sure you hear a few clips before just to make sure (SAMPLE: "The Wreckoning" "Look at all the people" "Crazylove" & "Bein' Bad" THE BEST SONGS)
As for Boomkat themselves, they sure are something but this album is probably not going to be the one to show this to people. It never get's there, but hey It's still a decent record and there is always "Boomkatalog.Two"???

What capitaved me about Taryn Manning is beyond me, but this strangely alluring girl and her brother Kellin can make some darn good music. Kellin works the magic behind the screen spinning his eccentric undertones, and Taryn works the mic, reflecting Kellin's beats with coarse and robust vocals.

You can never blame the album for being uninteresting. What fun about the album, it always seems like your just at a jam secession, as everything has that raw and rough around the edges feel without ever seeming unfinished. Taryn sends out her "Crazylove" and murmurs about a guy on "Move On". The first single The first single, "The Wreckoning", is like a cat and mouse chase of beats *hard to picture but play along*. The best track has to be "What U Do 2 Me" where the beats are so perfectly in tacted and Taryn's brash vocals are so intuitive on the cut.

Even when the album slumps, you get a slight buzz from tracks before. This album brings a cool flavor. I got crazylove for this album.

I had first heard of Boomkat when I heard "Wastin' My Time" off the 8 Mile Soundtrack. I thought the song was a great song from a band I never heard of before. The name of the band stuck in my mind; Boomkat. Well, a few months later, I was watching TRL on MTV and I saw the video for the first single off of "Boomkatalog One", "The Wreckoning". Well, I loved the song and I knew I needed to hear more.

I found out that Taryn Manning and her brother, Kellin were the lineup for Boomkat. Taryn has always been one of my favorite actresses in movies like "crazy/beautiful", and "8 Mile". That got me even more interested.

I went out and bought the cd and I was amazed! I have never heard such a raw, funky, fun sound. Kellin and Taryn's vocals and energy just blend together so beautifully. Here is my track by track review of Boomkat's "Boomkatalog One".

1) Yo!Verture - This is a fun little 2 and a half minute introduction to an amazing album. In this one, they dedicate the album to their deceased father and just have fun together. 5/5

2) The Wreckoning - The first single from "Boomkatalog One", this is what persuaded me to purchase the album. Taryn's energy is high, and her vocals are great. I will admit that her voice isn't all that good, but throughout the album, you grow to love her voice. Like I said before, Kellin and Taryn's voice mesh together very well; and the result is awesome. Anyway, back to "The Wreckoning". A high-energy song with fun lyrics. 5/5

3) Now Understand This - I like this song a lot. This is a fun song with fun lyrics and fun music. This is a fun one to dance to. It's fun. Did I mention that it's a fun song? 5/5

4) Wastin' My Time - The first ballad on the album, this is a soulful song. A nice one. 4.5/5

5) Move On - Another fun song to sing along with. 5/5

6) B4 It's 2 L8 - A slower song. This is one of my favorites. 5/5

7) Know Me - This song is funny. The song's message is "Know me well before you get the urge to sleep with me". Subtle, isn't it? LOL. 5/5

8) Daydreamin' - Another ballad. This is a song to sing along to. A song about memories. 4/5

9) Crazylove - This is a bouncy song about appreciating everything around you. A fun song...there I go again...LOL. 5/5

10) Look at All The People - A techno-sounding song that sounds haunting at times. Great piano in the background. Even though this is a very face-paced song. It's hard to dance to because the lyrics are pretty heavy. A very good song. 5/5

11) Bein' Bad - Another slower song. As the song progresses, the song gets faster gradually. A song about being bad. Hence the title, "Bein' Bad". Also, the rap by Kellin is funny. 4/5

12) What U Do 2 Me - This is the second single from "Boomkatalog One". A nice, fun, catchy song with a lot of Kellin singing. 5/5

13) Answers - This is another favorite of mine. A song about a breakup. 5/5

14) Left Side/Right Side - This is my favorite of the album. A slower song with touching lyrics. Taryn's voice fits well with the music. 6/5

This is a great album. Taryn and Kelling Manning prove that brother-sister teams do work. "Boomkatalog One" is a great example of all types of music. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys having a good time. I am looking forward to Boomkat's next project.

OVERALL RATING: 5/5

Though many of us have heard and loved Boomkat's hit song, "The Wreckoning," the rest of the CD does not live up to the standard given by its single. The first few tracks are what I had expected with its ghetto-like hip-pop style but the fourth and fifth tracks drags the album down in which it never recovers. The ballads aren't the reason why I had bought the album, even though her vocals are significant. Don't get me wrong, there are a few tracks worthy of mentioning such as "Bein' Bad" and "What you do to me," but all in all, I'd like to return this if i could.

I absolutely love this CD. Seriously - I cannot say enough good things about Boomkat. Boomkat can make you want to stand up and dance. Just listen to "The Wreckoning" and "What U Do 2 Me" to see what I mean. Boomkat also sing about deeper issues like social prejudices "Left Side/Right Side" and treasuring the moments of the past "Daydreamin." Go buy this CD today. You will be so glad you did!