First Love

karina | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 19, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Def Jam
• ASIN: B0018Q7K44
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,072 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Even before 16-year-old Karina signed to Def Jam Records, the stellar singer was already making a name for herself. From her winning performance on Star Search in 2003 to singing at the White House last June during Black Music Month, this NYC chanteuse has been paying her professional dues since she was a toddler. 'I've been singing and playing the piano since I was three,' says Karina. While some have been quick to compare Karina to other performers including Aaliyah, Alicia Keys, and Mariah Carey, one listen to her self-assured debut disc is evidence enough that she is destined for success. Her 2008 album, First Love, includes an array of songwriters, producers and artists, such as The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Gordon Chambers, Carlos McKinney, Lil Mama and others. Karina proves to be a breath of fresh soul.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars She is NEXT! I Believe!!! Instant Classic September 3, 2008

By Enlightened

Format:Audio CD

I don't know too much about the background of the young Karina Pasian but one thing is for sure...I know greatness when I hear it. I was in the store and bought this album strictly off price alone (5.99? what you got to lose???) and oh boy was I completely blown away!!! Apparently she is signed to the mighty Def Jam Records (which has become more and more akin to R&B artists), Executive produced by the great LA Reid as well as production and lyrics from the likes of NeYo and The Dream? It's destined for greatness. The only thing left was can she sing? I soon found out that that was like asking USAIN BOLT "can you run?".

Karina is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. She reminds you of other singers that came out at her similar age in the 90's like Aaliyah, Monica, and Brandy. Yes she has that potential. Her voice is years beyond her age. First Love shows that R&B is definitely alive(naysayers slap yourselves). Every song is good and the album flows along smoothly until you get to a song called Slow Motion. It's at that point that you realize Karina is something special. A powerful song sung by a powerful vocalist.

Karina's First Love is an instant classic. This decade it's up there with Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is, Teedra Moses - Complex Simplicity, Corrine Bailey Rae, Chrisette Michelle - I Am, and Amerie - All I Have in truly great debuts. I'm impressed. A must have!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars First Love - 3.5 stars September 28, 2008

By Geminigirl

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a very good debut from a newcomer on the r&b horizon. It reminds me of the debuts by Aaliyah, Brandy & Monica in that the songs are relatable to both the teenagers to whom it's targeted as well as adults.

It's a relatively short but well constructed album that features enough ballads that display her vocal talent as well as uptempo tracks that made me want to get up & dance. I only wish that there was more "buzz" about Karina because as I've mentioned before, it makes me sick to see non-talented youngsters hyped beyond belief while one who is truly talented slips through the cracks.

My favorite tracks are: SLOW MOTION - a sweet ballad; 16 @ WAR - great lyrics & arrangement; 90'S BABY - gets the album off to a rousing start; WINNER - wonderfully positive lyrics coupled with her beautiful vocals; CAN'T FIND THE WORDS - love the musical arrangement.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An impressive debut from a talented young woman. August 20, 2008

By W. E. Phillips VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Creating a teen album that makes the young audience bob their heads without causing their parents to rip their own off is a hard task, but Karina and Def Jam seem to have found the magic formula, resulting in an overall excellent debut album that show both the serious and fun side of Ms. Pasian. The album begins with two uptempo tracks to hype up the listener: "90's Baby" and "Baby Baby," which features Lil' Mama. The former is a jungle of sound and double-time vocals while the rich, overwhelming and synth-heavy production of the latter fills the room like only a C. "Tricky" Stewart production could. The second single, "Can't Find the Words," was a good choice considering Karina's target audience, although it is a bit too sappy at moments, for me. It is a laidback midtempo laced with piano. "16 @ War" remains as my favorite track off the entire album, and I truly don't understand why it wasn't a huge hit. The lyrics capture the hardships and struggle of a teenager growing up in a tough neighborhood without ever once sounding cliche, whiny, or cheesy. It's just real. "Winner" is an excellent piano ballad, although there are several moments where it sounds like a blatant rip-off of Rihanna's "Unfaithful." On the equally great "Can You Handle It," co-written by Ne-Yo, Karina grows frustrated with her guy's flirty behavior around other girls and she wonders what he'd do if the shoe was on the other foot. "The Love We Got" is a tender midtempo with great harmonies. It's good, but not as memorable as most of the other tracks. "They Ain't Gotta Love You" has very interesting production (in a good way), but I'm afraid the actual melody and song are a bit bland. "Slow Motion" is a ballad with a powerful message of abstinence; she wants to love in "slow motion" and the question "isn't when but why." It's nice to hear a classy young woman in this day and age. "Can't Bring Me Down" is a power-ballad a la Whitney Houston's last album (except much better) that addresses the "haters" and the obstacles they try to put in Karina's path to success. The title track is not an ode to a boy; rather, it's about music. It is a great way to end an album by a young woman who is clearly dedicated and in love with this profession. Some might find the track a bit too simple, though. This is a very impressive and wonderfully crafted debut from a very talented young woman. It clearly shows her raw talent without taking herself too seriously and alienating the younger audience. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Karina Pasian. (If you enjoy this album, I'd also recommend Tiffany Evans' self-titled debut and Keke Palmer's So Uncool.)