Customer Reviews

First Love

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

 

 

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!!

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.)

i heard this girls first singler 16 @ war and i thought...she sounds good let me look her up. so i listened to her songs on amazon and i just had to get it. she can sing, but alot of people are sleeping on her and i dont understand why. i think if she had more publicity, she would have sold more, but i like her cd and hopefully we will see her again.

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.

When I first heard Karina Pasian's song, "16 at War" on iTunes, I was immediately captivated by her wonderful, soulful voice. Karina has a great voice and wonderful talent, and this girl is going to become something big. Here's my review on the album.

#1.) 90's Baby: A cool upbeat song to start off the album. This song is sort of like a tribute to anybody born in the 1990's.
#2.) Baby, Baby (feat. Lil Mama): A nice, upbeat hip-hop song that's good to dance to.
#3.) Can't Find The Words: A great R&B song with the wonderful piano music included.
#4.) 16 @ War: This song is considered an anthem for any teenage girl who are struggling to grow up in this world.
#5.) Winner: A beautiful piano ballad that is very soulful and relaxing. Karina sounds so sweet on this song.
#6.) Can You Handle It: A nice R&B song with a hip-hop beat that's very catchy.
#7.) The Love We Got: Another wonderful ballad by Karina. It's so beautiful and soulful.
#8.) They Ain't Gotta Love You: A great upbeat hip-hop\dance song
#9.) Slow Motion: Another beautiful soulful piano ballad that sounds so sweet and wonderful.
#10.) Can't Bring Me Down: A great soulful power ballad that Karina totally shines on.
#11.) First Love: I love this song! It's so soothing and soulful.

Karina Pasian is one heck of a musician. This girl is going to grow up into something big!

Before I got this CD, all I had heard of Karina were "16 @ War" and "Can't Find the Words". Those songs are okay, but after hearing the rest of the album, I see that she has much more to offer. I think just the songs "The Love We Got" and "Slow Motion" are enough by themselves to make the album worth getting. The entire album has real vocals. It's not one of those albums that try to cover up bad singing with the music. Early on I was worried that they would try to make her a complete imitation of Alicia Keys, complete with the same hat. But they seem to be done with that. Karina's style is unique and probably better than all of her teenage peers right now. She hits her notes right, and with finesse. She has slow james and upbeat songs. In one track, artist "Lil Mama" has a guest rap appearance and does a good job. The music is definitely young, but it's done in a way that a wide range of people can relate to it and enjoy it.

It is no secret that right now this Country, and most of the world is in a fix. We are in the middle of a major economic crisis and it seems as though there's no exit in sight. Along with that, there have been a lot of scams ("Bubble boy") that have given hard working people like you and me Caution on who we should trust, because of this I refuse to trust Radio and the junk they call "Music". I personally think of Radio as a scam, a free scam, but a scam nonetheless. You turn on the radio and get nothing but noise, and I don't mean static, I mean Singers that can barely sing & Rappers that can barely rap. It's because of this that I carry MY music everywhere I go, To the bank, Down the street, even on flights all so I won't have to listen to "Artists" like Hannah Craptana or Homo-Brothers. So imagine my surprise when I stepped into the neighborhood F.Y.E browsing for Cd's on sale (which because of F.Y.E's high prices isn't easy) and was greeted by the sales clerk "Hi" he said ,"Hi" I replied back and I went on my way to the Pop section after I browsed through the high prices and thought to myself "No wonder the Music industry's in such a mess" I went over to the R&B section. Now I love R&B with all my heart, but lately R&B music has been nothing but muck the singers all sound the same and the production makes me feel depressed, plus none of the singers has a set of powerful pipes Ala Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey (Singers prove me wrong!) needless to say after looking over the 'dreary' selection I once again found myself reminiscing about past acts like Mariah & Whitney and classic groups like Atlantic Starr & The Miracles, those singers may be past their prime, but they had something that the current crop of singers on the radio don't, a sense of melody & actual Singing talent!

About Twenty minutes into browsing I decided what I was going to buy, I was going to purchase 702's 1996 debut No Doubt that would surely be what I was looking for, Powerful vocals sung over slick Classic Hip-Hop grooves, how could I lose? I went over to check it out when I realized F.Y.E doesn't have a section for Numbers! I thought "Just my luck I'm left out again" unwilling to leave empty-handed I was forced to decide on something else, and after having an intimate inner conversation with myself, I decided on purchasing Karina's debut album based on it's samples and seeing her sing her ass off on her youtube Channel, Pasian entertainment and honestly It's the best album I've heard in ages.

Run down:

1. 90's Baby- This is the first track that comes up and it's a perfect album opener. "90's baby" has an energetic Vocal and fast pace they makes time fly by! It borders on filler, but it's well produced and sung with a youthfulness that's sure to appeal to old & young at heart. Karina proves You don't need to be a "90's baby" to enjoy this album! 4/5

2. Baby, Baby (Feat Lil' Mama)- This is the best Up-tempo off the album! and packs a great message for females, saying that if you aren't being respected it's no use being with him. This track has some witty lyrics saying that Karina refuses to be a "another toy from the toy box". "Baby, Baby" also features a cameo from Lil' Mama, and she gives a nice performance as well. This song is just pure fun to Dance to as well as serving as a valuable a lesson on life. 5/5

3. Can't find the words- Karina slows things up a bit for this Mid-tempo ballad on being in love. It's a beautiful song about being in love but being unable to find the words to express the love you feel. I've felt this way many times in my youth and can relate to this song so much! 4/5

4. 16 @ War- I'm sure some of you have already heard of this song on BET or the internet, but for those who haven't heard this song Let me say that you need to listen to this at least twice! This song has such an amazing message to communicate. It talks about what's going on in inner-city communities and the peer pressure kids are facing. Last week their were some more cases of School violence in my neighborhood in Chicago with culminated in CPS (Chicago Public Schools) students getting killed by gang violence. this song serves as a reminder that there are Wars being fought everyday, In every neighborhood . 4/5

5. Winner- After delivering soul riveting testimony on "16 @ War" Karina once again slows the tempo down to talk about feeling confident in yourself because of someone else who gives you that extra push to go on. Karina talks about someone in her life being playing the role a sort of emotional healer. This person makes Karina feel like a "Winner" and makes her believe "There's nothing she can't do". This inspiring track serves to remind us what love is really about. 4/5

6. Can you Handle it- Don't let the title fool you, this song does not involve anything pertaining or relating to Sex! This song actually packs a Positive message. It talks about the nature of relationships and how they can often be two sided, With the male often having more freedom than the female Karina asks "What if your friend started paying more attention to me? Could you handle it?" This song features slick production and a beautiful melody. 5/5

7. The Love we got- The song has a Beautiful melody and moves rather quickly for a Mid-tempo. It talks about Karina's love being extremely strong and how much she'll do to retain it. It's a lovely song that I'm sure would be a hit with the younger generation if they decide to release it. 6/5

8. They ain't gotta love you- At first I wasn't that interested in this song, but my little brother said he loved it so I gave it another listen to see if I missed something important and I did this song has a great message for Young and older couples stating regardless of whether her friends like him/her or not Karina will love him regardless. It's a nice, Fun song and a nice change of pace from the tired notion "Friends are always right about your love life" 5/5

9. Slow Motion- This Is it, This is It! This is the song you must download! Karina gets behind this Gordon Chambers written ballad and Sings it out of this world! This song is specially written for every woman or girl in love. Sometimes love moves too fast and you wanna take it slow, but you don't wanna hurt your other partners feelings or Worst risk damaging the relationship. If you've ever felt that way you have to get this song! 6/5

10. Can't bring me down- As guessed from the title this song is a piano ballad about improving self-esteem. Sometimes people wanna bring you down but you can never let them win because then you'll be granting them permission to do it for years to come. If you've ever felt insecure Karina has your back. 4/5

11. First Love- This song is for the lovers! Karina duets with Gordon Chambers for this Love song and sings the all holy hell out of it! on the bridge Karina's voice soars to the heavens. At the end Karina reveals that her "First Love" all along was actually Music. 6/5

At first listen I knew I had picked up something special. This Album has all the makings of a Classic: A great Singer, Great Songs, A Message, & great producers. The-Dream, Ne-Yo & Gordon Chambers really worked to give Karina quality material and it shows. It should also be noted that while the radio is filtrated with crap Karina is not in that category her voice is powerful, Strong & Rich in tone & her songs & massage are timeless. In conclusion, were living in a world full of turmoil and Scams, But Karina isn't either of them; She's represents pleasure and truth!

Downloadable:
Highly Recommended: Slow Motion, The Love We got, First Love, Can You Handle it, Baby Baby
Moderately Recommended: They ain't gotta love you
Skip: None!

If you enjoy this album I also recommend checking out Karina's often compared to rival Tiffany Evans. Personally I like Karina Better, But Tiffany's voice is just outta this world!

* If you want to know more about this Fantastic artist please visit her website [...] OR check out amazing videos of her singing a capella or with Piano (She's Classically trained in Piano too!!) on youtube*

Listening to this disc stirs up all the emotions that come with being "16"...an enjoyable project with nice melodies and beats. This CD will definitely appeal to the youthful set from 13 and up but being beyond that age, I really enjoy the nice, positive mix of music. Personal faves: "Can You Handle It", "Slow Motion" and the melody and vocals on "Can't Find the Words".

Karina's First Love is a great CD for a new Young Artist. I found it freshing that she wasn't trying to be more than just a 16 year old. I found some of the songs catchy and entertaining. I recommend this for the young crowd.

After listening to the samples on this website, i went and purhased this album. I am so in like with this album. Karina's music is great to listen to and shows her talent and potential to go farther and get better and better. Congrats Karina!