First Love

karina

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 19, 2008)
• Original Release Date: August 19, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Def Jam
• ASIN: B0018Q7K44
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #66,959 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Teens across the U.S. are not the only ones picking up on the message of "16 @ War," the debut single by Karina, New York City's newest 16-year old star. A timely song of independence and admiration, it was written and produced by fellow Def Jam label mates The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, the same duo responsible for Rihanna's "Umbrella" and Madonna's "Me Against the Music." It is one of a collection of positive and inspired songs featured on her debut album, arriving in stores on August 19th. Additional songs include, "Slow Motion," the jazz and pop-flavored "Can't Find the Words," the uptempo dancefloor scorcher "Baby Baby" featuring Lil' Mama, and "The Love We Got.Now, Karina has been able to take her message on the road, visiting Boys & Girl Clubs and doing special performances at various highschools during a promotional tour that began in New York last week, moved on to the Washington DC, Richmond, Norfolk, Raleigh, and Charlotte markets, and now heads to Jacksonville/Orlando, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago/Detroit and Detroit/Cleveland. On Monday, May 19th,. Karina will showcase her powerful voice on CBS Early Show.

Raised up in the Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights, and a music and vocal student at world renown PPAS (Professional Performing Arts School) in Hell's Kitchen. Since kindergarten, Karina has been singing and playing piano at the Special Music School situated in Lincoln center and graduated after 9 years with a pre-conservatory music degree. In addition she has been privately coached and trained in classical and modern piano by Dr. Burkhom Buriev from Russia, and renowned American jazz pianist George Caldwell.

Nor did it hurt to have Grammy Living Legends industry heavyweight Quincy Jones supporting her. "I know I'm blessed to have someone like Quincy in my corner," she says. In addition to giving her advice, Quincy included Karina in the "We Are the Future" charity concert in 2006. She is also proud of becoming the first Dominican ever to perform at the White House, when she sang "Misty" as part of a concert organized by another family friend, Emilio Estefan of Miami Sound Machine, during Black Music Month last June 2007.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Enlightened "Both Eyes Closed" (In Da A) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Geminigirl (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Predict Good Things For This Talented Young Girl, September 20, 2008

By	MizKyGirl (Waukegan, IL, USA) - See all my reviews

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!