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: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #80,544 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, see what u don... (Atlanta Georgia) - 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars You don't need to be a "90's Baby" to enjoy this Album, October 24, 2009

By	Batiste369 "The Music Connoisseur" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

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*

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

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.