Pentatonix, Season 3 winner of The Sing-Off, brings us their third finely-crafted album, simply named "III." There are "only" 7 tunes here, which is kind of like saying the Sistine Chapel is only a painted ceiling. "Problem," by Kotecha, Martin, Salmanzadeh and Kelly, is a rhythmic, rappish love tune, "On My Way Home," by Evigan, Martin, Lomax, Johnson, Johnson & Coffee, is a gorgeous anthem with a soaring chorus, "La La Latch," by Khan, El Kaubaisy, Mbabazy, Smith, Murray, Omer and Napier is sweetly delicate and complex; "Rather Be," by Patterson, Napier, Marshall & Chatto, is a jazzy, upbeat love song, "See Through" by Angeria, Koiv and Kirjonan, features strong vocal percussion and sweetly melodic leads; the oddly-named "Papaoutai Feat. Lindsay Sterling" by Paul Von Haver, sung in French, is a salsa-flavored, rhythmic dance tune and "Standing By," written by the group, is gently poetic that builds to anthemic, then returns, a gem that seemed to end way too soon. Five man, one woman Pentatonix creates wonderfully arranged, multi-dimensional pieces that fill the speakers with rich, perfectly harmonic sound. If you're into a cappella, as we are sure you are, you'll want to own and listen to "III" to experience what sounds and harmonies, that, although rare, are now possible! |