Track Review: Karmin - Brokenhearted

Demonstrating the all-mighty power of Youtube and the hype machine, engaged couple Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan--known as Karmin--have made a name for themselves with homemade covers of Nicki Minaj's "Superbass" and Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now" and Heidemann's knack for rapping and impressive singing skills. Making their way from the internet to airwaves, their summery single "Brokenhearted" is an upbeat dance-pop number about waiting for a guy to call you back, lest he leave you...brokenhearted.

Honestly, I initially just thought this was a Jessie J song (the cartoonishly British "Cheerio" punctuating the first chorus doesn't help either). Heidemann certainly has the vocal talents, but is not particularly distinctive, and the beat itself leans too close to "Domino" or whatever uninspired, post-"Califonia Girls," Dr. Luke-esque riffs that currently dominate the charts.

Even the "signature" aspect of the group, Heidemann's flowing skills, are bland and deprived of their full potential. Rapping fast is often mistaken for rapping well, and her lines lack wit, humor, and most of all personality. Whether she can prove otherwise with the release of their upcoming debut Hello is still up for debate. But it is highly unlikely.

The duo's not-as-successful lead single "Crash Your Party" came with an explanation for its title: "“We like to think of it like we’re crashing the [music] industry’s party." Laughable irony there is that clearly, with "Brokenhearted," they've already been assimilated into the assembly line.

Discovery: Track Review: Karmin - Brokenhearted
Track Review: Karmin - Brokenhearted