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Karmin, the duo made up of Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan, first gained national attention with their cover versions of such rap hits as Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now" and Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass." However, they have moved into original pop material. "Brokenhearted" is an energetic, uptempo blend of mainstream pop and hip hop that slots perfectly into contemporary pop radio playlists.

Amy Heidemann's voice comes through in clear, engaging fashion. Karmin are on the verge of a major breakthrough.

Pros

• Amy Heidemann's loose, engaging vocals
• Perky beat
• Intelligent lyrics

Cons

• Strong similarity to Jessie J and Katy Perry

Description

• Written by Amy Heidemann, Nick Noonan, Claude Kelly, Emily Wright, Henry Walter, John Hill, and Richard Head
• Produced by Benny Blanco
• Released February 2012 by Epic

Guide Review - Karmin - "Brokenhearted"

Karmin's first single of original material "Crash Your Party" was released in the fall of 2011. Produced by hip hop duo The Runners, it climbed just inside the mainstream top 40 radio chart. "Brokenhearted" is the follow up. "Crash Your Party" sounded like it was wound a bit tight and Karmin came off sounding almost like Jessie J wannabes. For "Brokenhearted," pop producer Benny Blanco loosens things up. Vocally, Amy Heidemann still falls somewhere between Jessie J and Katy Perry, but she is given more breathing room here to actually sing. When the rapping comes it also flows more naturally.

There is a pleasing organic feel here when the singer also provides her own featured rap vocal.

Lyrically "Brokenhearted" is just a bit smarter and brighter than today's average pop song. The chipped in "cheerio" adds a touch of fun that makes the plea to not be left "brokenhearted" sound almost fluffy and light. The concentration here is on the voice and the perky pop beat, both of which will have you wanting to join in when you hear "Brokenhearted" on the radio.

Karmin are expected to deliver their debut album Hello in late April 2012. That should give "Brokenhearted" even more time to make significant headway on pop charts. They are working with a wide range of producers and songwriters. The trick will be to not have Karmin drowned in a wave of corporate production and songwriting. "Brokenhearted" is a good step in that direction. It is the sound of a new artist not simply a major label making money.