First time reaction - Pentatonix - Happy Now and Be My Eyes

Been looking forward to a return to this amazing group of artists and in particular, to check out some original material of theirs, as opposed to the great covers they do.
They didn't disappoint. From the joyful 'Happy Now" to the more unusual "Be My Eyes".
Thank you for recommending these two songs to me.
Originals:
Happy Now: • Pentatonix - Happy Now...
Be My Eyes: • Pentatonix - Be My Eye...

[@livus3787]

Holy crêpe, a 'reactor' paying attention, having a clue about what he's talking about, sharing immediate pro AND important observations 🤩

[@joycevaldes4548]

You are 100 spot on. Met him in Aug when I met Angelina Jordan and to hear any VR...He is the Best..."BAM". Lukas

[@irishangel5689]

In Am I Happy Now, Mitch under the sheet to start was a metaphor of him being a caterpillar in a chrysalis, learning, growing, finding himself, then he explodes out of the cocoon and is a beautiful, confident butterfly who is happy now. Happy about his life and who he is, who he has become and loving himself.

[@twagetomato]

I believe that may be one side of a double-meaning to that visual. The other side is that this song represents the emotions the group felt in the wake of Avi’s departure from Pentatonix. Mitch was hit particularly hard when Avi left, and that pain haunting him was also represented by the sheet. It was a while before Mitch would really smile again, but Happy Now depicts his recovery from that pain, being able to finally shake it off and enjoy what he does again. The lyrics of the song support this backstory as well.

[@MSKPELLEGRINO]

They are a true ensemble, setting ego aside and doing what is best for the song. I love that. Their most upbeat original song (imo) is SING. It's just a very endearing, energetic song. A good one to listen to when you're tired or a bit down.

[@danielcarter837]

I have always said 'Sing' is a song of joy. Still my favorite original of theirs.

[@martycullison4095]

I so agree with Hell, Its MK your Neighbor, I love the song and how they shared it with their Patreon's and Pentaholics. This is a MUST see video to react to Lucas Hassert (please)

[@amandasamson4513]

yes I love Sing, a great original and Kevin's rap is great too!

[@mikepope9503]

I would just like to say, Lukas, that I continue to thoroughly enjoy your reactions (especially to the a capella genre). Your obvious pleasure in listening and your thoughtful and knowledgeable commentaries on the vocals and the cinematography just make for entertaining watching. Keep it up, sir! :)

[@jeffg9203]

If you haven't done their tears for fear cover of Mad World. You need to.... The Matt and Mitch harmonizing is awesome and called MATCH......

[@PTXBluejay]

MATCH? That's awesome!!! 😍

[@karlaa5977]

I love all your insights about 'Happy Now.' You always seem to be able to articulate what the video makes me feel, even when I can't put my finger on it. The use of color and revealing and reemerging, I absolutely love the energy of this song and video (and YES, that gorgeous shot of Scott!!). I really enjoyed revisiting this through your eyes.

[@tracienichole1497]

There's a video of Ptx "random jamming" something to that effect...it shows Their process.

[@chrispavlich9656]

Hallelujah! It’s Lukas Hassel with a Pentatonix reaction❣️. Missed you!

[@dalemaddened780]

Wonderful reaction. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! It is like getting to watch these again for the first time when I watch your videos. You are definitely one of my favorite reactors. You are always thoughtful, respectful, and attentive to the videos you watch.

[@jamiemitchell8281]

Thank you for these reactions. I love that they are putting out some original works. I heard they have an 11 song album coming out in February? I know it’s not an original but I would hate to think you could miss one of their best covers ever, Mad World. It got 4 million views in one month, people love it. It is kind of moody, a little dark and oh so beautiful! Please do a reaction.

[@beverlykrebs4372]

Yes, PLEASE do Mad World!!!

[@elainecourteau6231]

Hello Lukas! Oh boy! What a treat! Two Pentatonix songs. Yay, thank you. Yes, they make me happy. They have such variety of styles and it’s a pleasure to watch their evolution. One thing that has not changed for me is that feeling of happiness I get when I listen to their music or watch their videos. Musically, I always appreciate their arrangements, voices and harmonies but I always get that profound feeling of artistically expressed joy, sometimes humour. I think it’s their personalities shining through, in their side projects as well. I wonder if you have watched some of their very early material. It’s the first time in my life that I can remember following a group like a parent watches their children growing. They are that endearing to me. 🤗

[@robynhayward]

You Sir, smile with your eyes and it's the most wonderful thing 😍😍

[@Ms_Ria]

I love how be my eyes obviously has a kirstin vibe to it. It's very distinct and beautiful. For another kirsty song listen to Water💕

[@BillBeckham]

They each have brought songs to the group that they think the group would do well with. Then they have "circle time" and break down the parts starting with percussion, then the bass, then the backup and lead. They can do the whole progression fairly quickly now that they've been doing it for years now.

[@bwiel]

You're lovely. You seem very genuine and like someone who would get on with anyone. Also, nice track, very feel good vibes on both.

[@dishmurphy6539]

I was surprised that Scott was so deep background that I don’t think I can find his voice anywhere. If they release songs that spotlight each of them the way they have here with Kirstie, maybe it’s a way to keep them together and excited about their work. Bands break up. That’s just a fact but PTX defies norms. I hope they’ll be around for a long time. Still recommending Wizard of Ahhhs & 2 originals - the upbeat stays in your head, Sing and the rich, delicious harmonies in Run to You. Oh, yea, given the season, try Making Christmas (from Nightmare Before Christmas) They have so many great Christmas songs but this one is a cross between Halloween & Christmas. Constant harmonies & a great video too. It’s really hard to recommend PTX songs because there’s always another one I want you to hear. If I can add just 1 more - checkout Come Along. Ok. Happy you’re back to Pentatonix. ☮️💟 stay safe

[@mariethemagnificent2000]

Scott is building the lower notes with Matt to allow Kirstie and Mitch really shine. I love that about them too. They genuinely love each other and want them to have their own moments.

[@elizabethtailor111]

Yes! Long live PTX!

[@hairychest7865]

I instantly thought of "Orinoco Flow" also at the beginning.

[@laviniamccarney3215]

Love your breakdown of both songs and how you can spot and explain their different techniques that they use in their music videos

[@elizabethtailor111]

Establishing themselves as very competent songwriters! Make you smile songs!

[@Ms_Ria]

Me: supposed to write a whole thing about the music video and what it means* Also me: just crying again for mitch being healthy and happier now😭💕💕

[@lukashasselNY]

Fill me in on Mitch. Didn't know he was not well.

[@Ms_Ria]

@@lukashasselNY I can't recall the specifics but I remember reading something about all of the members going through a rough time in their personal lives after avi left -not sure how true this is. Even how mitch was doing weed a lot and looked very unhealthily skinny (which no judgement because he can do what he wants) but it was still quite worrying. The song is about moving on and being happier now with what they've got and I'm just so proud of them for that strength and resilience. I'm sure a lot of other people can explain the mitch under a blanket theory better than I can because my brain is just not cooperating rn. My mind is like: mitch go boo👻👻👻

[@destinycircle8192]

I believe he had a very tough break-up.

[@thestarkster9940]

I'm not sure if it's intentional or not but I love how the first colour appears in Matt's part, that him joining the group kind of brought new energy to the group.

[@janetranslates]

@@thestarkster9940 I love that thought! And it's true. I'm a loyal Avi girl and always will be, but I'm convinced he made the right decision, both for himself and for the band. Matt is joy and energy and light.

[@joatkins9793]

So happy to see you back with some PTX. Happy Now was recorded in Sept 2019 and it does make you feel happy now especially given the pandemic. Writer(s): Ross Jacob Golan, Sean Myer, Johan Carl Erik Carlsson, Jonathan Bellion, Scott Hoying, Mark Carl Stolinski Williams Be My Eyes was recorded recently and yes they were all together. Writer(s) Dan Book, Kirstin Maldonado and Matthew Koma Love their new vibe it's so beautiful

[@r0kus]

Jo, are you sure they were all together? To me, the shots of the five of them together look composited, not the five of them actually in the same place. Maybe that was intentional, just another effect to help overwhelm the senses.

[@joatkins9793]

They were the was a post on Twitter

[@stevek5332]

@@r0kus I agree. If you slow it down, the shadows don't align correctly. Whether or not they were together that shot is a composite.

[@karlaa5977]

@@r0kus I was thinking the same thing, even the first time I watched it. That they recorded each of them separately for that shot and composed it together. It's a neat effect. They may have gotten together for the song recording or parts of the video but that shot wasn't filmed together.

[@Karen-Campos]

I’m guessing this was an intermediate step. The At Home videos were clearly taped at home. Here I think they went into a studio for separate taping but this way same camera, backdrops & lighting could be used. It’s fantastic and we will remember this time for always!

[@RobBellSpeaks]

I've been watching for your next Pentatonix reaction. You always have great insights into what they're doing. Thank you!

[@sister1976]

One of the things I admire about Pentatonix is that they have such a range of "sounds"... They have some trademarks obviously, but there's never a "sameness", if you get what I mean? Every song brings something different. There's room for one of them to take lead in a song, while in others they all get to shine. And they experiment with their harmonies and rythms...and they do a daft punk medley AND Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy by Tchaikovski... and won a grammy for each of them ;) I like the range! Never bored :D

[@Seriphina]

I didn't make the connection between Happy Now and Superfruit. But you are totally right. It is very similar in tone and composition.

[@RobBellSpeaks]

I always enjoy your reactions, and this was great. I'm looking forward to your reaction to the unbelievable beautiful original Christmas song, "THANK YOU." Thank you!

[@Kmom]

You made my Friday! when I got the notification of you doing a PTX reaction and got two and said Happy Day! Once again a sterling reaction. We are both of the age (well me older 😄 ) that Enya was immediately recognized! I love your attention to detail and so many times point out things I had not seen on the first (or tenth) viewing, so thank you for this! Can't wait for your next PTX reaction. Oh also, these two songs are going to be on their new all originals album due out on 02-12-2021 called "The Lucky Ones". It was due to be out last February, but we all know what has happened. I love that PTX is evolving so beautifully!

[@connix69]

Always enjoy your PTX reactions, Lukas. You always have really great insights that a lot of other reactors miss on their first viewing. You pay closer attention than most. Keep up the great work! (And, yes, a lot of us also noticed the Enya feel in the beginning and background, even though the song itself is very different.)

[@kristagerry8505]

Watch them try to sing 100 songs in 10 minutes on a contest show it's amazing and shows you how they work together and how funny and amazing their personalities are:)

[@julieseavers3980]

I really love your thoughtful observations! You look at everything (lighting, color, voices etc) which adds dimension to your reaction. You are one of my favorites!

[@susanb4213]

Thank you for helping me to see the visuals with new eyes. I tend to focus on the music and often miss things in the video.

[@vidsorama2]

I'm so happy to see you react to PTX again. I enjoy your reactions very much because you seem to know, love and appreciate music and the cinematic efforts put into videos.

[@joycevaldes4548]

"Cudos" to you friend Lukas...You are the best Reactor..."BAM" of all of them!!! Happy day... Joyce in Tahoe

[@maryclaar4629]

So lovely to see you back, and healthy, Lucas. Great reaction, insightful, as usual. I thought of Orinoco Flow as well!!!!😃 It kinda tickled me that there was Mitch in the background, delicately out-descanting the Irish colleens!😃😃😃😍

[@EhrineAshbark]

As a tip for "going back" after pausing, one of the easiest ways is to push "J" on the keyboard as that will skip back 10 seconds.

[@reya8601]

You can see some of their creative process in the videos from Sing-Off which show them putting songs together. I love your directors eye picking up on visuals that we often miss as they're less obvious than when they were in Sing-Off, when each number is a production. You also have a wonderful ear for tempo. Being a fan, sometimes one gets lost in the music and miss all the other hard work they put in. You really have to listen to Amazing Grace if you haven't, it's both vocally & visually beautiful. And if you find any of their live videos, the way they move on stage is so smooth and wonderful, i think you'd really appreciate it. It's wonderful to see your joy in this new venue that you've discovered - watching your reaction can be as joyful as watching the video. Many video reviewers are a bit 'over the top' in their reactions, and it's not bad in the ones that the reaction is real. But watching the pure happiness of discovery develop on your face is so wonderful when i've been staying in my home (which isn't much bigger than an apartment), because the covid-19 cases have just been ping-ponging here in Arizona that i don't go out to socialize or really out much at all. The temperatures have been too high during the day & i sort of regret picking a home outside of down town Phoenix as there aren't a lot of places to walk at night where i am. I am getting a lot of enjoyment out of your enjoyment, and i thank you for it.

[@carmengibson]

I really, really enjoy your reactions. You bring insight and are informative without making us feel like you're "educating" us while we watch! Thanks and sorry I'm late to joining the reactions.

[@felicityblack3555]

i just love to see mitch back at good health, after he has struggled for so long. love your reactions to each and every song.

[@LeskeyC001]

Welcome back Lukas. Nobody does PTX reactions better. I picked up the Enya vibes immediately as well. Great song and credit to Kirstie for the lead vocals and the writing.

[@johnrodrigues5974]

Be my eyes was written by Kirsten. She is gorgeous and sounds amazing!

[@fluterify]

I don't know what their creative process is for original songs but for covers one member will suggest a song. Then they stand in a circle and typically start with the bass and beatboxing. Their process typically takes a few days (covers like evolution of music take longer).

[@pamelacorriveau6457]

Hi Lukas always so good to see you.Hope all is well with you.I'm not sure what i enjoy more seeing .You or the people you show case. Sincerely Pam from Hollywood Florida

[@taniareads8751]

loved your reaction - so many really interesting comments - loved the thoughts about he colours! And that Mitch was really happy and smiling.

[@cherylwilliams9360]

I agree.. Definitely listen to Water -Popspring 2016, an original written by Kirstin and Kevin

[@joatkins9793]

Nah listen to all of PopSpring

[@secretarts]

Who are we kidding,, listen to their entire discography. Not a single bad song in the list.

[@lucylastic]

HI Lucas, thank you so much for the twofer, bloody awesome. I cry hearing "happy now" but "be my eyes" makes me happy:) Awesome to see and feel bothin in 16 minutes:)

[@marykuettner752]

Just realized Mitch's mullet looks almost exactly like he looked with Kirstie's hair draped on him in the Frozen medley.

[@pattimills9285]

There is a shot of them discussing song building I'm not sure if it's alone or in their documentary but it's fun to see them talking about how it's usually Kevin who figures out the base and builds up from there. Kevin is, of course, the beatboxer who carries pretty much everything else and it's nice to see Scott giving him props.

[@meredithklika503]

I believe Happy Now was written by KO, Scott & Kirstin among others; and Be My Eyes is Kirstin among others. Their accessibility and willingness to share their journey period using the PtXperience vlogs is what has made us Pentaholics feel like we know them.

[@joshrubak9110]

You're the first reactor I've heard mention the Enya comparison. I caught that the first time I heard this song. Later after watching so many reactors I thought "How can you not notice that?!?!"

[@alanward9660]

Great to see more PTX reactions from you and thanks for the double! Speaking of their originals, please check out their Run To You one with 5 part harmonies like you have not yet heard. It’s one of their best in my opinion.

[@laureltaylor4535]

Hi Lukas..I love watching your reaction.You seem like you honestly enjoy yourself..I love that....so fun.

[@saso3757]

Oh my god... Enya, of course! Since I first heard "Be my eyes" the beginning reminded me of another song but I just couldn't figure out which one. It was killing me! Thank you so much! I like your reactions btw. You're very natural and fun to watch. :)

[@natb5187]

I love watching your Pentatonix reactions. I highly recommend taking a look at their performances on The Sing Off, the competition show that launched them into the public eye when they won. I'd particularly enjoy seeing you react to their Episode 10 performance of Let's Get it On. It was that moment that it became obvious that they would win. It would also be interesting in that it would provide perspective into how much they've matured since then.

[@965musiclover]

one thing i love about pentatonix is that they always look like they are having a good time

[@dianaw6929]

Love your reactions to PTX Lukas, my fav group and I happily binge watch lol. Gold, Kiiera cover is fantastic

[@sherryhall3635]

Both songs are on their new, original album, THE LUCKY ONES, to be released 2/12/2021.

[@kristagerry8505]

You can also see a little bit of their creative process in the sing off performances which they won!

[@williamhallam2449]

I get much more of a pop rock feel with this song, which Kirstie said she was going for. Pop rocks was the roots of this group when they started out, and she used this song to take them back to their roots.

[@dawnfox8020]

Welcome back Lukas we have missed your ptx reactions great choices, you should try mad world when you get time it’s awesome

[@louellamoyer5578]

Thank you for reacting! Nice songs! Amazing as usual!. be safe

[@patriciaferguson9204]

Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the Indian "festival of spring", the "festival of colours", or the "festival of love". The festival signifies the victory of good over evil. Wikipedia

[@lesaahrenstein6360]

Someone said, Matt wrote happy now. And yes it's about starting from a dark place, a black and white place, to mirror your emotions after a traumatic experience Such as a relationship ending. And the song says can I dance now can I be happy now is repeated But each time With more color and Excitement. It says that you have gotten your passion back amd the world is all colorful. In be my eyes it is a stunning video And I'm dying to know who stage it and how much input the group has in there videos. Kevin has become so expressive And just seems to be having so much fun. They all seem to be having fun. I really think they are coming into their and doing some of their best Work. Also another original is Love again Avi is still with the group. If you haven't checked out Avi's Change is on the rise definitely do that.

[@elainehoward8822]

Brilliant double reaction, loving both these new original songs and videos xx

[@Well-in-the-garden]

❤️Am I happy now? I am after seeing your smile enjoying their joy! Loooved the explosions of colour. And the eyes - I used to love Enya lol. Really loved this one, so clever, the vocal play. Really enjoyed reacting with you❤️

[@mollyhodgson5936]

Since Christmas season is coming and you are at the 'they can do anything' place, you might check out Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. As we all know, it's written for an orchestra, not vocalists much less acapella. It earned them their second Grammy.

[@coffeebean41]

Love 'Be my eyes', it's very pop radio friendly, imo.

[@sheilascoyne861]

Lukas thank you so much for a happy Friday now. An explosion of happiness, can't sit still. 💃💃Love love love🎙🎙❤❤💯

[@itsmetara3773]

Yay!! Missed your reactions to PTX! I love your takes on the music as well as the production elements. Yay! Edited: it’s as if Mitch is finally free. I know he came out some time ago but it feels like he he’s different in this one...more light. Just free. ❤️

[@ptxlover6878]

I hope so! It's so nice to see him smiling again.. ❤

[@darlenenickerson1713]

Great reaction! Both of the songs will be on their new album that drops in February!✌❤

[@gabymusic82]

Your eyes enchant me, Lukas. So luring.

[@Jancoulson]

They’re growing. You know, they started so young…. They were only 19 when they won that Sing Off show

[@silentsomnia3877]

I really like your energy. You make it even more fun to watch. Thank you

[@thesweetone8968]

Im so glad you racted to Happy Now The first time I watched it. it screamed Lukas to me.

[@Karen-Campos]

Definitely enjoyed your reaction! When this album releases 2-12-2021, it will mark a New Decade for PTX having won the Sing Off in 2011. New Looks. New Sounds. New Member in Matt. New Originals. New album. New Fonts in video! It’s SO exciting!!

[@SweetSlytherinGirl-Jennifer]

The beginning of Be My Eyes does sound a lot like Enya! That was my first thought too!

[@danisetsuko]

if you want to see a glimpse at them creating their arrangements, as well as their silliy moments, try "PTX jamming/singing on the fly". its a compilation of them breaking out into song, and its very funny and goofy. if you have more time on your hands, it shows some of their arrangement process in their different ptxperience series.

[@TangentOmega]

I know exactly what you're referring to when you mention Enya. Seems like ancient history. Probably had it on cassette. Loved it!

[@PTXBluejay]

Great reaction Lukas! Thanks so much. 😊 Please don't apologize for stopping. Anyone who complains obviously doesn't realize how many reactors are getting their videos ripped down by KZbin, especially the PTX stuff. It's also a nice input when you comment on the background workings of the videos, lighting, etc. 😊 May I suggest Making Christmas by PTX? 😊 Sending best wishes from Nova Scotia. 😊😊😊

[@green7apocalyptica]

Be My Eyes is like Enya would sing The Lion Sleeps Tonight and I'm loving it 🥰🥰🥰

[@johnkillgo2327]

Hi there. In my opinion, it line up and said a lot about what we just went through. During the lock-down, life was black-n-white, and we couldn't wait for life to get back to normal. When the lock-down and restrictions started to be lifted, we started to see light at the end of the tunnel. No we are happy that color is back has returned to our life.

[@secretarts]

The first time Kirsty wrote a smooth song like this was "Water". It is another example of the group creativity that showcases similar sound scape.

[@jeffg9203]

Where have you been...... We've missed you.....

[@dom20202]

You have to check out “Amazing Grace“ as well. This group can do it all. Great observations, I enjoyed your reactions to both songs...

[@NilZed1]

Enya, yes, it does sound like Orinoco Flow. Now I have to go listen to that.

[@gregblessing1558]

The amazing thing was they did it in their own home and it was photoshopped I heard that on Entertainment Tonight when he did an interview. I love this because it brings out kirstie's vocals

[@janec8733]

Oh my lord what a handsome man.

[@lukashasselNY]

Thx. :)

[@marablemorgan8292]

Love your reactions...

[@Well-in-the-garden]

❤️in the eyes one - gave me a David Bowie Labyrinth feel too ❤️

[@JoSedunary]

Just in case nobody mentioned it - The video for Happy Now was done prior to quarantine.... everything else since was not...

[@terrynewman2841]

In the last piece Scott is doing the base allowing Matt to support Kevin. It appears that this another quaratine piece. Do like the superimposing of the members.

[@therealhaemony]

YAY! Glad you reacted to these! I so appreciate your attention to detail in the videos themselves. heh, I was also introduced to Enya via "Orinoco Flow" (#sailaway) back in the day and became an immediate fan. Definitely the first thing I thought of when I first heard "Be My Eyes." :D

[@patriciaferguson9204]

I would very much like for you to back up and see where PTX comes from. I think you should react to a couple of the Sing Off episodes. It has been almost a decade. You can really see how talented they were at 19, 21, and 23 and how they have matured with their talent I might be so bold as to suggest #7, #10, and #12.

[@mamajenkins1981]

Also #5

[@purplesky001]

And 4!

[@vidsorama2]

Also #l because it gives an introduction to the group and how they formed.

[@jolantafeculak2217]

Fajna muzyka na poprawę humoru,dobra jakość wykonania i odbioru pozwala poczuć afrykańskie rytmy i poczuć się wyjątkowo dobrze dziękuję ta muzyka otwiera na nowe widzenie świata 😄☀️😁❤️

[@jolantafeculak2217]

W sumie jesteś najbardziej wyrozumiałym i wymagającym odbiorca muzyki przy tym człowiekiem niezwykle taktownym i skromnym a równocześnie z poczuciem humoru, które buduje i uczy optymizmu 😁😄❤️

[@debbieescamilla8821]

Love watching your reactions!

[@CarlaDelk]

Love your Pentatonix reactions! They are amazing! Dont know if you have ever heard of Chris Stapleton, he is classified as country, but he is basically his own genre of music. Blues, Country, Soul. He has a unique voice. I think you would enjoy him. His newest song "Cold" is fantastic! Check it out for a change of pace. Thank you for your reactions! Stay safe and healthy and have a blessed day!

[@marablemorgan8292]

Mitch just can't help himself... ❣❣❣❣❣

[@terrynewman2841]

Great reaction.

[@Pentaholic88]

They go through different colors and changes for each member. Scott is mostly blue and Kevin is mostly yellow. Matt/Avi can be black or red. Mitch and Kirstie alternate pink and green

[@katieoberst490]

Happy Now is very '90s alt/pop and Be My Eyes is very '80s pop, I just realized because I hadn't heard them back to back like this, so thank you for that!! I also like your video analysis, very interesting. Edit: Have you seen their documentary movie from when Avi was still in the band?? That might be worth checking out...I can't remember the exact name of it, but it's something like On The Way Home...so, you might be interested in seeing that

[@sealaryn]

@Lukas Hassel as another commented about "Water" I really recommend you check it out it is another Kirstie lead Original though she didnt write it Kevin did for her... it does not have a music video with it but the live performance at Popspring is just incredible!

[@Ptxlive]

Have you checked out “run to you”?