Gospel Musician reacts to Hallelujah|Pentatonix

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

So many people say that the drums sound real, that’s Kevin! This group is perfection. Try listening to Amazing Grace it’s wonderful.

[@snaggledoodle8589]

You said it perfectly 👌

[@maretapeita7549]

True facts

[@justinflynn4100]

I thought there were drums until I realised the brilliance of Kevin.

[@GaiaCarney]

jennifer McDonald - yes, friend!Kevin Oluwole Olusola is the HEARTBEAT 💗 of PTX! Gifted & beyond beautiful ✅

[@HDNoll]

Kevin has an orchestra in his mouth

[@darlenecheatham7775]

They use no instruments unless Kevin the beat boxer plays his cello You need to watch bohemian rhapsody if you really want your mind blown

[@DougRayPhillips]

In their cover of Bohemian Rhapsody, Mitch does vocal effects to simulate Brian May's lead guitar lick in the original recording. Mitch is holding a megaphone. But from what I've read, Mitch is actually doing the simulation with his voice and the megaphone is just a prop. Yes, all acapella except occasionally Kevin on cello.

[@gregsteele806]

@@DougRayPhillips They put a lot of distortion on Mitch's voice in the studio (from what I've heard PTX say)

[@Sadarsa]

this... isn't 100% true. Kevin uses electronic drum pads... otherwise the sounds of his slaps and stomps wouldn't be loud enough. While anyone with 1/2 a brain can understand the necessity, it also means that with the inclusion of the pads it's not longer 100% A Capella

[@DougRayPhillips]

I've read that they do amplify some sounds in the studio, so that it's not quite the same as their live work. Could be Kevin's, Mitch's, anybody's. Drum pads... now, that'd be beyond the scope of what I'm aware of. If y'all are sure, okay.

[@beverlykrebs4372]

@@Sadarsa It's still very little added. And I always feel that as long as there are no instruments that they are playing, it doesn't count. But I don't know much about the technical definition of a capella. I am glad that Kevin sometimes plays his cello though. It just kinda puts them in a unique music category. No matter what they use, it's still amazingly beautiful.

[@talonsage954]

He's a beatboxer of the HIGHEST calibre. He also had the voice of an angel.

[@chrispavlich9656]

You should react to their cover of Mary Did You Know and O Come All Ye Faithful.. The latter will “take you to church,” so to speak. Lol

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Chris Pavlich awesome cant wait to hear it!

[@susansisson366]

Everybody and his brother will ask for Mary did you know, because their version will give you chills. But one of their best Christmas songs is Ths First Noel, and their version of little drummer boy simply cannot be beat by anyone. Try their versions of Havana, Cheerleader and No, by all means. You will love them all, I promise.

[@beverlykrebs4372]

Absolutely! Those 2 songs will blow U away!!!

[@mariethemagnificent2000]

100%

[@EvilLoynis]

And Angel's we have heard on high, and Joy to the World.!!!

[@butchdecker9104]

Hallelujah was written by Leonard Cohen and is not Gospel. He refers to Biblical stories such as David and Bathsheba and Sampson and Delilah, but the lyrics veer away after that. You pretty much have to listen to the entire song and reach your own conclusions about what it means and what it means to you. It is one of the most covered songs because of its beauty. There are several great covers, but PTX's is definitely one of my personal favorites.

[@michellecole6325]

You're right! I'm constantly suprised that people think of it as a religious song. Yes, there are references, but it's essentially a "love gone wrong" song. Of course, the 4 verses included here are the ones most often sung, but Mr Cohen wrote over 70 verses to it and some of them are kissing cousins to raunchy. I think most people don't really listen to/analyze the words: they just really don't make sense in any sort of religious context.

[@tomuchcamoflauge]

@@michellecole6325 it's really a 'thank God that I got through the hardships I've faced' song

[@philipem1000]

It is the story of a failed love relationship, told with biblical imaginery. It is one of the most covered songs around, because it is so beautiful, simple and complex at the same time...

[@nightthornkvala94132]

Jeff Buckley, k.d. lang, and 2CELLOS has also covered this song and its beauty moves me to tears every time.

[@philipem1000]

@@nightthornkvala94132 I love KD Laing and Jeff Buckley version have to look for the other. This is my favorite. I love that the covers are so often very diffeent.

[@fenris3373]

he almost cried on Mitch's part. The Mitch Effect

[@ryanglass7837]

Fenris I thinks it’s called the “mitch effect” an overwhelming of emotion of an angel’s voice

[@Joreel]

Mitch has such an amazing voice. All of them can sing beautifully, but no one would expect such a high and powerful voice from a guy. Mitch is their secret surprise 😂

[@tss9886]

The Mitch Effect.

[@debbiec4516]

I get goose bumps every single time!!!

[@cassidyx4to567]

Finally a reactor that appreciated kevin

[@ephennell4ever]

Beat-boxer Kevin does all those percussion sounds himself, for real! But he also, like the others, has an excellent voice; listen to PTX's rendition of 'Mary Did You Know', to hear *all* of them in an awesome performance! You should also check out their *amazing* performance of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'! You'll have problems believing what you're seeing/hearing! *Enjoy!*

[@davidvlhmar3493]

He use an electronic drum pads here,its clear int he live shows.He also use it in Sound of Silence but its still impressive.

[@chelsea9339]

I was going to leave almost the same comment lol

[@willeenlogan3448]

I second that!

[@sheevpalpatine6139]

Oh yes. He's making those sounds. Hes a beat-making genius.

[@sethfroman7044]

Yup, Mitch will do that to ya lol. So glad everyone is finally noticing these guys.

[@Hey_Jamie]

....finally? Just because you haven’t been around long doesn’t mean people are ‘finally’ noticing them. They’re multiple time Grammy winners. No one is not noticing them.

[@tracyjohnson8057]

I seen your reaction when Mitch opened his mouth, you're not the only one.

[@LunaciaBooks]

My favourite Pentatonix video is the cover of John Lennon's "Imagine". Makes me tear up every time.

[@susanapeguero]

I am with you! The cadenza at the end is a choir of angels!

[@katt9208]

I looooove the smile the first time someone hears Mitch. 😍

[@tonia4934]

Mitch slapped lol

[@catycudd5614]

the two guys on each end are the instruments ,beat boxer, kevin and bass avi

[@Mimi-un5tr]

You need to listen to Mary Did You Know by them. They will knock your socks off with that one.

[@tonia4934]

And bohemian rhapsody

[@carstenglaser3177]

Hi Mike, thank for your reaction. If you want to see how Kevin Olusola creates sound, watch his "down" video please.

[@Nmiller4486]

Yes i 2nd that!

[@jennachtigall]

3rd!

[@DougRayPhillips]

4th.

[@hstppt]

5th! Down is a masterpiece.

[@beverlykrebs4372]

Yes- it is so creative & beautiful! Kevin is just amazing! (He's my favorite!) He has his own solo music. You should check it out!! Oh, and I 6th it! (?)

[@Texastigerdigsdetects]

He does that drum sound live as well...Kevin when not singing or playing the cello.

[@michellecole6325]

...and even when he IS playing the cello! ;)

[@joebarnhart4460]

Realize this was recorded in the studio and then the sound was matched to the video in post production. Kevin is widely known for his amazing kick and snare impressions. All the drum sounds came from Kevin but in the studio he uses better EQ and a "stomp pad" for his percussion.

[@kathryncalabro2113]

Every time I hear their version of Mary did you know I get goosebumps.

[@playstationnintendowin489]

makes me want to cry and I only heard it a few days ago

[@TETobey59]

Being that you come from a gospel background I think you would love Pentatonix's Christmas music. Check out "Mary Did you Know", "Little Drummer Boy" and "The First Noel". I love all their Christmas music.

[@beverlykrebs4372]

Absolutely! And in Mary Did You Know you will get to hear Kevins amazing voice, which is rare!

[@sloopy1975]

Pentatonix is the only Christmas music I can (and do) listen to all year! 💖💖💖

[@beverlykrebs4372]

@@sloopy1975 Me too!

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

You should see them live, simply mind blown and that is a guarantee.

[@randomperson1943]

Kevin’s percussion is always so realistic. I love them so much

[@r.a.morelock8039]

Talking about the sounds Kevin makes. He actually has several patents for things he's made to use in studios and on stage to get some of his sounds right. I remember hearing about it when this song first came out - specifically around the foot stomp. I don't know much about it but it's not just a foot stomp.

[@Adam1984_]

My understanding is that it's basically a pad that he stands on and can stomp, which amplifies the sound of the stomp/can have reverb applied to it.

[@patrickrooney6778]

I would also recommend Home Free's "How great thou art". Awesome version of that song

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Patrick Rooney hello!I just reacted to that song today and the video should be uploaded tomorrow.Be sure to tell me what you think!

[@joiewick187]

Pentatonix are exceptional singers; it's so amazing how their voices blend; they're all different

[@cherylwilliams9360]

The song is a cover by leonard Cohen. There's no doubt this was recorded in a studio.. then the video was made.. however, ALL sounds are made by them only.. percussion was by Kevin only. Their arranger/producer, Ben Bram has won Grammys along with their 3 to date. Their live performances of this song are sound just as impressive! Thank you for your reaction! MARY DID YOU KNOW is another must..

[@TripleTapHK]

The ironic part about this is that a lot of the religious symbols in Hallelujah point towards Leonard's secularism.

[@bonnieblair6254]

Imagine, Bohemian Rhapsody, sound of Silence, Mary Did You Know. They have so many awesome covers.

[@emdet2234]

Loved your reaction! New sub! They have a great cover of “Mary Did You Know” that you might like, the official video. They also have a live performance of “Aha!” From the Star Vista in Singapore that’s incredible. But anything from them is gold!

[@SpydaMikeHD]

EmDet 22 Thanks for the recommendation!

[@beverlykrebs4372]

Yes! Mitch can look really scary!!! Ha ha! And everything they sing is on another level. And I am very picky about music.

[@louellamoyer5578]

Aha is a must! The live version in Singapore at the Star Vista. Avi has a past history of blowing speakers...LOL!

[@r.d.durfey5862]

My favorite song by them, brings me to tears everytime.

[@jesoko6724]

"Hallelujah" as others have said is a pop song written by Leonard Cohen in 1984 that didn't really gain notoriety until it was covered by Jeff Buckley in 1994. Then its popularity exploded and it's considered one of the most covered pop songs in music history (if not the most covered pop song). There are a few really noteworthy covers like Buckley's and John Cale's (which was featured on the Shrek soundtrack and introduced the song to the younger generations), but its one of those songs where you would be more surprised a pop artist DIDN'T do a cover of it at some point. Since the song really lends itself to a more stripped down approach, most covers tend to be really sparse, where the singer just performs it solo with a single instrument. Usually it's a guitar, but I think I've heard renditions with a piano or a violin. Pentatonix's version is a bit unique since it feels faster and grander than most covers, especially ones like Buckley or Cale's where it sounds more like the singer is musing to themselves or speaking to a specific person. The meaning or emotion conveyed also tends to vary from artist to artist. There's an overarching sense of loss, but what kind of loss is usually up to the artist, and Cohen had said in multiple interviews before he passed that "there are many different hallelujahs" and that he was proud the artists who covered the song had picked up on that. For some, the song is about personal loss, romantic or sexual loss, the loss (or the gain through loss) of faith, or the loss of respect or trust. It's truly an every person's song because every person can find something in it they identify with.

[@sharontines84]

I watched the interview where he said just that:)

[@tamatirangiuaia140]

Come back brother. Would love to see more pentatonix reactions from you God bless

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Hey, I bought some new equipment and I should be recording soon!

[@stephaniekesler64]

First time I've heard this song from this artist and had goose bumps from head to toe! I LOVED it🥰 I've heard many musicians sing this but this is by far my favorite.

[@thomasarussellsr]

You gotta check out "Mary Did You Know" by Pentatonix. They chose a cave system as the backdrop and the accoustics are tremendous. I really can't tell if they recorded there or in a studio, but it could be either at points. With quality headphones you can hear the wind whispering through and a slight echoing. Plus, you get to hear Kevin (the percussionist/beatboxer) deliver his angelic voice as well. And, it is also a Christian based song. They have also done "Little Drummer Boy" and many Christmas carols.

[@daniellemorgan-jackson4114]

Yes, when I had a full sound system in my car, the bass on PTX songs would legit make mh sub hit. It was amazing.

[@TiaMargarita]

Avi sings overtones. A continuous long low note at the same time he is also doing the lion sleeps tonight!

[@davidquenneville7611]

Bro. They're angels. God ginen talent without the wings "imagine"

[@rhondadananay2106]

Ahhhhmazing a cappella group. Saw them in concert last December and those five voices filled up a stadium of thousands of people!

[@cindylawrence1200]

What a wonderful collaboration of God’s blessings! God blessed each with a gorgeous voice

[@markjonnelbautista5781]

React to Evolution of Michael Jackson for Raw Performance and Bohemian Rhapsody for Goosebumps Pentatonix

[@markalan7552]

Just so you know, I love how you listen. I love how you hear. Thanks.

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Major2219]

Love it!! 🎤

[@marionhays2782]

🌟GOD LOVES Y’ALL SO MUCH🌟

[@anekab1965]

If you're looking for something with a more religious bent, I'd recommend "Mary Did You Know?". It's pretty amazing.

[@TiaMargarita]

They discovered Kevin online playing the cello & beatboxing at the SAME time!

[@LivingwiththeLongwas]

This was a great review.They are soooo good!!🔥

[@sherrismith8337]

Pentatonix also did "Mary Did You Know" and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" that you should check out too. Another a cappella group that is amazing is Home Free. You should check out their "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace", "Go Rest High On That Mountain" and "In The Blood".

[@sunshynff]

Great reaction, I'm from the Lou also! I'll have to check out some more of your reactions.

[@diandiaz9026]

When they do that in the studio they can do it closer to the mic so it sounds more real but it is definitely all him, Kevin!

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Great piece of information!

[@redwoods7370]

Chills over and over.

[@txitxinota]

Greetings from Spain, Mike. I feel like you are a good man 😊

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Thank you my friend

[@rondileem3111]

Yay! More PTX! How about reacting to Macklemore & Lewis' Can't Hold Us or their original, Love Again with Kevin & Avi's sound effects.

[@katiejones9106]

Yes! Love Again! And Daft Punk. ❤

[@alynkuster5138]

They are making all sounds. That is beat boy, Kevin.

[@jacobfrietze8870]

Check out Home Free singing How great thou art, go rest high on that mountain and Amazing Grace featuring Peter Hollins. Home Free is another Acapella Group

[@Bigmikeyj]

BLESS YOUR HEART!

[@dawncastrogiovanni3915]

Love love this group. They sound just as amazing in concert

[@charlenenowicki9671]

Really enjoyed your reaction, thank you! :)

[@pamdaniels1087]

I'm in AWE. it takes your breath away. GREAT JOB !!!!!

[@stevetournay3731]

It's a studio recording they're singing over for the video, of course; out on a salt lakebed Kevin's beatboxing would not sound quite so full...but that's what it is.

[@karenmackie2152]

They are the most amazing group of none use of instruments rather using there vocals and the music they produce vocally. Amazing, truly a pleasure to hear all there be songs.

[@Silverbell_TTV]

Great reaction! This is a perspective I hadn't seen yet in a reaction video. Thanks! :)

[@SueDamron]

You’d love “Mary Did You Know?” By this group!!!

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Hey unfortunately KZbin won’t let me react to it

[@nonamewriter7950]

I'm sure Kevin's stuff is prettied up for the official recording, but I saw them live and he stands on this special box thing and damn does it sound accurate as hell even live like that

[@garywhitt98]

You listen with your brain, because of your producer background. Loved your thoughts on it. Thanks!

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Thanks so much for watching

[@amandapanda611]

What Christmas Means to Me is a really good showcase of Kevin's percussion skills. It will blow you away.

[@kegginstructure]

The song was composed by Leonard Cohen from the Vietnam era. Their fullness is so illusory. For background, look up their work on "Sing-Off" where they exploded on the world of music. Now, three Grammies later they are one of very few DEFINERS of a capella music. If you like religious music, try "Mary Did You Know" and get ready to be blown away by their ability to harmonize smoothly and efficiently.

[@cheryldorsey4792]

It showed in your reaction priceless.

[@randyhodder6015]

Yes sir,praise God.jesus is love

[@nawanamcgaha6065]

I love them I saw them ! They do a lot of gospel but their stuff is every thing , I love Mitch's voice

[@technowey]

You had the best commentary of any review of this video that I've seen, and I've seen many reviews of this song. If I'm not paying attention, I forget there are no instruments.

[@wvob6752]

Definitely subscribing since you're a gospel musician. Wish there were more channels of gospel music. A cappella and sounds by beat boxer Kevin. He's also a fabulous tenor and plays musical instruments. Mary Did You know (gospel) is absolutely beautiful as well as Sounds of Silence.

[@iimsoshady]

I appreciate that you didn't keep pausing the song to speak about the video. You enjoyed the song *almost* all the way through. They give me goosebumps, the way their voices meld so well together. ❤️

[@oldschool72]

What makes them outstand all others is they perform with no band or orchestra..their voices are all the instruments they need...Kevin Oulousa is referred to as a beatboxer and what you hear is real... no percussion just kevin

[@Skootsem]

Home Free does it too.

[@susanwhite1540]

I have Loved this version of Hallelujah for a long time! Pentatonix is outstanding!

[@freedomesupporter]

They are an A cappella group. A darn good one too!

[@BloodTithingsGaming]

Definitely listen to their Christmas albums.

[@Skootsem]

This song was written by Leonard Cohen. Upon reading the lyrics, it seems to me that it reflects the struggle and human misunderstanding of The Creator; and yet still we reach for Him with a cold and broken HalleluJah!

[@mamb4801]

The Prayer is awesome too!

[@hstppt]

Kevin's drums sounds are amazing. Bohemian Rhapsody is worth a watch for that alone. And Guitar Mitch. More PTX? Subscribing! What sort of music do you like? PTX has so much, it would help to know what moves you, what you're into, etc. Lush 5-part harmonies? Imagine or Mary, Did You Know. Hip Hop? Are That Somebody x New Rules, Problem, Can't Hold Us. Or, take a look at their videos and pick covers of songs you like -- you are sure to be impressed!

[@sandramurdico3010]

That guy is the "beat box"!

[@jeffreyking701]

Pentagon is the most amazing a Capella group I have ever heard!. The guy making the percussion sounds is spot on! They ALL have great voices!

[@michelleanderson1775]

the musical notes and drums come from them there is no instruments used ever... they are blessed with not only great and heavenly voices but a great ear also

[@sandramurdico3010]

My favorite of theirs is "Mary, Did You Know"!!!!

[@petuniafuzz9083]

I love the more religious lyrics to this song. The music is beautiful and I loved each and every person or components of their performance. These young people are so gifted. I hope they live long and continue to work together to form an amazing full wall of sound. Each member of the group is a stellar musician. Together they form something several levels higher.

[@novemberwallace7059]

The guy is really good playing music with his hands

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

Great reaction Mike 👍🏻🥰‼️ My son’s name is Mike too.

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Awesome, so glad you can by the channel!

[@susandombrowski7711]

this performance is my most favorite second most favorite production ever!!!!! I'm talking sound and voice quality. If I only had three songs to take to a desert island ... this is a must.

[@jennifergraham5106]

U took this like a G... Bcuz I was bawling my eyes out the first time I heard this.

[@rw716]

They had a Christmas special one year and they sang this live in front of an audience and it practically sounded the same! The Pentatonix pride themselves in creating all of the musical sounds by only their voices and nothing else. I watched them live before and man, they sound no different from their KZbin videos...freaking amazing! They have already won 3 Grammy awards and are considered the best acapella group in the world....

[@sheilagravely5621]

I have heard this song by a gospel with a few words re ARRANGED for it to be gospel. It was totally awesome.

[@leanneb9841]

Mary did you know, is my favourite. They really are impressive. No many how many times I listen to them they give me goosebumps.

[@MrGalthion]

Kevin is a master with beatbox drum sounds.

[@elizabethsantersero9597]

Oh, man....I bet you would love their version of "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful" - it's the one I think most comes across as gospel, plus it's a unique interpretation of the song :-)

[@stevegray1308]

As an atheist I have to be the best person to say that this version of this song is a religious experience. It makes me "feel" even if it doesn't change my beliefs. A great song done really well.

[@SpydaMikeHD]

Awesome response. Can I ask how did you become a atheist?

[@stevegray1308]

@@SpydaMikeHD The easy response is that I read the Bible. I was brought up Catholic and was "expected" to become a priest. I had lots of questions but the priests and nuns that taught me discouraged them and I wanted answers and proof. The Bible shows a brutal God that contradicts both itself and what I was taught. Too many things in it were obvious lies as well (e.g. the flood). The final decider for leaving the church was at 15 when I went to Rome to see the Pope and saw the staggering wealth on display. It took many years and more study to move from sceptic to full atheist. I even read the Koran but that was the same. Too many obvious logical errors. Christians that ignored the parts they didn't like. Many preachers in it for money. To me churches are a way of controlling people and exercising power, nothing else. If a God came to earth tomorrow I still would not bow to it.

[@rls110961]

Mary Did You Know is my favorite PTX song. Absolutely beautiful!!!!

[@jessicagould2861]

Home Free also does some lovely gospel. "Go rest high on that mountain" and "how great thou art" are amazing

[@sandramurdico3010]

He is the Beat Box

[@s.vidhyardhsingh3881]

Gospel music is your genre then you got to watch David Phelps’ Oh holy night, the one where he wears a green sweater kind of an out fit. He’ll blow up your mind half way through the song and the second half is phenomenal.

[@brutexx2]

In most songs (almost all of them, this one included) the percussion relies on Kevin’s beatboxing abilities and the ocasional stomp/clapping you saw on the video. It’s really cool The bass also helps a lot sometimes

[@angelathomas4391]

My favorite was their sing off version of “dog days “