Pentatonix: Mad World (Reaction)

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Original Video:
• Pentatonix - Mad World...
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[@UncleJon]

I forgot to edit out my research part on here. I went on ahead and took care of it for you all. Enjoy. :)

[@canolij5323]

Reaction to Take on me by Pentatonix.Mitch sing low notes.It really cool

[@stevenbaker107]

Tears for fears and it was on the soundtrack to Donnie Darko

[@stevenbaker107]

They all look amazing.

[@stevenbaker107]

It's freaking powerful and incredible. It's very mesmerizing

[@thontor]

This song is originally recorded in 1982 by the British band Tears for Fears. It achieved a second round of success 20 years after it's release when it was covered by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the film Donnie Darko in 2001. The original Tears for Fears version featured synthesisers and heavy percussion. The Andrews/Jules version was stripped down. PTX did their cover in the style of the Andrews/Jules cover.

[@WizardPandora]

Adam Lambert also did a cover

[@digger96]

This makes me want to watch Donnie Darko again. That movie is so.... unsettling.... But so good.

[@mecfstraveler]

The first time I heard this song was on Donnie Darko. And that was such a discordant riveting disturbing film this song fit it perfectly. I had no idea Tears for Fears have done it! I'll have to check that out! Also when Adam Lambert performed this song on American Idol it ripped my heart out because he sang it from a place of personal experience but he had experienced a lot of pain in.

[@heytherehowdyhello]

Tears for Fears will always be my Mad World favorite.

[@vickiroman189]

Stark, lush, haunting, luminous. Did you notice that after "When people run in circles, it's a very, very mad world," the figures behind them started walking backward? I love that.

[@juliegates3036]

Love how their silhouettes slowly start and each time it shows them singing the silhouette gets more noticeable. Cool effect showing how mad the world is.

[@joatkins9793]

Mitch always looks stunning but he is the stand out in this one even with fewer lines. He does look right through you. His lower register is so smooth and the harmonies with Matt are gorgeous. Kirstie is amazing at the end as well.

[@janices5389]

You might be remembering the Adam Lambert version done on American Idol several years ago. It had a similar slow and emotional take - and was considered one of his best on AI. I love both his and PTX versions.

[@juliestevens6931]

When I hear a stunningly beautiful passage of music, it hits me square in my sternum and then travels down to my toes.

[@suzanburket2353]

If you notice the background, they walk forward until the line Mad World is sung, then they walk backwards. Reminds me of the effects in the Run to You video.

[@honeybgood9691]

Hearing PTX singing the perfect song it's like getting a vocal hug. Glad to see you're back to your upbeat usual self.

[@juliestevens6931]

Oh, I like that, "a vocal hug." That explains exactly what I feel when I listen to them. Thank you for giving me the words I needed.

[@chrissyvictory232]

Perfect song choice for this year....I have always loved this song....I first heard it on So You Think You Can Dance and so I see the dance in my mind every time I hear it....and I will now be forever hearing their version. Amazing song, and I always love your reactions! Keep them coming!

[@Karen-Campos]

Nice reaction! Signature PTX! The wall of sound!! The intricate harmonies!! The silence break!! The surprises!! Mitch’s strong lower register! Phenomenal! Mitch & Matt brought spectacular harmonies the likes of which we’ve never heard so clearly before! Also I heard those beautiful bell tones like in New Rules/Are You That Somebody! Now... let’s talk about the shadows of each member walking behind them when they sang... did you notice at some point they started walking backwards? Interesting.

[@martycullison4095]

12 seconds in when Matt joined it gave me chills. When Mitch sang his first Look Like Through Me, I choked on a sob!

[@ms.laperry8106]

This is Hauntingly stunned, they are looking into ur soul, especially Mitch. #BreathJon

[@changelingthing423]

I agree, Mitch looks just amazing in this!

[@NicholasAHart]

I love Tears For Fears. Especially, Shout & Everybody wants to Rule the World.

[@kristagerry8505]

Soooooo good!

[@elizabethhostetter1946]

love Tears For Fears, full stop!

[@zillashimmy]

welcome to my teenage years :)

[@Allie1981]

Me too! Those are my favorites as well

[@joanmilano5302]

Scott's voice always gives me goosebumps, he's perfect!

[@melp.1942]

I am going through a very stressful time, facing homelessness for us and our kids. I saw this song released this morning and it just summed up how I am feeling right now, it's a Mad World.

[@dianad3080]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Keeping you and yours in prayer.

[@terrynewman2841]

Hugs to you and yours

[@melp.1942]

@@dianad3080 Thank you so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much good thoughts and prayers are appreciated. We quite literally need a miracle right now.

[@melp.1942]

@@terrynewman2841 Thank you. We could really use hugs right now, even virtual ones. I have a disability that causes me constant pain and I have recently been diagnosed with heart issues too. It is so hard not to just give up right now but I can't do that to my kids...Thank you agin.

[@shortybarnesyanik]

😢

[@Maerahn]

Double Play would be difficult on this one, as I'm willing to bet the ORIGINAL original of this song is NOT what many people think it is. I'm old enough to remember the ACTUAL original version, which was done by Tears For Fears in the 'eighties, and it was a much faster-tempo-ed synth-pop number, rather than the slow, melancholy piano number (and all the covers of THAT) that followed a couple of decades later. It still had all the darkness suggested by its lyrics, but it had a more Orwellian vibe to it than the nihilistic feel the slower versions have. Having said that, I'm really impressed with what Pentatonix have done with it, as they've managed to pitch their version... somewhere in the middle of the two. It's somehow a completely new take on BOTH of the previous versions, which were both very opposite from each other in terms of sound. Again, they've done what they're brilliant at doing - taking a song and make it completely their own.

[@davidphillips4476]

Videography is absolutely AMAZING!!!!! And then they sing....and all life's noise fly away, just the sound of voices. love it

[@leighc9004]

First! Couldn't resist. Great song, quietly powerful, timely. I always feel those moments in my throat and smile, like you do.

[@UncleJon]

Second!

[@Fr35hlyB4k3d]

@@UncleJon Third.

[@leighc9004]

@@UncleJon Touché! Lol

[@akishacampbell1125]

* Hits you in the feels. Angelic, gorgeous, transcendent.

[@crikch]

YES. youve just witnessed a legendary masterpiece from PTX once again XD

[@terrynewman2841]

Just loved this cover by Pentatonix. So haunting and beautiful.

[@grazynawikert-unger2122]

Everything you said is on point, let me add - Mitch and Matt duo - perfect.

[@tomhansen45]

Stunning. Gives me goosebumps.

[@ShyAnn291]

Mitch looks FABULOUS!!!!

[@chrisabel1833]

Their actions really lend an introspective feel to reinforce the lyrics. Spectacular. Haunting. Memorable.

[@stevensallsorts]

Notice again all shot separately per covid guidelines, just cleverly all on black backgrounds to stitch it together easier

[@denisehart7104]

A stunning song, from the marvelous PTX. They rock everything they sing ! Powerful, perfection, and soulful. Love this group.

[@LeskeyC001]

Hi Uncle Jon. They’ve done it again! So many remarkable things but the combination of Mitch and Matt and the last verse by the Queen, Kirstie, will live long in my heart. Perfect, you said it and I agree! PTX

[@buddasquirrel]

Hey Uncle Jon!! The harmonies are gorgeous!! Loved your reaction.

[@coffeeboy71]

I covered this song on my channel a few months ago, so I was thrilled when I saw that they finally covered this one. It’s perfect for their style.

[@Fr35hlyB4k3d]

This song was in Donnie Darko.

[@honeybunny2726]

We sang this nearly two and a half years ago in school i am having this song in my head ever since

[@pond2868]

Mitch looks stunning in every video 😂💜

[@BW-lb3vd]

I`m old enough to remember this video on mtv,but i always thought it was by r.e.m cuz it sounds like nothing tears for fears did.This song has been in alot of movies,tv shows,comercials.

[@lexymich3647]

I was just thinking how soothing your voice would be and here you are. Thanks.

[@missypace9367]

Lexy Mich right! After a hard day, I come to KZbin and pay a visit to his page. His voice is just so freaking soothing!

[@UncleJon]

I really appreciate that. I cannot stand the sound of my own voice.

[@lexymich3647]

@@UncleJon Most of us can't but now you know other really find it calming.

[@Karen-Campos]

And he did it just like we do on a PTX release day... wait. What was that... I remember this song...who just did that... let me start over.... oh the harmonies....that was stunning.... let me hear that again....did you see that....no they didn’t....Mitch!!!! We can ALL relate:)

[@lexymich3647]

@@Karen-Campos That is too funny. I wonder if Mitch knows hes the only one mentioned by name. Lol

[@marablemorgan8292]

They have the ability of distilling any song down to its essence...

[@zoaryrafransoa5762]

Great genuine reaction ! That was very kind of you to share the evolution of your feelings throughout the video, as I must say, I felt like you did at the beginning, and I actually checked out for an original song, before starting all over. So it was really cool to see I was not the only one "lost" in this beautiful rendition !

[@juliestevens6931]

I did the same thing. :o) I was, "I know this song!" by the time Scott got about 5 words in and had to stop and look for it. I found Tears for Fears and thought that was the version I knew, but when I played it, it didn't sound quite right. Then I found the Jules/Andrews cover and knew that was the one I knew. Never heard the Lambert version. I like that PTX was more like the Jules/Andrews cover. Not that there was anything wrong with the original. I may have to check out Adam Lambert's cover as well. I like him, too.

[@amandasamson4513]

When they posted this I shared it on my facebook right away. Anyone who resonates with this should remember they are not alone and always reach out. It feels like a cry for help.

[@SephieQ]

That first low, long note from Matt sounds like a deep note on a cello.🥰

[@MrSoonerCal]

Exactly! A deep, slow, melodious piece of dark chocolate wrapped in velvet.

[@planelvr07]

This cover is EPIC!!! i love song, all versions. They do this so well, oh my I get chills listening to the harmonies.

[@Zine2me]

They ALL look fabulous. Very potent stuff. One of the words you're looking for is RESONANT.

[@CurtisWarn]

It’s a whole lot slower than the original by “Tears For Fears”. That’s probably what you are sensing. It’s the same lyrics, just much slower, giving it a very different feel.

[@KitsyX]

There was a popular cover that came out a little while ago... It seems like this is based more on that version... Gary Jules I think? It was featured in a film or something.

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

Gary Jules recorded this for “Donnie Darko” in 2001. It was a smash hit. Jules’ version was slower, darker and sadder. It was such a big hit the song got a video and was released as a single in 2003. The Tears for Fears version was #3 on the UK charts. The Gary Jules cover was a an enormous hit worldwide, reaching #1 in many countries, including the US. That’s actually the version covered here. And that’s the version most people know.

[@NotNowLater]

The way PTX did this song. It's a reflection of the times we currently find ourselves in. Covid, the madness of the things going on in the world at large. People dying.

[@gracefoster7317]

I’m so glad you reacted to this!

[@Mrs.park_parsley]

"JEEZ LOUISE!!!!!! " YAAAAS!!!!!! 🤣 OMG HI UNCLE JON!!!!! 😃 I don't even know how to explain you how much I deeply loved this reaction (and the fact that you heard my prayers when you're wondering if you should go back and listen to it all over again - I screamed a huge YES like 5000 times)!!! Look what you just did to me, I can't even put it in words!!! 🤯 This is why I jump out of my seat whenever your ptx reactions come out, that's all I can say rn, hope you forgive my unusual lack of words for this awesome video 💖

[@UncleJon]

You're such a trooper!

[@Mrs.park_parsley]

@@UncleJon I didn't want to look dumb but I must confess that I've never heard that expression. Can you please do me the favor of educating me? I promise it's just this one time 🙈

[@Valenya23]

Nothing wrong with starting over. I love it. I do it. These cats are so talented and it's miraculous.

[@UncleJon]

I wholeheartedly agree with you! They are something else.

[@dadadrdadadr]

Yes, Mitch does look stunning!!

[@belinda61]

Dude. You're killin' me. You need to let yourself just experience it the first time through. Glad you started over.

[@UncleJon]

That was my own problem. I was really trying to figure out where I had heard the first line. But sometimes I'd rather have the first take as is, rather than restarting the whole process. That's really meant for the reaction, more than anything, honestly.

[@papatomthune4924]

What a gorgeous video that seems to match this year of 2020! 👌

[@TitanSummers]

They are not just GREAT singers they are Great actors they imbody every song they sing and it kills me to think Mitch ever felt like this pretend or not.

[@mackowalk2456]

That cover is so incredible. They are really awesome and that song made by them hits different. What I think of this song itself. I think that song is surprisingly accurate for todays world. "When people run in circles it's a very, very mad world " - I feel like people around me are too afraid to fail with the certain jobs, that they "run in circles" and they don't make their dreams come true "And I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad , the dreams in wich I'm dying are the best I've ever had". That is how I understand this song.

[@curtpoppenhouse2621]

Have you noticed that when Mitch Looks at the camera it's like he's looking deep into your soul.

[@JoSedunary]

There's that PTX wall of sound hitting you right in the heart again Jon !!! Over and over...every time...welcome to our world ! haha...

[@pattis2641]

This is an acapello group. They formed in 2011, winning the sing Off Season 3. This song was ORIGINALLY done by Tears for Fears. The middle guy, Scott is a baritone. Matt is the bass. Mitch is the tenor, and Kevin sings, plays cello, and beatboxes too. The former bass singer, Avi Kaplin, IS ALSO A MIRACLE!! Matt had BIG shoes to fill, and BOY, HAS HE!! His sound is more soulful, but Avi and Mitch in Live Aha, shows their true strength!! Try all of their new records.

[@dougbowers1256]

The moment of climax that you referred to just before the end of the song utilized a trick that PTX does brilliantly. Dissonance. It’s created when you have two notes either a half or full step apart sung or played at the same time. If you just do the two notes alone, it sounds bad to us, but if you include it with a full chord that just happens to include the dissonant note, it intrigues is. More often than not, the dissonant chord will be in a phrase that resolves to a nondissonant chord to complete the phrase. Not this time. They also do that in the climax before the ending of Imagine. Their arrangements are simply brilliant and breathtaking.

[@travisrussell9166]

This is a bit of a dark song, kind of like being caught in the daily rat race and getting no where, Dreams lost,not being noticed.

[@crikch]

but the way they persuade it made it sounds very dreamy and beautiful ❤️

[@cactusjuice8277]

Agreed travis

[@Blue-rl5dp]

Mitch has a stunning voice when he's not trying to go too high. He too often gets squawky trying to get high when they've got perfectly good crystal clear Kirstie if they want it high. Mitch's medium tones are wonderful and he was perfect in this piece. And though Matt does bass excellent, he sings best in the low baratone he was using here. Very clear velvet. I really like the whole thing.

[@aaronbarlow4376]

It became a meme, played along with footage of someone looking sad in slo mo and black and white.

[@dianad3080]

Uncle Jon: Let's start over Me: Yeah, can we start 2020 over too?😏

[@juliestevens6931]

I would rather skip 2020 altogether. There is no part I want to repeat. Now if we can restart and CHANGE, then I'm all for it. :o)

[@penny1348]

Mitch always looks good.

[@risperdude]

EPIC cover. It hits the feels.

[@Kayc7227]

I call that feeling, that you described towards the end, "oooff". Like if you fall from a height or you get sucker punched in the chest lol. It's the "oooff" that comes about when your breath is taken away lol

[@kathyryan2565]

beginning was a bit chaotic and confusing trying to follow your train of thought I am thrilled you went back and started over. I alwyas enjoy your reactions and am glad you kept all parts in of your true reaction to this. Thank you for including us on your journey.

[@johnelvisclark451]

The song was in Donnie Darko and originally was done by Tears For Feas and Adam Lambert coverd on American Idol and his tour

[@wanita7025]

Im glad you went back and started over. This is your reaction and if you feel you need to.. go a head

[@fifimorrison1804]

OMG I was also like which group did it???? Just saw the music video for the first time and it is so cool - referring to the Jules/Andrews 80s version which is what I have always heard

[@kellyjacobs8659]

I really enjoy this version!

[@jweebo2004]

Love this song by Tear for Fears, Pentatonix did an amazing job on this :) I've heard people say the song was in Donnie Darko, I remember when Adam Lambert did this song on American Idol Season 8 (Top 8). :)

[@cazlaming]

I loved this song as a kid, I was born a few years after tears for fears brought it out but it has always be on the radio and I loved it growing up, I really love PTX cover of it, it’s so beautiful, I agree with you Mitch looks amazing they all look stunning

[@johnrodrigues5974]

Maybe you heard Adam Lambert sing it on American Idol. Mad World

[@eddietucker7005]

Love you, Jon! Thanks

[@dianechristensen1391]

This song was originally written by a guy named Paul Young it’s his original song Tears for Fears did a cover of it I saw that one just a little while ago but Paul Young song and it’s

[@SouthAfricanMedic]

Nit pick away. That is why we love your reactions. Can see it's 100% authentic

[@Bonofox1]

Tears For Fears (A British duo from the 80s) this song first came out in the early 80s and in the 00s it was covered as a slower version by Gary Jules

[@TonyPucci11]

Tears for Fears last album, “Everybody Loves a Happy Ending” (2004) gave us the amazing song “Secret World”. As always is the case with TFF, perfect melody!

[@Juliealdean]

I was listening to Tears For Fears and Mad World before they were well known. Change and Pale Shelter were also two of my favourites. The Tears For Fears version is still my favourite. I do like this one though.

[@samanthamarsh5449]

The song is best know from the movie Donnie darko 🥰

[@jeffg9203]

I loved your confusion and your thoughts

[@smurfrise]

It’s Donnie Darko that made an impression on me with this song. It was very dramatically featured.

[@mecfstraveler]

I love it SO much.. I feel like it's a truly mad world we're living in and it can be disorienting with little sense of normality and when it looked hopeful.. the West Coast erupts in unnatural flames. I live here, in Southwest Washington, and I have been crying over the loss of lives, homes, entire towns and we can't go outside again. But it's the loss of life, and so many missing. How can an unsinged, beautiful, green tree stand untouched surrounded by melted (yes. Melted.) cars? It's a Mad World I'm living in.

[@jamiemitchell8281]

It’s a shame you didn’t enjoy this! Loved your reaction! This video is a new level of artistry and sophistication for PTX! I’ve loved every single song of theirs’ but this one reached a new high!

[@honeybunny2726]

It is from tears for fears but Gary Jules did this song in a similiar way

[@DeweyGotanycheese]

The Sacre version from Donnie Darko is spectacular. Haunting.

[@lauraa4294]

Loving Mitches sideburns.

[@simplesimon8586]

The background effects are reminiscent of the 4-D effect from the Donnie Darko movie where the protagonist can see what/where he and others will be doing/going. Very weird and freaky in the movie.

[@glynnisgibb5582]

British group called Tears for Fears were the first to release this, I think around 1982

[@marablemorgan8292]

Adam Lambert sang it on Idol! Curt Smith - Tears for Fears was the original artist!

[@muffinamy83]

Tears for Fears may be my favorite band of all time. Check out Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

[@hawkeyescoffee6399]

I don't blame youf for your confusion at the beginning, it's a very disjointed sounding song lyrics wise, but I think thatxs kinda the point really. I agree 100% that Mitch looks especially stunning here, his jaw line makes me swoon, and it's been so good seeing him getting more comfortable again in his lower register (like with Sound of Silence & Amazing Grace), and this proved his voice can be every bit as impactful and shiver inducing down there as it can when he's up high. They're all amazing in this, I go round in circles as to who is my fave, Matt's bass is perfect, Scott drives the song with such gut wrenching passion... it's all so good. But I always vote back to that line of Mitch's "Look right through me", that's the bit that stands out, so simple and yet so effective.

[@elizabethhostetter1946]

i remember the original when i was in school - i didn't realise this one was so much slower until i found the original video! - and at the time it felt very relevant to me as it reflected absolutely everything i felt (as, i now realise, an undiagnosed autistic). i watched people going about here and there for no sensible purpose i could understand, concerned with what felt like idiotic and absurdly shallow things; i knew very few students at school and everyone seemed to look right through me. i was an alien anthropologist under deep cover to study that weird species homo sapiens. It wasn't a depressing song, despite the line 'the dreams in which i'm dying are the best i've ever had', because that line didn't seem to mean they were the best due to wish-fulfilment, but because those were the most interesting; it was a song of observation and 'hey, do you guys realise just how silly society is?'. Why it's been re-interpreted in such a depressive way now i don't get. (per usual!)

[@stephenmadden107]

This song was in the movie Donnie Darko with Jake Gyllenhall

[@dishmurphy6539]

Tears fir Fears was always a favorite. I wish PTX covered more.

[@krististephens2465]

I remember this song from the movie trailer of The Crazies. Great song, one of the first pieces I wanted to learn on the piano.

[@dreamingdark1817]

You might have heard the Gary Jules version of the song in Donnie Darko. Which is my fav version of the song but this is a close second.

[@marablemorgan8292]

He always looks fabulous, but we're biased...

[@someonefromcanada2668]

If you're a gamer, you might have heard this song from the XBox Gears of War commercial. It was an awesome commercial!

[@jenniferjohnson824]

I actually heard a young reviewer say "hey they played this on Riverdale". That cracked me up since I remember it from years ago but at least he recognized it. I know it's been used in a few other shows over the years too.

[@kristagerry8505]

Yes it was big on GH back in 2009-2010 when James Franco was on playing this crazy artist serial killer character called Robert James Frank aka "Franco" it was kinda his theme song and he was a very dark disturbed character! The character was eventually killed of then brought back and redeemed he is now played by another actor Rodger Howarth which caused a big upset for the show's fans because he was such a creepy and crazy character as only James Franco can play it!

[@janetburrows137]

In case you didn’t look 👀?? It was Tears for Fears in 1982. UK 🇬🇧 Band. ❤❤

[@ThexImperfectionist]

This song was in Smallville if you ever watched that show. That's where i first heard it.