The Bottom Line
With Travie McCoy hitting the pop top 5 out of the box with his solo debut single "Billionaire" it seemed an open question for a time whether he could bring his group Gym Class Heroes similar success. With the help of Maroon 5's Adam Levine and producer Benny Blanco, Gym Class Heroes have crafted a sunny, cheerful pop tune that is certain to be a major hit. It continues the upbeat tone of Travie McCoy's Lazarus album in a fashion that will cheer pop radio programmers.
Pros
- Adam Levine's soulful chorus
- The charm in Travie McCoy's raps
- Pure pop melody
Cons
- Fluffy nature of the song which feels fleeting
Description
- Written by Travie McCoy, Adam Levine, Benny Blanco, Brandon Lowry, Ammar Malik, and Dan Omelio
- Produced by Benny Blanco and Robopop
- Released June 2011 by Fueled By Ramen
Guide Review - Gym Class Heroes - "Stereo Hearts" featuring Adam Levine
In some ways it is difficult to see "Stereo Hearts" as much more than a Travie McCoy and Adam Levine duet. It seems possibly a Gym Class Heroes record only in name. However, it is a pop gem. Kicked off by Adam Levine's sweetly soulful hook followed by the charm of Travie McCoy's inquiries about a lover's commitment, the song instantly sinks in as a charming pop tune.
This is the second songwriting collaboration by Adam Levine and Benny Blanco on the current pop charts. They also worked together on Maroon 5's latest "Moves Like Jagger." The common thread between the two is the sweet, upbeat nature of the song coupled with undeniable hooks. "Stereo Hearts" is sure to be the biggest Gym Class Heroes record since "Cupid's Chokehold."
Following close on the heels of Cobra Starship's mainstream pop-dance sound for their current hit "You Make Me Feel...," it seems like Fueled By Ramen, the home label for both Cobra Starship and Gym Class Heroes, is heading away from their traditional pop punk base. Is mainstream pop the label's new primary direction? Watch the upcoming albums from these key artists to find out.
