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Celeb News: Gym Class Heroes Should Be Pop Superstars
Member Since: 11/14/2011
Posts: 9,158
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Gym Class Heroes Should Be Pop Superstars
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Alright, America, I need you to explain something: As a nation, how did we let this happen to Gym Class Heroes?
I mean, sure, they’re popular. They’ve had two top ten singles, including last year’s irresistible hit “Stereo Hearts,” and in 2010, their frontman Travie McCoy delivered the solo smash “Billionaire.”
But they’re not popular enough. As of last week, their most recent album, The Papercut Chronicles II, has sold less than 64,000 copies. 64,000! That’s what Adele sold this morning!
If Gym Class Heroes were some kind of novelty band, then that miniscule total might be appropriate… but you guys! “Stereo Hearts” is the bomb. And that’s not just because of Adam Levine‘s sweet-ass hook. McCoy’s lyrics are delightfully clever, using surprising images to explain how much he loves his ladyfriend. “If I was just another dusty record on your shelf, would you blow me off and play me like everybody else?” Brilliant, y’all. Brilliant.
The band sustains this wit over multiple tracks. I don’t like their follow-up single “Ass Back Home” as much as “Stereo Hearts,” but it’s still a hot hit, and I do love their new single “The Fighter,” which features a massive chorus from Ryan Tedder.
Like so many recent songs, this one reaches out to bullied kids—these days, you can’t make a pop album without this kind of anthem—but it mixes up the formula with a little tough love. Recalling his own past, McCoy says, “Text book version of a kid going nowhere fast, and now I’m yelling ‘kiss my ass.’” Then he adds, “It’s gonna take a couple right hooks, a few left jabs, for you to recognize you really ain’t got it bad.”
In other words: You’re stronger than you think you are. A lot of people have survived hard times, and so can you.
And look… I’m not pretending this is the Gettysburg Address. This song is not going to change the world, but like so many Gym Class Heroes hits, it’s a well-crafted slice of pop that’s incredibly appealing, reasonably uplifting, and great for dancing. It extends Travie McCoy’s image as a thoughtful guy who can slide intelligence into a party rhythm, and it gives a guest vocalist the opportunity to shine.(Most pop-rap songs have featured singers, but “Stereo Hearts,” “The Fighter” and “Billionaire,” which features Bruno Mars, all let the guests do interesting work. They’re not just singing one line over and over. They’re playing around inside whole choruses.)
So what’s up? Gym Class Heroes have delivered three solid hits off their latest album, so why have so few people bought it? If LMFAO can sell almost 900,000 copies of their album, despite being a mindless novelty act, then why can’t an act that’s smart and equally catchy?
Or how about Foster the People? Like Gym Class Heroes, the “Pumped Up Kicks” band mixes sweet indie sounds and intelligent lyrics. If they can sell over 500,000 copies of their record, then where’s the love for Travie and Co.?
I want answers, people. This may be the greatest crisis facing our nation today.
Source: http://www.newnownext.com/gym-class-...stars/05/2012/
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I like this tea 
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Member Since: 8/27/2011
Posts: 36,557
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Member Since: 8/2/2010
Posts: 8,726
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They aren't that good sorry. They are singles artists.And just that.
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Member Since: 4/7/2009
Posts: 34,961
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Quote:
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Gym Class Heroes have delivered three solid hits off their latest album, so why have so few people bought it? If LMFAO can sell almost 900,000 copies of their album, despite being a mindless novelty act, then why can’t an act that’s smart and equally catchy?
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Although I'm not interested in their album.
edit:  I cannot at LMFAO almost being platinum - I had to double check, what rock have I been living under?
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Member Since: 5/14/2009
Posts: 34,871
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Yes,yes they should.
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Member Since: 11/14/2011
Posts: 9,158
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Quote:
Originally posted by ddeizaguirre
They aren't that good sorry. They are singles artists.And just that.
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That's stupid. Artists are artists, no matter if you sell albums or singles.
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Member Since: 5/3/2010
Posts: 26,013
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How much has their latest effort sold?
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Member Since: 8/27/2011
Posts: 36,557
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Quote:
Originally posted by ddeizaguirre
They aren't that good sorry. They are singles artists.And just that.
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As if LMFAO is any better, though? Not even close.
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Member Since: 9/25/2011
Posts: 2,394
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why....... 
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Member Since: 4/21/2012
Posts: 20,463
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I agree. Their last album is A+.
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Member Since: 6/15/2011
Posts: 5,842
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It wouldn't hurt if they were more popular, but I don't think the world of music would suffer greatly without their presence. But I'm only judging them by their singles, since I've never listened to their albums.
The writer has a point about LMFAO, though.
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Member Since: 10/31/2011
Posts: 16,937
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Being better than LMFAO isn't an achievement.
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Member Since: 12/31/2010
Posts: 26,257
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Sadly, the only 3 good songs on their latest album are the hits on the radio. Everything else is bleh.
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Member Since: 2/16/2010
Posts: 69,775
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I have started to like them more & more as time has progressed. They get better & better & catchier & catchier.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 4/24/2011
Posts: 8,547
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I agree. They should have more success.
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Member Since: 3/17/2012
Posts: 10,399
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Eh, I dont agree. The thing about their singles is that, they're literally the best and for the most part only good songs on their album. When I first heard PCCII, I easily guessed what would be singles. The rest of the album is pretty bland and boring.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 12/7/2008
Posts: 87,284
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Their particular song with "Estelle" is bop worthy 
But I have to see them yet release some feature-less singles to see if they can really smash 
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Member Since: 12/15/2011
Posts: 13,205
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Travie McCoy is amazing, I like his rapping and the tone of his voice. I believe he should go solo.
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Member Since: 4/13/2012
Posts: 3,421
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Member Since: 11/28/2011
Posts: 10,662
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Quote:
Originally posted by feuxtography
Eh, I dont agree. The thing about their singles is that, they're literally the best and for the most part only good songs on their album. When I first heard PCCII, I easily guessed what would be singles. The rest of the album is pretty bland and boring.
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This, exactly.
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