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Paper Tongues, of Charlotte, NC, plays for the people. Fusing massive rock n' roll melodies with fiery hip hop beats, the Charlotte band conjures an infectious, incendiary sound on their A&M/Octone debut. Embracing elements of rock, funk, rap and soul, seven individuals have created something you haven't before. It's music for dancing, crying, loving and living. Paper Tongues are a collective of artists, and this record is their first masterpiece.

The Paper Tongues self-titled debut album was produced by: Brian West (Nelly Furtado, K'Naan, Bela Fleck), Mark Endert (Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, Madonna), John Fields (Switchfoot, Jimmy Eat World), and up-and-coming producer, Nicolas Balachandran.

User Reviews about Paper Tongues

Paper Tongues' self-titled debut LP is unlike anything you've ever heard before. It's an oddly absorbing mish-mash of hip-hop, pop, alternative rock, and yes... they even dabble in some pseudo-country. What led me to this album was their live show, which was an accordingly strange experience. What was made evident to me in that setting, and even more so upon listening to this record, is their undeniable ability to craft a great melody.

Each song features at least one highly memorable hook, even when the lyrics get a bit self-serious or self-indulgent. It's no surprise that they caught the ear of Randy Jackson (of American Idol fame). He took a risk in signing this band - they're anything but a sure thing as a commercial success - but, for all their shortcomings (they can be lyrically and musically trite at times, bordering on annoying), they have an undeniably unique sound that could, nay, should turn heads.

This is a genre-bending, format-crossing release that manages to be equal parts inspiring, puzzling, daring, predictable, but most of all, unforgettable. It's definitely worth checking out as it has something to offer for all tastes. The band may not be able to get away with this "be all things to all people" approach again, but this time out, it works in their favor. -- Hooks, hooks, and more hooks.

This album rocks. It's that simple. You can listen to it all the way through without hitting the skip button. I saw this group live in Charlotte, NC and they got my attention. It's definitely a CD worth buying. -- Great album

Paper Tongues' debut deserves to ride a roller coaster to the top of the charts. Their fresh blend of rap, rock, and soul are a breath of fresh air in a music industry that often is inundated with copycat performers who don't stretch the envelope of creativity. From the opening notes of "Trinity," the listener is captivated by the band's solid musicianship, Aswan North's incredible vocals, and the band's positive, uplifting lyrics. This is a song that you can listen to a hundred times and not get tired of it. Same goes for the explosive rap workout, "Ride to California," and the chugging, rhythmic "Get Higher," a #1 hit song if ever I heard one. Through all ten tracks, Paper Tongues prove that this new decade is starting off to a promising start musically. Manager Randy Jackson should bring this band onto American Idol to perform so they receive the attention they deserve. This band should be breaking big and burning up the charts, as all ten tracks could be hit singles. If you have not bought this album, what are you waiting for? It is essential and signals a bright future for the music industry. Bravo! -- The Best New Band and Best Album of 2010!

I have not been a big fan of alternative/(indie)punk rock, but after listening to these guys my view has changed. They are absolutely freakin awesome! -- best