Albums: May 11, 2012

Karmin, Hello

Karmin’s pop covers scored a bazillion YouTube views thanks to singer Amy Heidemann’s post-everything ability to flip between fast-forward rapping and sweet radio squeak. Their debut delivers seven tracks of adorkable hip-pop originals, peaking with the kinetic power ballad “Coming Up Strong.” B —Kyle Anderson

Keane, Strangeland

After pumping up the jams on 2010’s Rocky-sampling Night Train, these U.K. hitmakers reclaim their wimpy-wistful sweet spot in pretty piano-pop tunes like “You Are Young” and “Silenced by the Night,” the latter of which could be Coldplay covering Sixpence None the Richer. Move along, tough guys. B —Mikael Wood