Various Artists - Camp Rock Review

History teaches us not to dismiss kiddie pop. Stevie Wonder was once Little Stevie Wonder, just as Lil Wayne was once little Lil Wayne, child gangsta rapper. And let's not forget ex-Mouseketeers Britney and Justin. Purists disdain teenybopper music as cynical pap, foisted on the young by Svengalis who lurk in the shadows, counting money. But bubblegum can be a great farm system, honing skills that pay dividends in later life.

Lately, Disney's kiddie pop has been plenty profitable, with High School Musical and Hannah Montana seemingly the only bulwarks against the collapse of the record business. Unlike Britney and her cohorts in the Nineties teen-pop boom, Disney's current stars are G-rated, easing tweeners' transition to adolescence with music that replicates the sounds of the Top 40 while leaving out the sex and complicated emotions. That's the case with Camp Rock, whose soundtrack offers vanilla takes on "Since U Been Gone"-style rock ("Our Time Is Here") and dance pop ("Hasta la Vista"). But the many self-esteem anthems ("Here I Am," "This Is Me," etc.) grade into narcissism — are they really instilling the right values? The bright spots here are Joe Jonas, who delivers pathos on the power ballad "Gotta Find You," and Disney's new ingénue, Demi Lovato, who bears down with a ferocity that suggests, when her inevitable solo album comes out, things could get interesting....full text The music....that's what the movie is all about! The soundtrack's got a handful of nice songs. "This is Me" by Demi Lovato and "Gotta Find You" by Joe Jonas are the highlights of the album. A mix of pop and a dash of slow rock make this album really good. This is a must have for all you Jo Bro lovers out there! Demi Lovato impresses with her clean voice and Joe Jonas brings in his charm with "Gotta Find You" which touches your heart. Another wonderful ......full text If your tween is having Disney made-for-TV movie withdrawal waiting for High School Musical 3, this summer will provide the cure with a little candy-coated rock on the CAMP ROCK SOUNDTRACK, the music to the newest original movie. The film, about a prestigious rock camp, features the hit familial songsters Jonas Brothers, along with newcomer Demi Lovato, and has plenty of positive messages about being yourself and reaching for the stars.
Is it any good?
4
The Jonas Brothers are already a sensation, but don't expect this favorite tween band to dominate this soundtrack; the songs offer lots of new musical talent that we're sure to hear more from. "Gotta Find You" is a sweet, sappy solo featuring Joe Jonas on one version, and is also incorporated into a great duet with Demi Lovato titled "This is Me." The Jonas Brothers do lend their rockin' ways on the catchy hit "Play My Music", with Joe Jonas belting the chorus confession that music is in his soul.

On the synth-side, check out "What it Takes," a fun '80s throwback from Aaron Doyle, and "Start the Party," an R&B/pop tune from Jordan Francis that'll get everyone dancing. Meaghan Martin struts her sassy "Sharpay" ways as a mean girl on "Too Cool," but unfortunately, this is one track that falls short with its off-key high notes and a vocal range that might make some cringe. Missed notes aside, you gotta give it to Disney, which always promotes positive messages about being who you are. The Camp Rock Soundtrack is no different, with good pop-rock and fun beats to keep your kids groovin' through the summer....full text