Spring Break
'Speed of Light' provides fun tween pop
Andrea Kahn
Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: Focus
If the name Corbin Bleu rings any bells, it's probably because you've been exposed to the tween sensation "High School Musical." Bleu is continuing the Disney trend of starring in television shows and bit parts in movies, then exploding onto the music scene with a big smile and cleaner-than-clean lyrics.
On the Disney-owned label Hollywood Records, Bleu's newest album, "Speed of Light," may not be a top choice for anyone interested in a pop album, but there is no reason to pass over it just yet.
Most noticeably is the likeness of Bleu's voice to Akon, who I honestly believed was in some of the tracks. Other than that oversight, the vocals are standard Disney fare. Bleu is autotuned in most of his songs, but there is never any moment where he sounds grievously offensive.
The album's first single, "Moments That Matter," will quickly remind listeners that Bleu is still a Disney teen idol. Though his songs never touch upon anything risqué, "Moments That Matter" goes out of its way to force its preachy point home: "Cause I know I got friends, trust, family and love / All around me, that should be enough." The title track is standard synth-heavy pop-rock, as are most of the upbeat songs.
"Speed of Light," "Paralyzed" and "Rock 2 It" (which sounds an awful lot like Akon's "Right Now (NaNaNa)") cover such topics as waiting for a girl dancing with a girl, and looking at girls. As previously stated, though, the album is free from any kind of profanity or lewdness, making this album a smash hit at those middle school ice cream socials.
Out of the 12 tracks, there are only two or three real ballads to be mentioned. Like "Moments That Matter," tracks like "Close" and "Angel Cry" are reminiscent of pop ballads of old, though maybe not as heartfelt as, say, "Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely" by The Backstreet Boys.
Again, this album is not at the top of most college kids' lists. But, it's not offensive and it's almost kind of fun. The cherry on top is that all the tracks can be found on his MySpace page. It's no "Aaron's Party," but it's worth checking out if you don't mind a watered-down version of Justin Timberlake.
On the Disney-owned label Hollywood Records, Bleu's newest album, "Speed of Light," may not be a top choice for anyone interested in a pop album, but there is no reason to pass over it just yet.
Most noticeably is the likeness of Bleu's voice to Akon, who I honestly believed was in some of the tracks. Other than that oversight, the vocals are standard Disney fare. Bleu is autotuned in most of his songs, but there is never any moment where he sounds grievously offensive.
The album's first single, "Moments That Matter," will quickly remind listeners that Bleu is still a Disney teen idol. Though his songs never touch upon anything risqué, "Moments That Matter" goes out of its way to force its preachy point home: "Cause I know I got friends, trust, family and love / All around me, that should be enough." The title track is standard synth-heavy pop-rock, as are most of the upbeat songs.
"Speed of Light," "Paralyzed" and "Rock 2 It" (which sounds an awful lot like Akon's "Right Now (NaNaNa)") cover such topics as waiting for a girl dancing with a girl, and looking at girls. As previously stated, though, the album is free from any kind of profanity or lewdness, making this album a smash hit at those middle school ice cream socials.
Out of the 12 tracks, there are only two or three real ballads to be mentioned. Like "Moments That Matter," tracks like "Close" and "Angel Cry" are reminiscent of pop ballads of old, though maybe not as heartfelt as, say, "Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely" by The Backstreet Boys.
Again, this album is not at the top of most college kids' lists. But, it's not offensive and it's almost kind of fun. The cherry on top is that all the tracks can be found on his MySpace page. It's no "Aaron's Party," but it's worth checking out if you don't mind a watered-down version of Justin Timberlake.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Christina
posted 3/19/09 @ 1:09 PM EST
You know, he's a very talented young man. Speed Of Light isn't just for the "tween" population, but anyone above that can listen to it and well...not grimace. (Continued…)
Liberty
posted 3/19/09 @ 9:26 PM EST
I have to agree with you christina. Corbin is extremely talanted and deserves a lot more respect than what he's given. I think that it's great that his music isn't pushing lyrics all about sex and doing drugs like a lot of music today. (Continued…)
Post a Comment