Disney Channel Playlist - Various Artists

Album: Disney Channel Playlist Artist: Various Record Label: Walt Disney Records, 2009

Review:  I have to remember that I am an adult listening to an album of music designed, targeted and marketed to tweens.  I say that because this album doesn’t move me personally, however I’m sure young tweens will love it.  It is a collection of various artists who all already have successful recordings on their own.  This album is like the greatest hits of the all-stars of tween pop music.  The Jonas Brothers, Hannah Montana, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and The Cheetah Girls all have songs on this album.  Younger tweens will know these artists and love the music.  Themes are growing up, parties, friendship, believing in oneself, following your heart, self-confidence and self-discovery.   By far, the most popular song on the album is a duet with Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato called “One and the Same.”  Wanting the audience to identify with them, they sing “You rock out in your room, I rock a world premiere, We're more alike than, Anybody could ever tell.” The Jonas Brothers rock the playlist with “Live to Party” singing “You gotta live to party, bust your move, Everybody’s in the groove, Tell the DJ to play my song, Are you ready to rock and roll?”  Not my kind of lyrics, but it works for the young tweens.  Hannah Montana is singing “Let’s Get Crazy” in a pounding dance beat and she inspires her audience to “Just be courageous, this style’s contagious, Everyone can rock out like a superstar.”  The Cheetah Girls are not to be outdone as they join in the party and invite the listener to “Dance Me if You Can.”  Young tweens will probably learn their first dance moves with this album and then look back five years later and wonder what they were thinking. 

Genre: Pop rock, Pop

Interest Level: Ages 8 and up.