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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Jesse McCartney cut his pop-star teeth in boy bands. The Sugar Beats and Dream Street veteran has also appeared in the WB drama "Summerland." His debut solo album, BEAUTIFUL SOUL is an unusually successful actor/singer crossover pop CD. Unlike some similar recent efforts (Lindsay Lohan comes to mind), Jesse's performances feel honest and natural. He delivers safe, pleasant, and well-produced tunes that stop short of becoming too saccharine. Mostly love songs, the lyrics and delivery make the singer seem like a sensitive sweetie-pie. As it happens, he co-wrote four of the best songs on the album: "She's No You," "Get Your Shine On," "That Was Then," and "What's Your Name?"

Is It Any Good?

4

It helps that this kid can really sing. And that he's absolutely adorable to look at, with a sense of style and dynamic that you either have or you don't. The song lyrics don't say a whole lot, but they say it over interesting rhythm tracks, on tunes that show off Jesse's musical and vocal strengths. His voice, delivery, and charisma -- combined with top-notch production and some more-than-halfway-decent material -- make for a surprising, refreshing, and delightful pop music debut from this surefire teen heartthrob.

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