Kickin' It Together (by Michael and Marisa, Pop)

Michael and Marisa join the ranks of the Lollipopalooza set with a perky collection of songs filled with wholesome messages delivered with the subtlety of a sledgehammer and show-off guitar and drum licks. KICKIN' IT TOGETHER also has enough high-pitched, squeaky lead vocals to give Alvin and the Chipmunks a run for their rock 'n' roll money.

Many kids who've performed in school plays may end up thinking "I can write and sing at least as well," and it's probably true. Somehow, though, despite the preachy tone of the duo's original songs and their average-kid vocals, the project comes off sounding more charming than smarmy. But, assuming they really played the guitar and drum tracks (or most of them, anyway), Michael and Marisa's musicianship is the thing; there's some real talent here. The standout is "I think I'm Losing My Mind," a rocking, train-beat-energized track featuring both kids singing a double-harmony lead that works a whole lot better than either one solo. It's also fun to hear them drop their goody-two-shoes personas for a minute and sing about the real-life regret that comes after you screw up with someone important to you.

Released on: June 10, 2008
Label: All Together Records
Genre: Pop