Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Ashley Tisdale's tween-friendly pop is appealing and bright. The lyrics are family-safe, but unsubstantial, flirting around the edges of sexual innuendo on a couple of tracks ("Baby I can see us movin' like that/Baby I can see us touchin' like that/Baby I can see us kissin' like that").
Families can talk about the trend among young stars to make references to their own new-found fame in song lyrics, in this case on the song "Suddenly." What would it be like to be a young star? What are the perks? What, if anything, would be the down side?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale comes across as cute, fun, and buoyant -- anything but headstrong -- on HEADSTRONG. She's had a lot of help from some heavy-hitters in the songwriting and production department, and it shows. The Matrix (credits include Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne), Scott Storch (Usher, Chris Brown), Kara DioGuardi (Gwen Stefani, Ashlee Simpson), Shelly Pieken and Guy Roche (Christina Aguilera), and Adam and Nikki Anders (Backstreet Boys, Sheryl Crow) all pitch in to make sure that even parents and older siblings with sophisticated musical taste will not be able to get these songs out of their heads. Rhythmic and catchy, frothy and fabulous, the beats will catch hold even though the lyrics are absolutely and instantly forgettable.
It's not that Ashley doesn't try to get a point across on a couple of songs. "Suddenly" is about the joys and worries of new-found fame ("Suddenly, people know my name/suddenly, everything has changed"). "Love Me for Me" is about politics in the Middle East -- well, acutally, it's about the importance of being yourself ("Love me for me/and not for someone I would never be/cause what you get is what you see…"), and "He Said, She Said" is an adorable tune about flirtation, the sexiest on the album ("Baby I can see us movin' like that/Baby I can see us touchin' like that").
Unfortunately, pedestrian rhymes and constant repetition of musical and lyrical hooks keep the poetry from taking flight. And even if these songs aren't that good, they'll definitely get stuck in your head regardless.
Ashley Tisdale fans will also enjoy Raven Symone, Aly & AJ, and (for self-referential songs about being a famous kid), Hannah Montana.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThe mildest suggestions on one or two songs ("Baby I can see us touchin' like that"). |
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Social BehaviorMild message of self-esteem and "girl power." |
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CommercialismOne jewelry store chain is mentioned; CD packaging not available for review. |
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