Disney star proves she's a force to be reckoned with
If you think Christina Aguilera is the only made-by-Disney singer that deserves to be taken seriously, Demi Lovato, the sweet, smiley girl from Camp Rock, is set to prove you wrong. Her debut album Don't Forget offers Jonas Brothers-esque rock songs that are too infectious to forget, and musical flair that threatens to knock Miley Cyrus off her teen idol throne.
The 16-year-old shares her style, attitude and beliefs in this surprisingly well-crafted album dominated by pounding pop-rock treats. Co-written, co-produced and co-performed with her good friends the Jonas Brothers (JB), this album is definitely going to be a big hit among JB fans - that is, almost anyone aged 7 to 17.
The record opens with Lala Land, a bouncy, electric-rock track about staying true to yourself. Lines like 'I'm not a supermodel, I still eat McDonald's' and 'Who said I can't wear my Converse with my dress' are sure to get approval from tweenage girls and their parents. Her emotional singing soon gives way to a raging guitar riff and thumping bass line.
Lead single Get Back is an upbeat anthem about dating. Again, Lovato swiftly swaps from gentle begging at the start to an almost hysterical don't-mess-with-me snarl. This track will lodge itself firmly in your head.
The Camp Rock reunion occurs in On The Line, a love duet featuring JB. JB fans may be disappointed to hear their idols effectively resigned to backing vocalists, but they pull off a great performance of the vocally challenging song.
Title track Don't Forget is a sentimental number that is perhaps too dark for a Disney album. The jumpy piano chords, violin and lonesome echoes make Lovato's light whisper even more vulnerable. But the song's awkwardly arranged - if the far-too-short section of loud, explosive rock were longer, it would make a great rock ballad.
Other highlights include Two Worlds Collide, a song dedicated to the singer's actress best friend Selena Gomez, and the fun Party which is perfect for summer.
While some songs are a bit repetitive, on the whole Don't Forget is a satisfactory debut with undeniably more hits than misses.
