Ok, I finally bought this earlier this week and have listened two it several times. Here are my thoughts:
1.)
Welcome - Jump 5: Not a bad song or rendition. The problem is that it's essentially the same as Phil's, just by a different group. This song is way too new to warrant a spot on a project like Disney Mania. The fact that it's a catchy is song is all that saves this obvious promotional plug for Brother Bear from upsetting me.
2.)
True To Your Heart - Raven: Track #2 is even worse. Why not stick 98 Degrees' version on here?? They did it with Christina on the first one (I wasn't happy about that either- give us something new!) Still, that would have been preferable to remaking a song that sounds modern enough and is done by a still famous teen group. There's simply no point in remaking it. I do like Raven, though, and I find this to be a particularly strong vocal perfomance on her part. It could have been better spent on an updated version of a more classic song.
3.)
It's A Small World - Baha Men. Finally, an interesting spin to an older song. I think can everyone can appreciate this one. It's pretty catchy, and significantly (though not grossly) different than the original. It tends to get annoying, though, after about 45 seconds. Maybe that's because of the song itself- but I never get tired of the original (I realize that makes me the minority!) I think it has more to do with the Baha Men, who I like, but definitely get monotonous. This makes their 2nd Disney Mania appearance, and I think that's enough. At least they're doing something though.
4.)
He's A Tramp - The Beu Sisters. The first really impressive song on the album. I love it! I'd never heard of these girls before, but the lead singer has a VERY impressive range, and a soulful voice. I really like the jazzy spin they put on it (as you'll see, jazz is prevalent in this CD). The only downfall here is the commentary that the girls throw in... sing, don't talk. I know it's in the original, but it sounds childish here. But I guess that's who this is for
. Great song, though...better than the original (it takes an only decent song and makes it spectacular!). It also manages to stay very true to the original song while still really modernizing it (that can't be said for all tracks here). I wouldn't be surprised to see this video on an eventual Platinum LATT DVD
5.)
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah - Stevie Brock. Another solid update of an older song. This kid must be an unknown (after all, I've never heard of him
), but he sounds like a slightly more talented Aaron Carter. (And, as my roommate observed, Michael Jackson during his "ABC" days). I love the variations here, because it's different, but doesn't butcher it. The "doo-dah-day, zip-ippity, doo-dah-day-ee-ay" is really cool (that's where MJ comes in). Again, though, the commentary here is corny. Leave it out!
6.)
The Siamese Cat Song - Hilary & Haylie Duff. Very seductive! This is the third (possibly fourth) consecutive pleasing update on the album. Though it's certainly not the strongest, the instrumentation here (not the vocals-- they aren't bad, but not Hilary's best) really makes it a good listen. I often can't tell which girl is singing, but it sounds good either way. Oh, and I even like the added "We are former residents of Siam, there is no finer cat than I am" line, and the ensuing "There are no finer cats than we am."
I wouldn't be surprised to see this video on an eventual Platinum LATT DVD, either.
7.)
Circle Of Life - Disney Channel Circle Of Stars. I've posted on this one before. Bottom line- I like it. I really wish they would've gone with the Carmen Twillie version rather than the Elton John radio version, though. None of these kids are Whitney Houstons, but they aren't exactly William Hungs either. I think they sound good enough to make this a good song, and as a Disney channel fan, I even like the concept. Good video too!
8.)
A Whole New World - LMNT. Come on, this song deserves a bigger name with a better voice! It should have been the outstanding track on the CD, but it's only "just aiight for me, dawg." The intro is probably the most interesting part. The song's just not changed enough, and is even made a little boring and less stirring. Ruben Studdard should have done this! Still, I wouldn't be surprised if this is included as a music video on the Aladdin DVD (like Circle of Life and Once Upon A Dream from this CD).
9.)
Once Upon A Dream - No Secrets. I hated this at first. It's grown on me and I've come to like it now. It's certainly an updated version, and is fairly interesting. I don't like that they added a verse of lyrics, though. Boo! The video SUCKS!
10.)
Anytime You Need A Friend - The Beu Sisters. As much as I praised their first appearance on this CD, I'll do no such thing for the second. The song is an OK one, but it's on a sountrack that was JUST released, for a movie that is IN THEATERS. It does NOT deserve a spot on this CD! Unlike track #1, this one
is upsetting. Not because it's bad, or poorly performed (it's neither), it's just not outstanding, and doesn't deserve to be on the 2nd volume of this line.
11.)
The Second Star To The Right - Jesse McCartney. I really like this. The original sounds more like a score than a song, with the exception of just the "the second star to the right...". Now it's fun to listen to and doesn't become jaded or redundant. Good job, Jesse, whoever you are!
12.)
When You Wish Upon A Star - Ashley Gearing. I don't know who this girl is, but this song is INCREDIBLE! It's very bluesy, but also reminiscent of Christina Aguiler ballads (particularly those on her Christmas album). I have already cranked this one up a number of times. My 2nd favorite track on the album!
13.
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes - Daniel Beddingfield. I was a little scared when I first saw this- one of my very favorite Disney songs by Daniel Beddingfield??? Surprisingly, he does a fantastic job of actually singing the song with his unique but wonderful voice. It's a big band rendition of the song (a la Harry Conick Junior) and I looooove it. Hands down the BEST song on the CD, and worth the purchase (or at least the download, IF you can find it... good luck).
14.
Baroque Hoedown - They Might Be Giants. It's a little hard to update a largely instrumental techno tune from a parade. However, They Might Be Giants pull it off better than I thought it could have been done. Don't expect to hear their voices too much, though (duh!). I'm surprised (but pleased) that Disney went with this song to put on their CD. I wonder how they choose them??
Overall, a pretty good CD. There's a few really weak tracks, and a few really strong ones, and most are in between (pretty good). I recommend it, but it's NOT as good as the first Disney Mania. The talent here isn't nearly as well-known or diverse, and the selection of songs simply isn't as fresh or impressive. It still makes me hope for a 3rd Disney Mania, though... do you think we'll see one? If you buy it, you'll get the Circle of Life music video, and a link to a website for people who bought it that has various other tid bits and bonus features, including some music videos from both Disney Mania 1 and 2.
Anyone else care to share their thoughts? Anyone know how well it's selling?
-Aaron
