Music Review: High School Musical 2 Soundtrack
Relentlessly good-time fun is the name of the game on the soundtrack for Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2. This sequel delivers more of the same squeaky-clean, danceable messages about personal responsibility ("I wanna make it right/that is the way/to turn my life around/today is the day/Am I the type of guy who means what I say?/Bet on it"), friendship ("All for One"), and problem solving ("Work This Out"). High points are the irresistible single, "What Time Is It," an ode to summer fun; Sharpay's version of "You Are the Music in Me," delivered with gritty energy and style; and the gospel-choir-energized ending to "Everyday." A quirky bonus track, "Humuhumunukunukuapua'a," may remind some of the 1950s Disney Pineapple Princess, "Hawaianette" Funicello. The duet ballads veer especially close to drippy, so committed rockers will want to skip those tracks.
Fans may also enjoy the soundtrack to the recent hit movie Hairspray, and songs from the original High School Musical.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this CD is the one your kids have been waiting for. And it's good to know that Disney's soundtrack sequel delivers more of the same stuff that was found on the first one: family-friendly, danceable music, and gently positive anthems about friendship and self-esteem. Clothing brand names are mentioned in one song ("Fabulous") and the CD package is filled with ads for other CDs and products, but the overall message is upbeat, encouraging, and harmless.
Families can talk about all the hype that preceded the release of this CD. Did the "teaser" single make you want this one more, or did it feel like the record company just wanted to sell you the same product more than once? Now that you've heard the whole album, do you think it was worth the wait? Also, the song "Fabulous" celebrates buying expensive clothes. Do you think it's meant to be serious or tongue-in-cheek?
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