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14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
After the momentum of REPLAY, this is disappointing...., April 10, 2004
It was very shocking to me thay Play released another album, especially in such a short of time as the previous "Replay," which was released in June 2003. So, you could imagine my delight when I knew Play was releasing another album!! This time around, there is a new member, named Janet, who replaced the lead singer Faye, so that made me a bit nervous because Faye basically sang leads for everything because she had the best voice. Well after hearing Janet's vocals (who now does most of the leads) I AM blown away!! This 13 year old girl can wail JUST like Faye!! There are times when they sounds EXACTLY alike! It's a bit freaky! Because sometimes you forget it's not Faye! So the replacement, to me, made the chemistry better for Play. Now that's the vocal aspect of this review, the SONG review is a different story. Play, after releasing their 1st CD, went for a more mature pop and R&B sound, and it was amazing! I absolutely loved it! Now for this album, they've returned to their more poppy-Disney crowd, I think even more poppy then their 1st CD, which was a bit disappointing because I liked the new direction they were going in. Now, on to a song by song review of "Don't Stop The Music."everGirl - (3/5) I guess this song is meant for a show or an upcoming movie for Nickelodeon, so I've heard. It's the 2nd single from Don't Stop The Music. It's an okay song, I usually find myself skipping over it. Some parts of it are good and some other parts are a bit cheesy, but it's a cute song nonetheless. Don't Stop The Music (4/5) - I like this song. This song was originally for pop singer Robyn, who had already recorded a version of it, but somehow ended up being on Play's album! I'm glad it was because it's one of the better songs on the album. Every Little Step (5/5) - I LOVE this song! This is hands down my favorite song on the album. Here is another remake.. this was a hit for Bobby Brown back in the late 80s. It's a great song though, very cool and upbeat. One of the album's highlights. Girls Can Too (3/5) - This is probably the "edgier" song of the album, musically. It's very guitar driven which is really cool, but the lyrics are a little corny. I find myself skipping this song alot. Hand In Hand (5/5) - AWESOME SONG!! This along with Every Little Step are the best songs on the album in my opinion! This song is SO beautiful, from the melody and production, to the lyrics and the harmonies! A great ballad! I would love to see this song as a radio release. You Found Me (4/5) - Again, another Robyn song. This song is not bad, I like the vocal arrangements in the song, and the lyrics and melody are pretty cool, too. It's The Hard Knock Life (1/5) - I guess it's just me, but I don't like this song. And no matter who sings it I still won't like it! LOL - And that's the case here. The vocals are great! I just don't like this ANNIE song! Ain't No Mountain High Enough (5/5) - Another one of the album's best. This song was already recorded by Play for their 2nd album "Replay" and I don't know why it was added to this album. Usually I don't like it when artists keep putting the same songs on their albums for filler space, but I didn't mind with this one because I loved their version of it! The only difference is obviously Faye doesn't sing in it anymore, and Janet re-did her vocals. I love this version more! Janet vocals are better than Faye's! This classic is one of my favorite songs ever and Play's version is great! I love the vocal arrangements on the bridge! It's brings something cool and special to the song!! Amazing!! Seven (3/5) - Not particularly one of my favorites, but not a bad track. It's sounds a bit like Britney's "Toxic" to me! (in the beginning). It's a cute song, chorus is catchy. Another Love Story (4/5) - Another great ballad. The only thing I don't like is the chorus lyrics are SO cheesy, and that's why it's gets a "4"! The verses are great, but the chorus definitely should have been re-written!! I love this song because you get to hear leads from Anna and Rosie!! (A definitely first after hearing REPLAY!) -------------------------------
ALBUM PLUSES : FINALLY we hear leads from Rosie and Anna!! After Replay where Faye and Anais took EVERY LEAD and you NEVER heard a single solo word sung by Rosie or Anna, it's great to finally hear their voices and it's so cool how Anna's voice is SO mature now! (Listen to ANOTHER LOVE STORY) ALBUM WEAKNESSES : The sound change! They should have kept going in the direction of Replay. This album was obviously rushed, and the songs are altogether mediocre. I wish they could have hooked up with people like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for the uptempos, Diane Warren for the heart-wrenching ballads, and the Neptunes for an R&B feel.
I wish Columbia Records would invest more money into their productions and promotions. They would probably be more successful, and could have continued the success of "I Must Not Chase The Boys." This album has no mainstream radio release.
Columbia Records had their chance to make Play very big with the release of Replay, because that album was SO good, featuring writing and production of some of the best in the biz, and that's what this album lacks. I don't think this is going to win over the listeners of today's music. So overall, I like this album... because I'm a Play fan. I don't think this album will win over the listener's public. Fans of Radio Disney, and young kids will definitely like this. Unfortunately, I think this album will be forgotten, which is a shame. I don't think Play's gotten the promotion and the chance that they've deserved!
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