Insomniatic [ENHANCED]

Aly & AJ

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 10, 2007)
• Original Release Date: July 10, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Hollywood Records
• ASIN: B000Q9OD5S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,225 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Teen titans Aly & AJ don't sound like Heart, the powerhouse sister act whose hall-of-famer footsteps they hope to follow in, but it doesn't feel like an exaggeration to say they have as much talent. With their flowing blond hair, cool clothes, and gift for hitting the hype machine at just the right fame-boosting angles, they could easily carve out a career on somebody else's lyrics and a lame-o delivery. But the sisters Michalka have a lot more integrity than that: If Insomniatic, goes to show the pop-buying world anything, it's that not all youth-targeted acts deserve their featherweight reputations. The title track rocks hard, "Bullseye" borrows a Replacements vibe, and opener "Potential Breakup Song" pumps in pleasingly synth-y rhythms and sweet-heat attitude. Slighter tracks, including "Silence" and "I'm Here," showcase a sympathetic ear for teenage romantic tribulations, but overall Insomniatic is not for the drowsy--Aly & AJ are doing musical No-Doz for a new generation, and they're doing it right. I>--Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just another musician's opinion, July 12, 2007

By	Do_Re_Mi_Lexy (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

When I first heard their new single from this album, "The Potential Breakup Song" I was like, 'what in the world...' but the more I listened to it... it grew on me and now I really like it.
Aly and A.J have definitely matured with this album. Not only in the style of music, but in their lyrics and voices as well. This album showcases their talent in both singing and songwriting.
This album is a well put together collection of upbeat songs, slow songs, fun songs, somewhat deep songs, and you can tell through the lyrics that this album is more personal than 'Into the Rush'. This album takes on more of a rock genre feel to it than their debut album, but they pull it off successfully.

Some people give them grief saying that this album is not suitable for young children and that they have lost their status as role models, but the truth is that I don't agree. Yes, their lyrics have matured to the point where it may unsuitable for very young children, but at least they are able to express themselves without using profanity unlike many artists today or sing about sex, one night stands, and cheating and appear in provocative music videos in bed with guys, etc. like another Disney Channel alumnus Hilary Duff. These girls are what, 16 and 18 years old? or something along that range? Although the Disney Channel is targeted towards children, the fact is that these girls are not children and as musicians have the right and need to express themselves on a level appropriate for them and their age.

I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive about this album, but it is better and so much more than I had expected. Brava to the girls on a job well done and in avoiding the sophomore slump!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Potential Smash It!, July 10, 2007

By	Smiley Smile (Boulder, CO United States) - See all my reviews

Aly & AJ are back with a new Cd and a new sound. They have added new wave sonics- like synths & voice effects- which sound different than their previous work. While I loved the sound of " Into the Rush"- I realize that artists have to grow and try to keep up with the time. The sound may have changed but the great talent of the Michalka sisters remains. They have great voices and write all their own songs which are very personal mostly about breaking up and falling in love. While I like all the songs the standouts are Potential Breakup Song-the first single; Insomniatic , a hard rocker; Like Whoa, a really fun upbeat song; and Silence, the most beautiful song Aly & AJ have ever recorded!
There is also a great remix of Chemicals React - my all-time favorite Aly & AJ song.
The new sound and at times overwhelming production of the CD may put some peaople off- but I think the sincerity & talent of Aly & AJ will win over people who give it a try.
Aly & AJ remain fine singers and worthy role models and this CD is a potential smash hit in my book!

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely an improvement from Into The Rush, July 10, 2007

By	Parkin (PA) - See all my reviews

The CD Into The Rush had promise. You could tell that Aly & AJ could sing, and they wrote their own lyrics. The lyrics really spoke to teens. The problem was that the production was overly commercial, and it sounded a little too close to Hilary Duff. On Insomniatic, Aly & AJ really break free from the Disney label and any preconceived notions. Rockers "Closure," "Bullseye," and "Insomniatic" combine pop/rock with an edgy dance-ability. They are pretty hypnotic. The ballad "Division" reminds me of Abba and their pretty string sounds. Songs like "Silence" are dreamy pop; almost a little folky. The album ends with a solid remix of "Chemicals React." Insomniatic really lets Aly & AJ reach their potential. They have really matured while not losing the kind of style they started with.