Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
32 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Over the hill (and far away), August 9, 2008
If you're over the hill (i.e. past your tween years) then this probably isn't your kind of music. Like the Jonas Brothers et al, this is bubblegum pop, targeted at a new generation of music fans - after all, each generation needs SOMETHING to raise the hackles of their parents.
Cyrus co-wrote eight of the twelve tracks on the album, and two of the remaining four are covers. Surprisingly, after a few dozen listening experiences from the confines of the car, there are a few tracks that have grown on me, or perhaps I've grown accustomed to her voice.
The safe tracks are "Breakout" (one of the tracks she didn't write); "7 Things"; "Full Circle"; "Simple Song" (another one she didn't write); "Goodbye" and "See You Again". (Actually, the ones I've picked are the ones where she sounds like Avril Lavigne). There's also "Fly on the Wall" which sounds like a G-rated Pussycat Dolls song.
Warning!! If you're a fan of `80s music it's advisable to skip track four, as you don't wanna listen to this version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" (Trust me on this one)
Rated:
For tweens 4.5 stars
For old coots 3 stars
Recommended as a gift for that special tween on your list
Amanda Richards, August 9, 2008
|
|
|
31 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Embarrassed to like this CD? No way..., July 22, 2008
Ok, so I'm 32 and have NO KIDS, yet I bought this album, much to the surprise of my husband. I admit I've watched my fair share of Hannah Montana episodes and I even have a Hannah Montana ringtone. Do I get flack about this from my oh-so-grown-up friends? You bet. Do I care? Not really. The truth is Miley Cyrus, dressed up as Hannah Montana or in her own persona, is adorable. She exudes a charm that has preteen girls and their moms alike captivated. She's somehow managed to suck me in, as well. I can't explain it, but I had to purchase this CD the day it was released.
Having already been hooked on 7 Things I was a little disappointed that none of the other tracks have quite the same infectiousness of her lead single. But that's not to say there isn't plenty worth listening to. The title track, Breakout, comes closest to 7 Things in energy and attitude and made me relive my high school days, longing for the freedom that only 3:30 knew. Miley is at her best here, embracing her youth and singing about what she should know well. Several of the other tracks, notably Full Circle and Bottom of the Ocean, showed an unexpected maturity - so much so that I was suprised to see her name amongst the writing credits. However, because of this maturity they felt a little disjointed. How could a 15 year old have anything worthwhile to say about heartbreak, after all? But you just have to remove yourself from the knowledge that this girl is so young and a product of Disney. Try telling yourself that this is a brand new artist and you know nothing about her. It's easy to believe that this singer, with her deep voice, heartfelt vocals and expereienced vocal interpretation, is appropriate for the adult contemporary audience. Sure, there is a notable lack of sexual undertones and profanity common in this genre, but I for one felt somewhat refreshed by that. I don't need to hear the F-word to know I'm a grown-up. Nor is my adult status challenged by the success of this teenage phenomenon.
I'm not sure why some haters out there feel the need to scrutinize everything this young lady does. The truth is she is far more talented musically than Britney, Hillary or many of the other teenbots that have graced us over the past decade. Give the girl a chance to learn and grow into the artist she has the potential to become. In the meantime, accept her music for what it is - fun, youthful but with enough substance to listen to without kids in the car.
|
|
|
24 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true step up, July 23, 2008
The true test of a tween pop album is how much it grows on you. And while this album isn't exactly tween, it definitely passes that test with flying colors. In the first listen, I didn't quite catch its magic, but even by the second listen it had begun its move up to one of my favorite cds. It certainly does show that Miley is growing up, and it showcases her talent in a way the Hannah Montana albums could not. Typical tween is about catchy melodies and snazzy production, and Miley's done that well in the past, but in this album we find that hidden behind all of that is a voice that can carry the kind of depth and emotion that makes an artist. It also reveals a kind of maturity that didn't show up on Hilary Duff's albums until she was 20.
The first track, Breakout, is less than exceptional. It's basically in the same vein of "We've Got the Party" and could have come straight off of a Hannah Montana album. Which is good enough in itself, but it doesn't quite fit into this album that's strength is the way in which it moves beyond the typical tween.
7 Things is, of course, one of the most highly addictive songs out there, and Fly On The Wall is right up there with it. I really like the edge both of these have, and I would love to get more like these from Miley in the future.
As far as the cover of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun goes, Miley is of course no Cyndi Lauper. But Miley's version is sung with some kind of feel of pathos or desperation that was totally missing from the original, which may not be what she intended, but it makes for a very interesting track.
The cover of These Four Walls is definitely far better than the original. In comparing Miley's cut to Cheyenne Kimball's, the real depth and emotion that Miley's got becomes totally apparent. Despite the fact that Miley's is much younger, she sings with a great deal more maturity and artistry. And the country feel of this track really suits Miley.
Full Circle and Simple Song are two of the gems of this album. Simple Song in particular is very beautiful and a little heartbreaking. It both makes you admire Miley's talent and mourn a little for what she's lost because of it.
All in all, what Breakout shows is that Miley is not just another tween pop sensation, but a true artist with a real capacity for growth. I do wish we could give her the grace to grow a little more out of the spotlight. But this album does show that Miley's fame is not just the result of Disney marketing and a Wal-Mart product line. She's got real talent. And this is one adult fan who can't wait for more.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.
by Miley Cyrus 
