ArtsEtc.
Trying to steal tween crown
Miley Cyrus rival tackles boys, young crushes on new CD
Looking for a print version?
Simply use your browser’s ‘Print’ command and a printer-friendly document will be generated automatically.
Also by Monica Hickey:
Sharing tools:
E-mail this article:
Just as star quarterback Aaron Rodgers plays in the shadow of a star every Sunday, Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) has been continually compared to Disney star Miley Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”).
With the release of Selena Gomez & The Scene’s first album, Kiss and Tell, Gomez is looking to come into her own by adding a musical dimension to her career. Although Gomez’s status is nowhere near that of Cyrus’ quite yet, her new album features pop-rock and dance styles that promise to strike a chord with her audience.
Unfortunately, Gomez’s upbeat songs like “Kiss and Tell,” “I Won’t Apologize” and “Falling Down” are so heavily distorted that it’s impossible to tell if she has any vocal talent. Instead of highlighting the voice she legitimately has, these songs consist of whiny, high-pitched layers that successfully mask any melody — or lack thereof. Despite the adolescent vocals, these songs provide a wide variety of rhythms and sounds, evoking an overall picture of middle school sleepover jams.
The more relaxed songs, however, are surprising. “I Promise You” and “The Way I Love You” are positive additions that highlight Gomez’s depth and truly display her voice. Although she’s no prima donna — her voice proves to be average — the courageous vulnerability sounds beautiful and deserves respect.
Despite the variety of sound, Gomez’s lyrics revolve around the same clichéd subject: boys. “Boy, you screwed up when you left me,” “Boy I am better off without you” and “Boy I love you” may as well be the words for every song. These themes may ring true in Gomez’s life and with a portion of her teenage audience, but she has a younger audience as well who benefit from role models who have interests other than juvenile relationships. Gomez would be more successful at being a true role model had she thought about more things to sing about other than boys.
“Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” stands out lyrically and is a bit satirical, paralleling Gomez’s struggle with the media comparing her to Cyrus, although, according to Wikipedia, Gomez did not write the song and does not claim any personal ties with the lyrics. The song includes a rap-like bridge, setting it apart from the rest of the album stylistically. The lyrics discuss people who crush her dreams and tell her the high odds of failure, ending with the message “I know I’m gonna get there someday/ It doesn’t help when you say/ It won’t be easy.”
Is Gomez Superbowl bound? Just as Rodgers methodically proves that he deserves the Packers’ love, Gomez’s Kiss and Tell is akin to a few short first down passes. Gomez has put herself out there cautiously and slowly. It’s no 60-yard touchdown, and chances are that people over 13 will not enjoy it, but it reaches her audience as a legitimate start from which a young musician may grow into a star.
2 1/2 stars out of 5.
3 Comments | Leave a comment
Leave a comment
Top Classified Ads (view all)
Place your classified ad online and have it show up here. Your ad will hit thousands of viewers a day!
DON'T READ ME! Too late. If you're reading this, guess how many other people are reading it. See... advertising in The Badger Herald does work!
IP hash: 3dca209f
I think Selena is a great rolemodel and actress. I think, personally that Miley gets herself into trouble too often to be considered a good role model. I look up to Selena. She is my hero.
IP hash: 2975e878
Miley is blessed with tons and tons of talent, both as a singer and as an actor. Selena may be a good role model, as is Miley, but her vocal chops are average at best, and her voice is not at all unique. I can’t remember Miley ever getting “into trouble”, such as breaking the law or something of that nature. I can remember media types trying to stir up controversy surrounding Miley, which is laughable at best. Miley is a superstar in the entertainment world, Selena is not her successor or even close.
IP hash: 8701863a
Miley blessed with tons of talent? are you serious? Miley has absolutely no talent…her music sucks and so does her acting and she is a horrible role model.
And Selena is not trying to steal anyone’s crown. She doesn’t want to be compared to Miley or anyone else for that matter. And she may not be the greatest singer but shes a great actress, way better than Miley will ever be. And her show is tons better as well. Good job Selena!