Demi Lovato - Don't Forget

I guess there's a first time for everything. I never expected to buy any product of Hollywood Records; the Mouse's pop factory. But I was very impressed with the video for "Get Back" off of Demi's album Don't Forget.

Well, now I can tell you that the rest of the album makes good on the promise. Its a pop debut which isn't afraid to rock. Demi occasionally gets into the squeeky "Britneyesque" thing which has taken over pop. But most over her vocals are powerful veering towards a level of raw enthusiasm as befits the heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics. Many of the tracks that start with a pop-sensibility end up rocking out.

One of the things evident in the video and on the album is Demi's respect for the musicianship of her collaborators. She lets the guitars wail and the drummer show off. I never got the sense that most tween idols are really "with" the band. But Demi gives her guys props and knows when to step back and let them shine.

Yes, the Jonas Brothers show up and assisted Demi in the writing; they also play on one of the tracks. While I'm no fan, I respect the fact that they do it all themselves. They're promoted by the Mouse, but they aren't a product of the Mouse. Methinks that this degree of independence from the glove that feeds one will be a healthy influence on Demi.

Demi co-wrote 9 of the 11 tracks. The one which is hers in its entirety is every bit as good as the rest of the album. I hope that this is the start of a long recording career.

Dante