The Artists
The Camp Rock Soundtrack features performances by The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Meaghan Martin, Joe Jonas, Jordan Francis, Renee Sandstrom, Aaryn Doyle, and Roshon Bernard Fegan. Disney producers brought in the familiar names of Matthew Gerrard & Robbie Nevil, Jamie Houston, and Andy Dodd & Adam Watts from the Radio Disney stable to write hit songs for the soundtrack.
Other songwriters include Kara DioGuardi (current American Idol judge), Toby Gad (he's written hits for Milli Vanilli and Fergie), Pamela Sheyne (Christina Aguilera, Nick Lachey), Antonia Armato (Brenda K. Starr, Miley Cyrus), Tim James (Tiffany), and Adam Anders & Nikki Hassman-Anders (Backstreet Boys, High School Musical 3).
The Music
The whole cast kicks off the album with "We Rock," an anthemic shouter that would be right at home on a late-80's Kim Wilde LP, followed by "Play My Music," a typical Jonas Brothers guitar rocker. Joe Jonas goes solo on the ballad "Gotta Find You," then Jordan Francis is featured on two hip hop tunes, "Start the Party" and "Hasta La Vista" (featuring a Roshon Bernard Fegan rap).
Demi Lovato turns in the most rockin' tune on the Camp Rock Soundtrack, "Who Will I Be?", followed by her power ballad duet with Joe Jonas, "This Is Me." Lovato also teams up with Meaghan Martin and Aaryn Doyle on the moody anthem "Our Time is Here."
Renee Sandstrom turns in another power ballad with "Here I Am," a slick tune suited for any current female country star, and Meaghan Martin performs a couple of electro-pop songs, "Too Cool" and "2 Stars." Aaryn Doyle ends the album with the Timbaland-like "What it Takes."
The Verdict
Most of the songs on the Camp Rock Soundtrack neither propell the storyline, nor do they accomplish what they seemingly set out to do, that is, promote tween self-confidence. Rather than exploring the desired outcomes of a healthy self-worth (empathy, kindness, curiosity, openmindedness) the tunes on Camp Rock give off a "self-centered outlook on life" vibe, not something our kids need. Ultimately, what you're left with is essentially a promo for Radio Disney, and this attempt to exploit the success of the High School Musical franchise falls flat.
Released June 17, 2008; Walt Disney Records
