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 ... more »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« less
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
"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."
Just another musician's opinion
Do_Re_Mi_Lexy | New York, NY | 07/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
Potential Smash It!
Smiley Smile | Boulder, CO United States | 07/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
A Wonderful Sophomore Album
Bando | 07/26/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I suppose I should state my credentials to start with. To put things in perspective... I am both a music enthusiast and producer. I listen to all genres both popular and not. I also do a great deal of studio work, so I know how to admire a well produced album. Anyway, enough about me, let's review.
In most cases, bubblegum pop has long been completely disregarded by the serious bulk of the music world. No one wants to listen to the lip sink melodies of the Ashley Simpsons of the pop world. Neither do we want to hear the next Britney Spears clone, bringing shallow lyrics and tired hooks to the table over and over again. Even further, let's be honest with ourselves. The majority of radio play now is trash. Mass media music and MTV hype has taken over and there seems to be no end in sight. But this is besides the point, and has been talked about too much already. My fellow music enthusiasts reading this will all agree I'm beating a dead horse.
By late 2005 I had lost most faith in the bubblegum pop genre and its ability to produce catchy yet thoughtful albums. Even breakout artists like Hilary Duff seemed to be careening into pools of market garbage and catering to a seemingly dumber audience than when they started. My doubts we're relieved when I heard a new single from a breakout duo Aly and AJ. After some short research, I recognized the former sister as a minor Disney Channel star. So it warranted little question why they had achieved popularity in the music scene. Curiosity killed the cat and I simply had to buy these two sister's album to see what could be in store. It should be said, my expectations weren't very high. But the duo floored me. What ensued was a well produced, thoughtful, musically sensible, and surprisingly mature pop album. What can I say? The hooks were smart. The songs were uncontrived. Clearly Disney had found a double sided gem. But the question still remained. We're these girls a one shot success at an attempt for Disney to score some quick cash? The absence of Lip Sinking gave promise. I hoped.
Flash forward to 2007. "Potential Breakup Song" is released and I am unimpressed. It was immature, overly poppy, and cheap...like all singles of its kind. Still, I had a feeling the rest of the coming album would be gold. My feeling was right. I picked Insomniatic up immediately, and devoured its contents. The Michalka sisters had struck again.
It's evident from first listen that the duo has obviously grown up a bit. The musical styles have become more diverse since Into The Rush. The instrumentation being more mature, and the lyrics slightly more thought out, being mostly about typical teenage girl problems...being boys. But not to worry. They are sincere. And it shows.
The first track, Potential Breakup song, is a weak cookie cutter single...probably the most contrived and uneventful song on the album. I won't dwell on it however. The later is brilliant.
"Bullseye" is a fast paced rocker reminiscent of a softened John 5 riff. Complete with a catchy chorus. This song does a great job of getting us pumped for the rest of the album. "Closure" is one of the first great songs on Insomniatic. The lyrics remain thoughtful with a backdrop of sad yet upbeat hooks. The song ends with a soothing backwards spoken melody easing us into the next song. "Division" may well be my favorite track off Insomniatic. It retains originality, innovation, fine melody, and great lyrics. Everything about this song is just great. The instrumentation especially is genius. Cuddos to the sessioneers. I can't say enough good things about this track.
"Like it or Leave It" starts the album back up with some fast paced pop-rock fervor. The melodies and beats in this song really have a way of blending against each other to make for a nice overall feeling.
The next three track on the CD could be called filler, but that's not to say they're bad at all. "Like-Whoah" is sure to be an instant radio success. While "Insomniatic" and "Silence" refuse to be picked over by using catchy hooks and ear pleasing melodies. You can't help but admire the consistency here. "If I could Have You Back" takes a turn for the more techno heavy, electronic influenced side of the sisters, sounding half rave, half rock song. Which brings forth another of the album's stellar qualities: genre mixing.
"Blush" suddenly turns the table and opens up a whole new sound for sister Alyson Michalka. The slow but sweet piano crooning along with the lyrics about a secret love proves to be one of the best and most unique tracks on the CD.
Normally this is the part where most albums of this caliber start to lose their luster, but the last 3 tracks go out with a bang.
"Flattery" could well be the best composed song here, with wonderful instrumentation and yet another amazing vocal performance from the sisters. "I'm Here" takes another slow sad turn, but instead proves to be a heart moving ballad with one of the catchiest choruses on the album. The bass line warrants compliment too. Finally, the remix of "Chemicals React" winds up the CD, delivering another version of the already great single. You almost wish it wasn't over.
So why 4 stars? Obviously most everything I've said so far has been resoundingly positive in most respects, which goes to show, there are many great things to be said about this album. It's consistent, innovative, heartfelt, mature, and well produced to say the least. However, while "Insomniatic" does break a lot of original barriers for the pop realm, it isn't exactly reinventing the term. There are of course, a few parts in some songs I felt could have been done slightly better...but those are minor annoyances. I should probably tag this a 4 and 1/2. It really comes close to perfection. I'll be eager to hear more from the sisters in the future."
Aly & AJ continue their ride
David J. Sylva | Mount Airy, MD USA | 07/12/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In the "Aly & AJ in Concert" DVD, the girls asked us to join them "on the ride" (of life) with them. Unfortunately, as they matured, these uber-popular teen celebrities hit the bumpy road of relationships. As a result of both their maturity and recent experiences, this "experimental" album delves into the hope, disappointment, and anger of these complicated relationships - on a more mature level. Not all songs (particularly "Blush") are appropriate for my 9-year-old daughter. This album should be appealing to 12 - 18 year olds - the demographic that Aly (18) & AJ (16) are targeting. The album is well-produced (better than "Into The Rush") and the songs range from fast-paced ("The Potential Breakup Song" and "Like Whoa") to the ballads ("Closure", "Division", and "Silence" - my favorites). For the best results, this album should be listened to (versus heard) several times to understand the messages and appreciate the musical talent of singers, writers, and musicians.
P.S. The two different bonus songs that can be purchased on the Target exclusive or Wal-Mart exclusive do not greatly enhance the album."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
