Celebrate youth!

        In light of our youth issue, it would be apt to say that nothing captures the vibrant and youthful spirit more than the movie - High School Musical (HSM). Random people bursting into song and dance - man, sometimes I wish NUS had that.

        But first, let me admit that I am not a particularly huge HSM fan. Alas, having a younger sister who constantly replays the soundtrack of the musical does nothing to help block out any of the songs from my memory.

        However, it wasn't long before I found myself humming to the songs as well. (Imagine "Get'cha Head in the Game" playing repeatedly in your head while trying to do integrations during your Mathematics exam)

        Infectious and upbeat, it is little wonder then that the HSM soundtrack climbed to the #1 spot on the Billboard Charts in March 2006, with its single "Breaking Free" attaining platinum status.

        Sadly, for me though, the HSM2 soundtrack fell short of the high expectations that had been laid out for it from the phenomenal success of its predecessor. The spark that was ubiquitous in the first soundtrack was lacking in the second.  

        The soundtrack starts off with a bang, with "What Time Is It" - the perfect song for the school holidays. Just crank up your stereo whenever the song comes on and you're guaranteed to relive your summer vacation no matter what.

        The songs after the first track carry on the cheery spirit but the album abruptly takes on a melancholic turn on "Gotta Go My Own Way", sang by Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens), which reminds me too much of the first soundtrack's "When There Was Me and You", complete with sappy lyrics.

        The soundtrack only picks up during "All for One", which suspiciously looks (and sounds) like a remake of "We're All in This Together", though the song does take on a rock 'n' roll twist - think girls with side ponytails and white hoop earrings, and Elvis-inspired hair for the guys.

        Overall, the album is too much like the first, though it does include a brand new solo for Chad (Corbin Bleu) in "I Don't Dance". The songs are basically similar and to prove my point, I can match the songs in the second soundtrack to their similar-sounding counterparts from the first album, if need be.

        However, it might still appeal to the tween crowd, who would love something similar, and perhaps only care about getting their hands on yet another HSM merchandise.

        For the indifferent lot of us out there, well, it's better to get the first one. So, purchase HSM2 soundtrack only if you're a true-blue fan! HOOKED

hooked's rating: 3/5

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