Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

At only thirteen years of age Aaron Carter has managed to become a true teeny bopper pop star. Originally from Tampa Florida, Aaron was born on December 7th, 1987, twin to sister Angel.
Aaron's singing career began at age seven, when he and some friends formed a band called Dead End. The group later disbanded due to musical differences, but that didn't stop this kid. He spent all his free time practicing his moves and taking vocal lessons. He also had a huge inspiration in older brother Nick, who is part of the megastar quintet that makes up the Backstreet Boys. In 1998 Aaron released his self-titled debut on Adel Records. The album was a hit and set the ground work for his up effort in 1999 entitled Surfin' USA, which, of course, included a cover of the Beach Boys classic. With the release of his second album Aaron soon became a teen sensation, supporting national acts like Brittany Spears world wide. In the fall of 2000 he released the double platinum Aaron's Party (Come Get It) which made this kid a teen sensation and a household name.

After his initial multi platinum success, fans have eagerly awaited this new release, and I expect it will ignite and burn just as his last Jive release did. The album was produced by a team of industry experts, including Brian Kierulf, Josh Schwartz, Scorpio, Rose & Foster, Andy Goldmark. Its ten pop loaded tracks also feature guest appearances by big brother Nick Carter and Jive Records new all girl pop sensation, No Secrets. You can catch big brother Nick's contributing voice in the track "Not Too Young, Not Too Old" and in the calypso tune "Oh Aaron", which is about Nick rescuing Aaron from trouble when he promises an abundance of free tickets for friends wanting to attend a Backstreet show.

Aaron's cover of the 1983 "Break My Stride" hit called "Stride (Jump On The Fizzy)" has Aaron rapping over the chorus the original and adding his own unique flavor to the song. Although Carter tries to hone his rapping skills throughout the album, there is one sappy ballad included, "I'm All About You," which I'm sure will have his girl teen fans hanging on every word and shedding oceans of tears while they listen. It does show the growth of Aaron's voice and the maturity he has developed. On "The Kid in You" Carter vows "When I get a little older, I'm gonna change things" and then "I'll never forget what being a kid is/Even though I make a lot of dough/I keep it real ... To have fun is my point of view" raps Aaron.

Most of the tracks are upbeat and catchy, but there is some pop infused in the mix in the way of 'Hey You,' the memorable 'Come Follow Me,' and the dance ready 'Baby It's You.' He throws in a smidgen of funk with "Not Too Young" that soon turns digital and features Aaron's Backstreet bro. It's a song about getting girls, fast cars, tiny pagers, and music industry competition . It also has an untitled hidden track that appears after "Cowgirl (Lil' Mama)."

I think this is a great party album for kids, with it's foundation in funky synth bass, drum loops, and commercial hooks, Oh Aaron sticks with the same dance-pop formula that made Carter's last album a hit; cheesy lyrics, techno beats, and Carter's rapping attempts. It sounds like he is trying to fit in with the new hip hop rapcore movement, when it just isn't his true style. I think that most pre teens will adore it, and I give the CD an A+ for its clean lyrics and positive messages. I usually stick to my first impression of an album, but sometimes they do deserve a second listen, and this is one of those reviews. At my age, I don't listen to a lot of kiddy pop, so I let my 11 year old daughter, Amanda review the CD as well. We both came to pretty much the same conclusion. It's a very commercially contrived album, complete with catchy hooks and cheesy lyrics. There's still a market out there for Disney hip hop, Aaron, so never give up. Be a kid for awhile, finish school, grow up without the frenzy of this cut throat industry. And come back singing. Forget you ever listened to rap music, you have a real voice, now use it!