DisneyMania Review
Page 1 of 2

(c) Disney

A Review of DISNEYMANIA
by Trent Lewis

Let me start by introducing myself, my name is Trent Lewis and I am excited about being a part of the team here at Laughing Place. For the last few years I have enjoyed reading various articles, viewing pictures, and posting on the discussion boards. In the next few weeks I will be playing a role in the new revitalized Laughing Place Radio. But more about that later, we are here now to review Disney’s newest Musical offering, a CD called DisneyMania. I thing that the tagline on the cover disc is the key to it’s success and to understanding it. "SUPERSTAR ARTISTS SING DISNEY…THEIR WAY"

Some consider it heresy to take classic songs and have them be tainted by modern artists. In my opinion, and from what I have read about Walt Disney, it’s a pretty good idea. Even if Pop Music is not your cup of tea, I think that after giving this disc a listen you will find that there is some redeeming value to those kids and their pesky music. If you do like listening to artists that are shooting for that teen demographic, and you like Disney music, then let me advise you make this CD a part of your collection.

I truly enjoyed this CD, its collection of superstar artists, and the other 8 groups singing on the album, provide a lively collection of Disney Tunes in today’s style. The key to enjoying this disc is to allow artists to cover a song, make it their own, and have fun with it. If you want to know what it sounds like to have *Nsync sing just like Jiminy Cricket, then you will be disappointed. But if you want to hear some energetic versions of some of the best songs Disney has brought us, then give it a listen. I think that you will find that there is some real talent out there. I enjoyed how this disc was produced. Most of my favorites are risk takers. They truly infused some good hip-hop or pure pop sounds. It also shows how amazing these songs are, 50 years later they are still being converted into good music with a modern mix.

Here is a breakdown of the songs, and my impressions…

Some Day My Prince Will Come: Anastacia
A great way to start the disc, this song is up-tempo and performed by a talented artist. While I am not too familiar with other songs by Anastacia, I do enjoy this song. Starts off with a little sampling and gets into a happy little tune. This song is what I expected from this disc. It has a good groove and is an interesting fresh take on a classic song; I give this song a B-

Under the Sea: ATeens
This song definitely gets in to your preteens sound (ala Radio Disney.) It infuses the Caribbean sound especially with the drums, but maintains a pop sound. I was cracking up that the replaced a portion of Sebastian’s solo, with a rap by an artist that is clearly trying very hard to become the next Shaggy. I didn’t have a bad taste, kind of an "ehh". In general a cute and fun song; in my opinion it deserves a C+

You’ll Be In My Heart: Usher
Without a doubt, my favorite track on this CD. I really enjoy Usher’s smooth voice, combined with this great song by Phil Collins. It has a good bass line, a beat that I found myself bobbing my head to. This song sounds like an Usher song, and that’s what the disc is about, artists singing Disney their way; This song is an up tempo Jam that has earned the use of the repeat button on my CD player this week, I give it an enthusiastic A

When You Wish Upon a Star: *Nsync
Now we’re in my territory. *Nsync is easily one of my favorite groups. "When You Wish Upon A Star" is probably the definitive Disney song, and a personal favorite. I should get a song of epic proportions here, right? What I got was a pleasant acapella track with some good harmonies and a tight sound. I think this is a good rendition of this song. Mind you I am choosing simple adjectives because, it is a fairly simple song. No risks, no real infusion of their evolving style. Instead, they chose to go back to their roots with simply voices, a producer that they have worked with less and less over the years. I would have loved something else here, but what we got was a classic song, with a clean crisp sound that does display the talents of these artists; I give it a happy B+