Disco de Aly & AJ: “Insomniatic”

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!

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.

Personally, I LOVE Aly & A.J. These girls are a MUST LISTEN TO!

First of all, they are such role models and young, beautiful, smart, talented people. I think people should look up to these young women. They ROCK!

Second, they are such great singers! I have seen them in concert two times, once was front row, and I would love to see them again. They are great performers and if you think they'e just another product of Disney that totally stinks, you are SO wrong. They were not lipsyncing, I could tell, because Aly changed the lyrics in "Blush" for a purpose (explain later) and they started late by accident in "Like it or Leave it". Even older adults I know love Aly & A.J. Even MEN!

Third, this album, "Insomniatic" roxs my soxs! Here's the line up and each song's review:

1. Potential Breakup Song (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 3:39 - Rating: five stars. Genre: It has sort of a pop-rock sound. Song meaning: This song is about a boyfriend who does a girl wrong and doesn't treat her as good as he should and the girl threatens to break-up with him. Mostly: They even out the singing parts pretty well, each girl has about an equal-length part in the end.

2. Bullseye (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 3:01 - Rating: five stars. Genre: pop-rock. Song meaning: A girl is telling a guy that a guy does not win her heart easily, but somehow he did. Mostly: They even out the singing parts pretty well, each girl has about an equal-length part in the end.

3. Closure (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 2:49 - Rating: four stars. Genre: pop-rock. Song meaning: It talks about a girl who is getting over a guy that she really liked. Mostly: A.J.

4. ÷ (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 3:44 - Rating: five stars. Genre: pop-rock. Song meaning: A girl is telling a guy that broke-up with her that he's really missing out and that he's made a mistake he'll soon regret. Mostly: even parts.

5. Like it or Leave it (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 3:17 - Rating: five stars. Genre: pop-rock. Song meaning: A girl tells a guy that in the end, he'll be glad they were together and that they make a great couple even though there's obsticles. Mostly: even parts.

6. Like Whoa (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 2:30 - Rating: five stars. Genre: dance. Song meaning: a girl really likes a guy and he makes her feel so excited and dumbfounded. Mostly: even parts.

7. Insomniatic (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka) - 2:46 - Rating: five stars. Genre: rock. Song meaning: this song was about their fans and their career and they have no time to sleep, but they like it because they're doing what they love. Mostly: even.

8. Silence (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Carrie Michalka) - 3:33 - Rating: four stars. Genre: soft rock. Song meaning: I'm not sure, but it may be about a friend that a girl secretly likes, and she's expressing in the song her love for the boy before he moves or leaves, but bets that even though he may like her back, he'll probably forget about her. Mostly: even parts.

9. If I Could Have You Back (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Dan Wilson) - 2:52 - Rating: four stars. Genre: pop-rock (it sounds similar to "Like it or Leave it"). Song meaning: It talks about a girl thinking about her ex-boyfriend and if she would get back together with him if she had the chance. Mostly: even.

10. Blush (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka) - 3:34 - Rating: four stars. Genre: soft rock. Song meaning: It talks about a girl liking a guy but wanting and not wanting to like him more. Mostly: Aly (actually Aly's solo, A.J. doesn't even do backup).

11. Flattery (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 4:08 - Rating: five stars (fave song on album). Genre: pop-rock. Song meaning: this song is about a break-up and how both boy and girl try to hide their feelings, but really can't hide anymore how hurt they are. Mostly: A.J.

12. I'm Here (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka) - 4:05 - Rating: four stars. Genre: soft rock. Song meaning: a girl tells a boy that he knows her really well and treats her nice and she will always be there for him. Mostly: even parts.

13. Chemicals React [Remix] (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 2:55 - Rating: five stars (though not as good as original on "Into the Rush [Deluxe Edition]"). Genre: pop-rock. Song meaning: it explains a relationship in which the two people are made for each other and are a great couple. Mostly: even parts.

14. Tears [Target Bonus Track] (A.J. Michalka; Aly Michalka; Antonina Armato; Tim James) - 2:06 - Rating: four stars. Genre: soft rock. Song meaning: it is about letting out your tears and feelings and that you're not alone. Mostly: Aly.

14. Careful With Words [Walmart Bonus Track] (unknown) - 2:20 - Rating: five stars. Genre: pop-rock. Song meaning: a girl is tired of an over-obsessive lover. Mostly: unknown.

FOR PARENTS: (Scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the highest/worst)

bad language - 0 there is no bad language

sexual content - 3

1. one example of sexual content is that in "Potential Breakup Song", they sing "you're not winnin' 'till you're winnin', winnin' me" and "you're not gettin' 'till you're gettin', gettin' me". (Radio Disney version edits part of that to "gettin' to me".

2. another example of sexual content is that in "Bullseye", A.J. sings "maybe try a little kiss".

3. In "Blush", Aly sings "even though I like you're honesty, it won't lead me to your bed". (In concert, that's why Aly changed the lyrics, but I couldn't make out what she changed it to)

violence - 0 there is no mentions of violence.

adult content - 2

1. one example of adult content is that in "Potential Breakup Song", they sing "you're not livin', 'till you're livin', livin' with me".

2. another example of adult content is that there are mentions of asking for people's numbers and parties, and there is the word "crap" which is bad for some families.

Overall this is a AWESOME album and you will be missing out if you don't get it!

I think it's a gr8 new opportunity 4 Michalka Sisters 2 show what they r made of. They surely did an improvement in this new album, and I'm not saying that Into The Rush was a bad record, actually I loved it but I really can't stop listening 2 this one.

This is my rating 4 each of the songs in Insomniatic:

1. Potential BreakUp Song (10/10) It's a catchy single, maybe the best choice 2 get a preview of what this record pretends 2 show. Very powerful lyrics. I listen 2 it over & over again.

2. Bullseye (9.5/10) Cool background music. I'm still listening 2 the chorus in my head. "You hit the bullseye!", however there's something in the song that doesn't fits with me but it's worth listening.

3. Closure (10/10) Love the beginning of the lyrics "Yesterday I spotted at u hanging out with some1 new, come on dude I can't believe who!". The song has one of the best chorus' in the album

4. ÷ (11/10) It used 2 be my personal favourite beacause of the creativity of the lyrics and the great combination of music with words, I can call it a word-play song. I think that a lot of people might feel identified with it.

5. Like It or Leave It (10/10) As well as closure, it has got an excellent chorus which u would like 2 hear all the time. Gr8 song.

6. Like Whoa (10/10) There are a lot of rock/pop sounds inside this track, it's maybe the most commercial song in the album but that doesn't mean that it's sort of a cliché or anything like that. It also has a little bit of listening-at-all-times beats.

7. Insomniatic (8/10) Originial lyrics although the music it's not as gr8 as other tracks in the album, but it's cool after all.

8. Silence (9/10) Slow ballad in the album with very powerful lyrics. Silence is everything.

9. If I Could Have You Back (9.5/10) Strong voices in the song. It's a shame this one results 2 be a cliché. U all had already hear this type of song, however it's cool music.

10. Flattery (16/10) MY PERSONAL FAVORITE!!! THIS SONG IS A GR8 REASON 2 BUY THE ALBUM. THE MIXTURE BETWEEN LYRICS AND MUSIC IS JUST PERFECT! MAYBE PEOPLE WOULDN'T LIKE THE SONG AS THEIR FAVORITE BECAUSE MOST OF THE TIMES I LIKE SONGS THAT ARE NOT ALWAYS THE MOST COMMERCIAL ONES IN AN ALBUM BUT IF U LIKE ALY & AJ, U'LL LOVE THIS ONE!!!

11. I'm Here (9/10) Good ballad. I don't have much 2 say about it.

12. Chemicals React (remix) (9/10) Cool, I din't give a 10 just because it's not very different from the original version.

HOPE U FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL, I KNOW I DO, LOL.

IF U LOVE REAL POP, U R GONNA LOVE THIS RECORD!

I never thought Aly & Aj could top their first album,but this record is AWESOME!I'm glad they are growing up in their music with their fans.

Potential BreakUp Song 7/10 Catchy,fun song

Bullseye 9/10 AWESOME POWER SONG!Should be next single

Closure 9/10 Love it

Division 10/10 GREAT SONG!

Like it or Leave it 10/10 FAVE(Love Aly's part in the bridge)

Like Whoa 8/10 Can listen over and over and never gets old

Insomniatic 7/10 Ok song,but is missing something to me

Silence 10/10 Fantastic breezy,heartfelt song

If I Could Have you Back 8/10

Blush 8/10 Great personal song,prolly not for kids though

Flattery 9/10 I love Aj's voice on this song

I'm Here 7/10

Chemicals React(Remix) 6/10 I like the original better

Can't wait till the next album!;D