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Jonas Brothers - Jonas Brothers

Hoping to Redefine Mainstream Pop Music

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By , About.com Guide

Jonas Brothers - Jonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers - Jonas Brothers

courtesy Hollywood Records

It seems that sooner or later top 40 pop radio will take notice of the artists graduating from Radio Disney territory and correct the ignorance of such major pop album artists as Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus, Aly & AJ, and, now, the Jonas Brothers. Presumably the lack of radio airplay is related to a perception that adult listeners don't want to hear such obviously teen-oriented material. The reality of the situation is that groups like the Jonas Brothers play music based on the pop tunes today's adults grew up on.

Energy With a Capital "E"

New Jersey's family group the Jonas Brothers are nothing if not energetic in their approach. Their second album kicks off with the uptempo, slightly electronic sound of their current hit single "S.O.S." and refuses to let up. Even when the boys launch into a big ballad like "When You Look Me in the Eyes," their drive is so powerful it practically bursts from the huge, pleading sound they generate.

Room for Maturity

The same energy that animates the pop hooks of the Jonas Brothers can also get a bit wearing on the listener working their way through 14 songs. Lyrically, the brothers are on comfortable ground addressing everyday concerns like relationships with girls. However, when they stretch toward big "M" meaning, a confusing mishmash like "Hollywood" results. Maturity and experience with songwriting is likely to lend the songs even more powerful resonance with fans.

Top Tracks on the Jonas Brothers

  • S.O.S.
  • Hold On
  • That's Just the Way We Roll
  • When You Look Me In the Eyes
  • Kids of the Future

The Evergreen Appeal of a Boy Band

Just when the Backstreet Boys seem to be getting a bit long in the tooth and the likelihood of an *NSYNC reunion grows ever more dim, new young acts like the Jonas Brothers rise up to breathe new life into the ongoing parade of boy bands. The brothers are most frequently compared to another brother group, the Hansons, but their sound has more in common with the BritPop boy band McFly. Those boys, now in their early 20's, recently celebrated their 7th #1 pop single in the UK. That's certainly a mark worth shooting for by the Jonas Brothers.

User Reviews

 5 out of 5
Excellent Work!, Member Jeanacap

SOS is the opening track on the 'Jonas Brothers' album. It's upbeat tune and real-life lyrics start the album off with a bang. It's different and special because of it's upbeat feel. Even though it's about a serious and sometimes sad situation, it is easy to dance and sing along to. This song was written by Nick, in under ten minutes. The second track is Hold On. It sends a good message of never giving up, no matter what life throws at you, in love, friendship, or any other troublesome situation. This is by far my favorite song on the album. I would also reccomend watching the video. If you go to a Jonas Brothers Concert, Goodnight and Goodbye is clearly a fan favorite. They have created choreography to many of the lyrics and verses, and it is very easy to dance to, an sing along with. It holds a real message, that sometimes it is better just to say Goodnight, Goodbye, and move on. The Guitar driven, pop rock anthem, That's Just The Way we Roll was the opener for the Jonas Brother 'Burning Up Tour'. It holds the never retiring message to be yourself, and not care what other people think. The track 'Hello Beautiful' is the album's first ballad. It is about being far away from the one that you love. Nothing in the world can satisfy you, except seeing that person again. Nick and Joe's vocals are amazing throughout the whole song. Still in Love with You is a easily relatable number, just saying that even though the relationship has ended, That they still have feelings for the girl, and they wish she had never left. Australia is alternates between driving pop/rock, to sweeter, melodic pop. When speaking of a relationship that is on the verge of ending, the heavier side kicks in. When speaking of 'The Dream Girl' the song becomes sweeter and dreamilike. The dreamgirl from Australia will make up for what was lost in the other relationship. It is believed to be written about a girl a named in Amelia, one of Joe's ex girlfriends who they have remained close with. The song 'Games' takes some deep analysis. Most people believe that the song is about a girl, playing games with his head. But it turns out, that is just to mislead. The song is actually in reference to board games. ""And I've really had enough And I'm SORRY for the TROUBLE It's been costing us so much (monopoly)"" also, ""i'm so bored with these games"" Nick has said in interviews, ""Board games make me bored."" When you Look Me in the Eyes, possibly the Jonas Brothers biggest hit, this power ballad is truly one of the best vocal performances of the album. Nick and Joe's voices, along with Kevin and the band, create a very sweet and powerful song, and profession of love. I would also recommending listening to the orginal version, as recorded on the Nicholas Jonas album. Inseperable is one of my favorites on the album. Though the beat and guitars are great, the best part of the song is the lyrics. They are very true and realistic, and it is some of the best songwriting I have heard in a long time. ""You know when the sun forgets to shine I'll be there to hold you through the night We'll be running so fast we could fly tonight And even when we're miles and miles apart You're still holding all of my heart I promise it will never be dark I know we're inseparable"" Just Friends holds a true message for the majority of the teen audience. It is about a boy ang a girl who are Just Friends, though one wants more. The song revolves around the guy, making plans for their life with eachother as his crush grows bigger. eventually, he plans their wedding, and says ""Now we're more than friends."" Hollywood is the kind of song that gets stuck in your head. It is a catchy, addicting song, that relates to the Jonas Brothers personal lives and careers, as they parted from Columbia and moved to Hollywood Records. The song tells listeners to not change who your are, and never hold back your thoughts. Not to follow the crowd, and reach for your dreams. Originally by the band Busted, the Jonas Brothers take on the song Year 3000 is much more friendly to younger listeners. It is fun to dance to, and is very catchy. It is always fun to watch them perform. A spin off of ""Kid's In America"", the song Kids of The Funture was written for the movie Meet the Robinsons. It is a song about finding a family, and fitting in, no matter where you are in time. Like the original, it is very upbeat and fun. I believe that this is one of the best Pop Albums of the year. If the Jonas Brothers keep up excellent work like this, they will be remebered as one of the best bands in history.

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