Any bias against so-called "kiddie pop" that keeps you away from this album is unfortunate baggage indeed. The Jonas Brothers here uncork an instant classic of power pop. If Cheap Trick or the Raspberries mean anything to you as a pop fan, this album is indispensable. With only one of the 3 brothers out of his teens, and the group having co-written every song, it's anyone's guess what these guys are capable of. This is one of the year's essential pop albums.
Released August 12, 2008
Climbing Out of Miley's Shadow
In the past year, the Jonas Brothers have been reared in the Disney pop factory largely in the shadow of fellow teen pop phenomenon Miley Cyrus. However, A Little Bit Longer aggressively proves they are no longer in need of her assistance. They roll off the mark with the irresistibly muscular pop of "BB Good" and the energy rarely flags. By the last bars of the title song, most listeners will find themselves Jonas Brothers fans.
Consistent High Quality
It has not been a rare thing in recent years for pop albums from the Disney stable to include a killer track here and there. However, A Little Bit Longer may be the first that truly has zero filler. The brothers rock their hearts out on rave-ups like "One Man Show" and show us a gentler, still anthemic, side on the brilliant "Lovebug." They even show off some lyrical bile on the snarling "Video Girl."
Top Tracks on 'A Little Bit Longer'
- "Burnin' Up"
- "One Man Show"
- "Lovebug"
- "Tonight"
- "Video Girl"
The Best Pop-Rock Album of the Year?
The entire package here is coherent, eminently enjoyable, and lacking in pretension. It is quite possible A Little Bit Longer will end the year as one of the best pop-rock albums of 2008. Any serious pop music fan would be well advised to give the Jonas Brothers some well-deserved attention. They are on a roll here and deserve to be the hottest trio in the music business.
