Review: Demi Lovato, Don't Forget

            Ever since Hilary Duff’s debut album Metamorphosis went multi-platinum, Disney and its record company Hollywood Records has been eager to repeat the formula as often as possible creating varying degrees of success with acts like Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. While it would be easy to write off fellow Disney alum Demi Lovato with these ladies, her debut album Don’t Forget provided a unique glimpse into the world of someone with an unforgettable voice and a refusal to play along with the conventions of pop stardom.

            Demi’s earth-shattering voice is at the heart of Don’t Forget. She belts her way through most of the tracks like a seasoned pro showing critics that she doesn't have the limited vocal range of her contemporaries. The bulk of the album is produced by the Jonas Brothers and it largely works in Lovato’s favour. “Get Back” is a sassy rock song with Lovato pleading to get her boyfriend back while the title track, “Don’t Forget,” is a rock ballad of sorts featuring a more vulnerable Lovato lamenting over a break-up. Another stand-out is the radio-friendly duet “On the Line.” Its light orchestral composition blends surprisingly well with the Jonas Brothers’ rock-pop sound and has memorable vocal deliveries from Lovato and Joe Jonas. Still, the Jo Bros led Lovato astray with “La La Land” and “Gonna Get Caught.” Though neither is terrible, the former is a rather predictable anti-Hollywood anthem and the latter is fairly generic. The rest of the tracks are hit-and-miss. “Party” and "Until You're Mine" feel oddly familiar due to their surprising similarity to the sound forged by Hilary Duff on her self-titled sophomore album. The closing ballad “Believe in Me” shows a softer side of Lovato but gives the album an inappropriate fadeout rather than allowing it to end with a bang. Still, the album has its moments of brilliance. “The Middle” is an admirable track given its ability to afford Lovato a more mature and "Two Worlds Collide" has a sweeping rock arrangement with crashing drums paired with strings. The singularly-penned “Trainwreck” features playful lyrics and vocals by Lovato over a hopping rock composition making it easily one of the catchiest songs on the album.

            Don’t Forget is a commendable debut release with its share of faults but are easily forgiven when you remember that Lovato was only 16 when the album hit the shelves. The album should be applauded for the fact that Lovato maintained creative control over its content and she should be further complimented for her remarkable vocal talent. Her powerhouse voice is awe-inspiring and her deliveries are unique. Her chameleon-like ability to morph her vocals to suit a composition is uncommon these days and prove that behind even the most generic of songs she will be someone with tremendous vocal talent.

Recommended Listening: “Get Back,” “Trainwreck,” “On the Line,” “Don’t Forget,” "Two Worlds Collide"

Grade:  B-