High School Musical 1 CD Enhanced Soundtrack HSM 1

High School Musical 1 CD; Disney has struck platinum with High School Musical, a made-for-cable movie that was mega-popular on the Disney Channel before spawning a mega-popular soundtrack. Echoing Grease, the plot involves two students (Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hutchinson) who fall for eath other while on vacation, only to realize they go to the same high school — though they belong to different cliques. High School Musical 1 CD Enhanced Soundtrack HSM 1 - Fortunately they both love singing! The songs are typical Disney pop: on the bland side but also very well-crafted, they stick to your head like strawberry-flavored gum.

Among the standouts are "Get'cha Head in the Game," which incorporates noises from a basketball game (squeaking sneakers, bouncing balls, whistles) to great effect; the fab tribute to 1970s piano-pop "What I've Been Looking For"; and the old-school show-tuney "Stick to the Status Quo." The music falters when it tries to go "caliente suave" (a la Gloria Estefan's substandard "Bop to the Top") but overall this CD could get kids to bounce and sing along nicely.

It started as a Disney Channel Original Movie. However, "High School Musical" was an instant hit and has become a phenomenon.

I finally gave in a couple weeks ago and watched the movie. I immediately discovered what all the hype is about. It may be cheesy, but it is lots of fun. I just had to get this soundtrack CD.

This is not a musical in the traditional Broadway sense of the term. Since this was made by Disney, it is teen pop, something that has worked well for the company for several years now. This will limit the appeal to adults, but it explains the love of teens.

Personally, I find it highly addictive and a little embarrassing. I find myself with these songs stuck in my head when I'm not listening to it. When I am listening, I can't help but tap and groove to the beat, which can be just as embarrassing.

While the majority of the songs are teen pop, they do incorporate other styles into the mix. "Get'cha Head in the Game" is a hip hop song complete with basketballs bouncing and shoes squeaking to the beat. "Bop to the Top" has a catchy Salsa rhythm and "What I've Been Looking For" has a 70's feel to it.

"Stick to the Status Quo" is their nod to the traditional Broadway big cast song. It still gets a pop feel and is a great cross between the two styles. This funny song includes the spoken dialog from the movie as some of the students share their secret desires that are not appropriate for their click.

My favorite song on the CD is "When There was Me and You." Vanessa Anne Hudgens truly shines in this ballad singing about the hurt she feels when another character turns his back on her.

And that does bring up a great thing. All the vocal work here is top notch. Even with the wide range of styles covered, the actors cover it all without missing a beat.

Naturally, this CD will most appeal to fans of the musical. It captures the fun of the movie when you can't watch it and is the perfect way to learn all the words so you can sing along next time you watch it. High School Musical 1 - CD Soundtrack