FamilyFans Music

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Jake

Jake / Reunion Records

Like many debut projects, the self-titled release from Canadian “boy band,” Jake, is a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses.

On the positive side, Jake’s sonic quality and musical style is easily on par with that of the mainstream hitmakers like Backstreet Boys and 98⁰. This is especially evident in songs like “Right Time,” and “More.” The vocal blend throughout the CD is also nice, benefiting well from the fact these three guys are brothers.

However, this CD is not without its faults. Like their mainstream counterparts, Jake’s lyrics often come across as shallow and trite. (Sample lyric: “Baby I’m here to stay/I only want to hear you say/Hear you say you love me”) Also, the desire to emulate the mainstream boy-band style sometimes results in cookie-cutter-bland melodies strung together in a row. One wonders what might have happened if these talented young men had been challenged to create rather than imitate.

Still, Jake presents a marketable “teen heartthrob” image that many of your younger kids will like. Look for this CD to be popular among 8- to 14-year-olds.

—Mike Nappa

FAMILYFANS RATING: C

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