Alexz Johnson
Songs From Instant Star

THE REVIEW

This review requires several preambles for (future) readers. After you read it, you will form your own interpretation, perhaps hurl insults at me like madmen (if I'm lucky), and then unleash the entire vocabulary of insults you've acquired over the course of your life (if I'm unlucky, as I expect).

That said, here are the aforementioned premises: 1) I discovered this site in the depths of the internet only a month ago, and before I could even think of jotting something down, I went digging through reviews of all types on various artists (and more); 2) after reading some criticisms that were sometimes destructive, sometimes hilarious, I've come to the conclusion that there are truly obnoxious people who don't just disagree with other people's opinions... NO, THEY MUST DESTROYYYYY!! To these mediocre people with chicken brains and narrow horizons, who, due to their inability to prevail, verbally impose themselves, I say: your offensive comments are laughable; 3) that said, you might think I'm covering my **s in view of the comments that will pour in... think what you want, I just wanted to make this preamble; 4) I'm writing the review of this album because it seemed to me that not a syllable has been spent on it... all the better! I’m attempting this marathon...

I don't want to overdo it, I swear. I'll start by saying that yes, I know, it seems like an Avril Lavigne surrogate. But it’s clear that Alexz Johnson does not want to become a 'copy/cloned/preach well, practice poorly' because, from the very first episode of Instant Star, the character she plays (Jude Harrison) receives the insult of writing songs à la Avril Lavigne. A clear separation thus established by herself (or by the directors..?!). The fact is that Alexz Johnson has a style that resembles the Canadian artist (musical style, mind you).

The soundtrack recorded for this TV series is no less valuable than any other album: mellow pop/rock songs can easily permeate the soul of any fan of the genre. A 24 hours full of adolescence and boredom alternates with a Temporary Insanity with its music of 'loves me, loves me not'. A Let me fall, humble and heartfelt plea for understanding to the opposite sex (I'm only human and I've got something to say), strictly contrasts with a Skin (acoustic and superb) sad and angry against lies and relationships to not be taken for granted (What used to be yours isn't yours at all). Unfortunately, there are also songs that might be considered a bit banal, like I'm in love with my guitar where the only good thing is the concept of being in love with one's guitar (IT ROCKS!) and Pick Up The Pieces that’s very much like a Bauli panettone jingle. The typical theme 'you will never change who I am, forget it!' comes out in full force from Me out of me, perhaps the most rock-infused track of the album (Alexz doesn't aim to create any 'rock monsters' while clearly showing an affinity for the genre... fiddling with a Telecaster is a gesture that speaks volumes!!). Everything concludes with That Girl, a simple and honest declaration for the series 'I know my worth and I'm telling you in all calmness' (In that cigarette you breathe you can't get rid of me) and with a good cover of Stupid Girl by Garbage (nothing negative to say about that, actually, the emphasis with which the pre-chorus is sung should be appreciated).

In conclusion, I believe lovers of the aforementioned genre might want to give it a 'listen'. Then it's clear, you might like it or not, but keeping in mind that the masses might only know the TV series and thus Alexz Johnson as the lead actress, you can't say it's not appreciable for a young girl to compose fairly sui generis songs. These are such because they will be part of a TV series watched by few adolescents who are approaching the genre. In short, a soundtrack of great respect considering it is aired on TV at a children's time slot!!