Angel Tries to Shake Boy Band Image

Ashley Parker Angel wants to be seen as a serious artist with his solo debut album, "Soundtrack to Your Life." This may be a hard feat considering he rose to fame with the cheesy boy band O-Town from the reality show "Making the Band," then tried to resurrect his career with another reality show, "There & Back: Ashley Parker Angel."

Angel's "Soundtrack to Your Life" is a 12-track, rock-infused disc. On his first single, "Let U Go," Angel sings about lost love on an uptempo, pop-rock tune. While it's catchy, there is nothing unique about it that separates Angel from other male pop singers. The same goes for the title track "Soundtrack to Your Life," the theme song for his recent MTV reality show, and that might be where it fits best — as a likable television theme.

Angel co-wrote all of the songs. Even though he teamed-up with heavyweight producers Max Martin and The Matrix, most of the songs have similar sound — synthesized rock beats — and simple writing. On "Along the Way" Angel sings the banal lines, "Along the way, that's where I am supposed to be, along the way, in the spaces in between."

There are a few bright spots, such as "Crazy Beautiful" where Angel delves into his darker rock side while singing about a tormented love affair. He exhibits promising depth on the ballad "Who Cares?" where he croons, "All that she wanted is to be wanted. She's looking in the mirror wondering what to wear, hoping to meet someone who cares."

This album might appeal to the tween crowd looking for fun, breezy tunes during the summer months. But for those looking for something deeper, skip "Soundtrack to Your Life." It seems Angel has not given up his boy band roots just yet.

• Email Story
• IM Story
• Discuss
• Printable View

RECOMMEND THIS STORY

Recommend It:

Not at All Somewhat Moderately Highly Very Highly

Average (Not Rated)

» Recommended Stories