January 2, 2006 - Review - Into The Rush

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Into The Rush - Aly and AJ
Hollywood Records, 2004
Reviewed by Jamin Tuttle
January 2, 2006

The list of stars who have started with the folks at Disney is, well, a long list. Most recently, names like Brittany, Justin, Christina, Hillary, and Lindsey have launched careers off the back of the mouse. One more name, or names actually, working to make that list is the sister duo of Aly and AJ. One thing could separate them from the above list is that Aly and AJ are “living their lives in the midst of the craziness in Hollywood – and doing so with grace and a desire for those around them to see Jesus in them,” according to Velvet Kelm with the Media Collective. Into the Rush is the girls’ debut and hit the general market in August, selling over 50,000 copies and is now in a Christian bookstore near you.

Into the Rush is straight up pop/rock that kids (and parents) who see the Disney channel have heard and seen quite a bit of the last few months. It is full of songs that hit themes mostly revolving around love, relationships, and songs that encourage kids to stand up for themselves and each other.

In “Speak for Myself,” Aly and AJ ask, “Do you see me? Do you care? You talk about me like I’m not there,” and announce on the chorus, “I will, I will speak for myself.” It follows the musical direction of most the album’s pop/rock, which the girls pull off well. Things slow down nicely for “In a Second,” which has a nice vibe to it. The drummer pulls out the brushes and everybody sits down for one of the best musical moments of the project. “In a Second” is one of those songs that could be a love song to a boy or to God. It states, “You’re everything I’m looking for” and “You’re just perfect, could it be that I am worth it?” Aly and AJ point out that their life would change “In a Second”.

The most serious track is easily “I Am One of Them,” which looks at the issue of child kidnappings. The girls hope to bring awareness of the issue and encourage kids to use precautions and safety measures. Their most well-known song to date is easily their cover of the 60’s hit “Do You Believe in Magic.” It was part of a Disney film starring, you guessed it--Aly, and the video played several times a day on Disney. The version of the record that hit Christian stores added one song, “Never Far Behind,” that may do well on Christian radio. Its lyrics are sung from the perspective of God reminding the listener that, “I know who you are inside; I am with you to the end.” It brings the album to a close, and I’m not sure why it wasn’t included in the original release since its lyrics are vague enough not to offend any “non-Christian” listener who doesn’t want any preaching.

Overall, Into the Rush is a nice debut effort from Aly and AJ that showcases their energy and voices. While it’s not going to be loading the girls up on Grammy awards, it is a positive, upbeat CD with nothing offensive that deals with issues that all kids face, especially teenage girls. First love, loss, feeling ignored, and the entire run of teen emotions is dealt with mainly because Aly and AJ are still teens themselves. While they don’t break any new ground here musically, they do a nice job driving straight down the middle of the musical road. If you’ve got a girl ages 10-16 to grab a gift for, this one may be a nice pick. Hopefully these young ladies will do what many of the Disney crowd has not and continue to be a positive force in the entertainment world and not compromise for the chance at greater fame and fortune.

ninetyandnine.com

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Jamin Tuttle is the Youth Pastor at Point of Grace Family Praise Fellowship in Madison, IN. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing drums, and rooting on the Indianapolis Colts.