Disney - Disneymania 2 (CD)

All Music Guide

Disneymania, Vol. 2 presents more current and classic Disney songs as performed by the studio's stable of pop stars, which include LMNT, Raven, and Jump5. While many Disney classics were already given this treatment on the first Disneymania, this trip back to the well isn't entirely dry; for every uninspired cover like Jump5's "Welcome," there are fun reinterpretations like the Baha Men's "It's a Small World" and the Beu Sisters' "He's a Tramp." Not surprisingly, the oldest, bestknown Disney songs hold up the best after their teen pop makeovers: even though it's saddled with an overwrought techno arrangement, the close harmonies of "The Siamese Cat Song" work well with Haylie and Hilary Duff's sister act. The new versions of more recent songs, such as the ensemble version of The Lion King's "Circle of Life" and LMNT's "A Whole New World," are pleasant enough but just aren't that distinctive. Ironically enough, one of the collection's high points comes from a group that may not be studi...osponsored but still understands what made the name Disney great in the first place. They Might Be Giants are individually easily more than twice the age of any of the other artists that appear on this album, but their "Baroque Hoedown," a song from Disney's Electrical Parade, brings some of the warped wonderfulness of pioneering electronics genius Bruce Haack to a collection in need of more originality. While it's an uneven album and not as strong as its predecessor, Disneymania, Vol. 2 still has enough entertaining moments to make it worth a listen. - Heather Phares, All Music Guide Read more Less