Hollywood Records has a dynamic duo of sisters in Aly & AJ.  Not only are they talented actresses, but they can belt out hit songs in their spare time.  The Michalka sisters have matured musically in their sophomore album entitled Insomniatic. The opening track, "Potential Breakup Song" is already a hit and a most requested song on the Disney Channel.  It has all the right pop elements with a catchy beat.

My favorite song, however, is the song "÷", which I guess we can call "Division" - it is full of power and great music, not to mention the rockin' beat.  However, if you really want to rock, the following song, "Like Whoa" will get you up off your seats and begin to dance.  Each song is upbeat and keeps a fast paced rhythm going.  Each one as catchy as the next and keeps you listening from song one thru 12.

There is more substance to the songs on this album compared to their debut effort, and it can only get better.  The songs were mostly about love and heartbreak - especially the theme of breaking up beginning with the lead song on the CD.  A more mature topic for the 9-13 year olds listening to the album, but with the talent of this young pair, they have what it takes to potentially break into the real main-stream audience.

There are a few comments I would like to share.  Although the production and mixing were okay on most songs, some could have shown a better contrast between the vocals and the instrumentals (e.g., on "Silence").  Long time studio guitar master Tim Pierce was under utilized on this album, and played the songs, instead of being allowed to play the music.  One personal regret about the album is that I had hoped they would play something more of a R&B/rock song.  I can envision them doing some Janice Joplin covers very well.

All in all, a good album for the younger crowd (my daughter cannot wait to get her hands on my copy of the CD) and for the general fan of pop music as well.