A Little Bit Longer

Peach’s Picks Rating

Title:
A Little Bit Longer

Artist:
Jonas Brothers

Authors:
Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas

ASIN:
B001AJVR5M

Publisher:
Hollywood Records

Release Date:
2008

Summary:
A Little Bit Longer is the third album from the enormously popular boy band, The Jonas Brothers (Kevin, Joe, and Nick), a trio originally from New Jersey. This album contains 12 tracks all co-written by the brothers. The tunes are sure to start teen girls dancing, sighing, crying, or laughing - always capturing their hearts. The lyrics appeal to the girls’ romantic feelings, but will not make parents cringe at the language or concepts. The first track, BB Good, gets the crowd up and dancing to a steady beat. When the singer croons “I wanna kiss you” he speaks to every girl’s desire, to be kissed by the boy of her dreams. Track 2, Burnin’ Up, keeps the dancers moving and builds on the steady beat of the first track. Notable is the final track, A Little Bit Longer. This was written by Nick Jonas and describes his struggles with diabetes. Listeners will sympathize with his trials and cry for his pain. The package is made from recyclable materials, perfect for green-conscious teens.

Critical Evaluation:
If the listener is not between the ages of 13-17, the exuberant sound track might not be appreciated. The music begins to sound the same from track to track and the lyrics are not always distinguishable, but to the ears of a teen, this CD is perfect and will be enjoyed over and over again. The CD is well produced with clarity of sound and tracks logically leading to one another. In this CD, the Jonas Brothers attempt to break away from their bubble gum image and infuse their music with a rock and roll edge. The lyrics are as catchy as their melodies. Professional music reviewers recognize that the band has shown growth in their musical career and shows passion for their craft. The CD cover is an attractive photograph of the clean-cut, stylish brothers. It is recommended as a welcome addition to a music collection. The September 4, 2008 edition of Rolling Stone magazine lists A Little Bit Longer its “Buy These Now” section, a very highly regarded recommendation. The Jonas Brothers are working to be perceived as the serious musicians that they are.

Listener’s Annotation:
This CD will have you singing along and dancing to it before you finish listening to the end. Check out The Jonas Brothers’ website to view awesome videos about the Jonas Brothers and links to YouTube videos featuring their music videos.

Artist Information:
Originally from Wyckoff, New Jersey
Parents are Kevin Sr. and mom, Denise who met at Christ for the Nations Bible College
The brothers compose their songs and music
Kevin Jonas, Sr., is the band’s co-manager, he is a former Christian musician and church pastor
Denise, their mother, was a sign language teacher
Grew up playing songs in church composed by their father
Kevin is the eldest brother and has an extroverted personality
Joe is the middle brother and is quieter than Kevin, but has a wilder onstage presence and says he is inspired by Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones
Nick is the youngest brother, considered the band’s spokesperson, best musician, and foremost songwriter
Have received an American Music Award, as well as several Kids’ Choice and Teen Choice awards
They wear purity rings to demonstrate a commitment to themselves and God to stay pure until marriage

Genre:
Popular music - CD

Curriculum Ties:
Use in secondary school music classes when studying music styles, singers, and musicians.

Listening Ideas:
Did you know that Nick Jonas is a diabetic? The song, A Little Bit Longer, was written by Nick and describes his struggles with his illness.

All tracks on this CD are written by the Jonas Brothers. Put it on, turn up the sound, and dance.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
Teens

Additional CDs by Artist:
Jonas Brothers
Lines, Vines, and Trying Times

Challenge Issues:
None apparent, but if challenged, deal with challenge by having a challenge policy in place, selection policy in place (ALA policies). Meet with library administration if necessary. Provide positive review(s) from professional publications.

Why this work is included in Peach’s Picks:
This CD received a positive review in Rolling Stone magazine and the YA librarian at my local public library recommended it saying that it is a popular item that continually circulates. Four peaches are awarded for original work by young up-and-coming artists.

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Little-Bit-Longer-Jonas-Brothers/dp/B001AJVR5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1273350037&sr=8-1

Additional Information available at:
Jonas Brothers’ website
http://www.jonasbrothers.com/?content=home

References:
(2008). Buy These Now. Rolling Stone, (1060), 71. Retrieved from MAS Ultra - School Edition database.

Gay, J. (2008). “The Clean Teen Machine”. Rolling Stone, (1058), 68. Retrieved from April 27, 2010, from MAS Ultra - School Edition database.

Jonas Brothers. (2010). “About”. Jonas Brothers. Retrieved May 1, 2010, from http://www.jonasbrothers.com/?content=about

Jonas Brothers. (2010). “Q & A”. Jonas Brothers. Retrieved May 1, 2010, from http://www.jonasbrothers.com/?content=q_and_a