Less than a year ago, iCarly actress, Miranda Cosgrove, released her debut studio album, "Sparks Fly", which saw a considerable amount of commercial and critical success. Apparently the Nickelodeon star could not control her urge of making new music because she is back again with the release of a new, five track, EP entitled "High Maintenance". The mini album is everything that pop should be containing songs that deal with mature yet fun issues that any teenager could relate to. With a specific target audience in mind, the album is a piece of work that could cross over into any generation of music lovers.
The first single off the new EP, "Dancing Crazy", is Cosgrove's first dance/pop release that talks about not having a care in the world. The cute, fun, and catchy track was penned by rebel rocker, Avril Lavigne, which was shocking to discover. The song is not anything that should be taken too seriously, but for the artist's target audience I feel it works very well. Miranda's vocals are altered a bit, but take the track for what it is and I am sure you will be singing and dancing along. Cosgrove finally gets the help of a featured guest on an official release with the title track, "High Maintenance". Weezer front man, Rivers Cuomo, gives the track some cred which helps it become something more than an average pop song. Miranda's vocals carry a hint of attitude which is nice to hear from someone who is always considered innocent. The artist is growing up and I feel that the meanings behind her songs are maturing as well, which I applaud. Cosgrove taps into her vocal range on "Face of Love" by allowing her voice to go from soft and sweet to loud and confident. The artist believes she has found the one that she is meant to be with as she sings a song that is different than anything she has released before. The song is nothing extraordinary, but I developed a liking towards it because I feel this is the artist that Cosgrove really should be. It is a pop song with a little depth. It only tool me one listen to realize that the album continues with a cover of R&B singer Shontelle's emotional track "Kiss You Up". Even though the arrangement and flow of both versions are similar, Cosgrove's young voice gives the track something new and interesting. A sense of vulnerability is present and a sign of maturity comes along with the song. Choosing between the two version, I would honestly have to go with Shontelle's due to the fact that it is the original, but Miranda does one hell of a job. The mini album closes with the fast paced "Sayonara". The track is extremely catchy, but I do have a few problems with it. Cosgrove does not sound like herself which leads to the idea of her voice being fixed by the producers. The writing quality behind the song is not a very high respectable level which made it hard for me to really enjoy the track. The chorus is fast and enjoyable, the best part of the song; it just is not one of my favorite tracks from the artist.
"High Maintenance" carries the definition of pop, but the material that Cosgrove sings about is more mature that her debut album. People may criticize the fact that her audience may be too young for the material that is present on the album, but one must remember that the artist is growing up as an individual and singer. Personally, I would have rather seen a full length second album from the artist because there is not much here to really judge. The tracks that are present are done very well and are great evidence in seeing the development of the artist. Cosgrove's vocals are good and sweet, but contain an edgy vibe, the songs are pop perfection, and the album receives an 86% for the five tracks.
Tracks to Hear: "Dancing Crazy", "High Maintenance", and "Kiss You Up"
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