Cadia

Album review

Finally, here are girls who don't think they have to sound like Avril Lavigne to get through. It might not seem revolutionary, but it was a refreshing approach to girl-centered pop following the advent of Krystal Meyers, ZOEgirl, and Superchick. The duo of Tori Smith and Courtney Myers debut here with a highly accessible pop collection for the tween girl crowd, and the result is easy on the ears. The girls' personas shine through as they employ a straight-talk manner of connecting with their sisters. Their personalized messages of hope and encouragement are uncoated, making it easy to pick up on who they want to touch with their music: the preteen who struggles with self-identity, the high schooler who faces moral temptations, the adolescent who seeks direction. Their target listeners have plenty on their minds and tons of choices to make. With songs like "Radiate," "I'll Stay," and "Safe Place to Fall," those listeners are bound to feel reinvigorated. Cadia don't intend to come off as a pair of rock stars à la Hannah Montana, and their approach pays off in dividends for those who could use a pick-me-up.

© Jared Johnson /TiVo