Following in the footsteps of Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Ashley Tisdale, Hilary Duff, Bridgit Mendler is the next Disney starlet to burst onto the pop music scene, besides mendling in other pursuits like acting in the popular Wizards of Waverly Place, Lemonade Mouth and now Good Luck Charlie. However, Mendler has her own charm and soul in this her debut effort. The songs are your typical pop/dance music, with shades of reggae, bit of soul and pop – rock ballads. Still in the shadows of the wings of a stage, Mendler needs the exposure and fame to make it big. If you like pop music, give her a listen, and though you might say that every teen star of a Disney series eventually brings out an album, while some have had a mild success at a singing career and others have bombed, here is one singing star to watch out for.

Bridgit Mendler’s album title Hello My Name is… is a good introduction for the 19 year old actress-turned-singer. While she tries to do a good job, sadly many of her songs sound too much alike. The songs are mostly upbeat and have a feel-good vibe, though most songs sound like an extension of the first you just heard. But there are still a few songs that really catch your attention. Ready or Not is a breezy, head-bopping, feel-good tune with cute lyrics like, “I like your face, do you like my song?” May seem queer, but then this is a teen album, what more can you get. Hurricane moves into the sphere of rapping, and just manages to make a good show of it. Blonde what the singer really is, brings out the fun side of the record, playing on the stigma associated with the word, that blonde’s are dumb. It surrounds on the misconception about blondes in society.

Like all Disney singers, the lyrics are always innocuous. Love is the central character. The 12-track album sees her co-writing her own music and experimenting with different sounds, which is quite a feat for a first-timer. Every song is well-crafted targeting her teen audience and has quality lyrics.

Not every track may turn out to be a standout, and Mendler may to take a few tips from her peers who have made a mark. But all said and done, this is a good effort, with a few flaws. Mendler may not get mega success with her debut but the future looks bright. With a few big producers and composers helping her out, she could shine like a bright star in the years to come. Her debut is an acceptable one. Teens who love Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato and the like, can tune in and become fans. Includes Lyrics to all songs.

Rating: ***

Reviewed By Verus Ferreira