After The Success of Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license,” Lets Revisit Other Disney Stars Singles
Disney stars are having a moment. After revisiting Aly & AJ’s songs and seeing the popularity of “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo from Disney Channel’ Bizaardvark and Disney +’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, I decided to revisit other Disney star songs. Let’s see if they showed potential or if they are super awkward.
Miley Cyrus-“7 Things”
This was Miley Cyrus’s first video for a song that was not connected to a Hannah Montana album. Re-watching this video now, it’s a bit cringeworthy that these very young girls are in tears about boys throughout the video. However, my sister and I used to love this song. The drama behind the Nick-Selena-Miley love triangle, the aggressive nature of the song — it just stood out and showed Miley away from Hannah Montana. I also liked how the song was a nod to 10 Things I Hate About You, including the ending, even if it wasn’t intentional. Does the song hold up?: Yes Does the video hold up?: No
Selena Gomez & The Scene-“Love You Like A Love Song”
I always loved Selena Gomez and The Scene (although does anyone even know who the and The Scene is?). I thought their songs and visuals were always unique and stunning. Also, during this time period I feel like Selena was more comfortable with her voice and belting it out more, rather than her signature whisper in her songs. “Love You Like A Long Song” stood out because of the theme of the video. Being set at a karaoke bar and then having scenes mimic the cheesy lyric videos playing during karaoke songs was brillant. Does the song hold up?: Yes Does the video hold up?: Yes
Jesse McCartney-“Leavin'”
Although I thought I remembered this music video playing on Disney Channel because it’s from Hollywood Records, after re-watching I’m pretty sure it didn’t because of its sensuality. However, the fact that the label did release a video like this proves it didn’t just have cutesy songs and videos. I love this song and production by the Dream. It showed off Jesse’s voice, maturity, and songwriting skills. Does the song hold up?: Yes Does the video hold up?: Yes
Zendaya-“Replay”
I was reintroduced to this song and video when Rickey Thompson recreated the video for Halloween this year. I think this song showed Zendaya had a lot of singing potential, but I will say the production of this song was a bit lackluster. However, the choreography of this video was the best for any Hollywood Records video. Zendaya ended up not liking how the music industry was run and doesn’t release music except for some movies and of course the Emmy winning “All For Us” for Euphoria, which is a pity because she has a great voice. Does the song hold up?: No Does the video?: Yes
Vanessa Hudgens-“Come Back To Me”
I remember this video came out during the premiere of Cheetah Girls 2. High School Musical was huge, so it wasn’t surprising that Vanessa Hudgens would try a music career. I wanted every outfit in this video at the time. Remember when leggings were paired with every outfit? I’m cringing right now. Does the song hold up?: No ‘Does the video hold up?: No
Demi Lovato-“Get Back”
I remember when Demi first came out I viewed her as different than other Disney Channel stars because she calls herself a songwriter. So at the time, I saw her as an authentic artist who really wanted to be a singer and it wasn’t something they just fell into like some of the others on the Hollywood Records roster. She was giving me Paramore vibes. I loved this song that she wrote with Nick Jonas and her voice. However, in retrospect lyrically this song is a bit problematic because the relationship the song about sounds really toxic. Does the song hold up?: No Does the video hold up?: Yes
fresh pair of iis 