How long RBD mania will last is anyone's guess. But one thing is certain: right now, the TV-created Mexican pop group is the hottest thing since Menudo. So hot, that RBD has managed to release four albums in 18 months, and has charted with every single one.

The latest addition is Live In Hollywood, a live album recorded at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, CA, and also available in DVD. It's a glitzy concept (check out the cover of the band posing in front of the theater) that, nevertheless, for the first time ever features the band in an acoustic format. The acoustic sound is established on the opening track, "Tras De Mí," with its piano solo introduction that later gives way to alternating solos from the group, and finally, the catchy chorus, sung in unison.

Later, big hits like "Nuestro Amor" also benefit from a completely different reading. In this case, the sextet sings accompanied by slow, almost samba-like guitars and percussion. That the songs can take the different arrangements is a testament to one of the core reasons for RBD's success: these are good songs. Good, solid, hummable pop, nicely produced and performed by three beautiful girls and three beautiful boys. If you want to be amused, what's not to like?

The notion of individuals, yet together, is also at the core of RBD. They sing solo in snippets -- long enough to establish who is who -- then go at it together. On "Solo Para Tí," the focus alternates: the #guys sing solo, then harmonize with different girls before the full group comes in on the chorus.

Finally, the third thrust of RBD is their lyrics. While many groups have tried to appeal to Latin youth, many fail with lyrics that are written by an older crowd and say nothing to a younger demographic. RBD's lyrics are also written by older writers, but pains have been taken to reflect the target they're after. RBD sings about love, of course, about high school ("Tras De Mí"), and about themselves ("Así Soy Yo").

On "Feliz Cumpleaños," they talk about getting back at their exes with teen mean spirit ("Something special I have prepared/ I know you'll be surprised/ On this birthday, I'll do my best to make it your worst/ You'll see how bad I'll behave/ Bye bye, happy birthday"), sung to retro rock and roll beat. That retro sound, this time reminiscent of Grease, is also heard in "Sólo Quédate en Silencio," another big RBD hit, this time arranged with acoustic strings and organ.

Live In Hollywood ends with a studio version of the hit "No Pares," in which all members join for the chorus. The live version, also included here, however, is a full solo rendition that displays the warmth of live vocals. Both are convincing, a sign that RBD has some substance beneath the flash.

By Leila Cobo