Who We Are (CD) by Hope Partlow

Hope Partlow can sing. The deb record by the sixteen year old Southern deb, Who We Are, proves it. Who We Are is a "Gidget Goes to New York" pop record built for Virgin by Virgin President, Matt Seretic. It's an artificial construct, but a very good one, and Hope Partlow can really sing.

The CD contains 12 teenage pop tunes, and one remix. It also has some computer extras and clips that spice up the package. Serletic, who is also Matchbox Twenty's producer, has assembled a stylish and slick band, experienced writers and every other element necessary to launch Partlow's career. Like an early '60s black and white sit-com, it's not deep, and wasn't intended to be. As a release from endlessly sincere, emo rock bands -- this is a fresh breeze. Like the Simpson sisters, Hope Partlow has an appealing optimism. Radio Disney never had it so good.

So who is Hope Partlow? The short answer is that she's the girl singing the theme for Fran Drescher's new TV show. She grew up in Tennessee singing southern country and gospel songs. Who We Are isn't a country record, it's pure teeny bopper pop, but her roots show through now and then. On more contemplative tracks, Partlow offers glimpses of an early Dolly Parton vulnerability that is charming. The remix of the title track, which also opens the collection, is a horse of a different color: its way more Archies than Grand Old O'pry. Her stylistic flexibility (which will make it hard for her to develop a commercial musical identity) makes pigeon holing Partlow difficult. For now, she sounds very good, and very young. This is America, and young is never bad.

Serletic has enticed Angie Aparo and Dan Wilson to contribute tunes to Who We Are. He also employs a very polished and consistent band, with Rusty Anderson's guitar work a standout. This is clearly a favorite project of his, and the attention shows. Bringing the project, and the star, to New York for "seasoning" really paid off in this case. Partlow's beautiful instrument, and unaffected style, blossomed. For such a young lady, she sings with a beguiling directness.

Partlow's directness and assertive style, make the tunes (which are emotionally light) more effective than they could be in the hands of a lesser singer. Listening to Who We Are isn't earth shattering by any means. It has more of the flavor of a dessert wine than a Cabernet, but it's effective none the less. If you're a teenage girl you'll dig it. If you're not, you'll be ready for the next project the handlers pick for this girl wonder, mostly because she really can sing.

By Dave Morgan