Lindsay Pagano (Warner Bros.)
Fifteen-year-old newcomer Lindsay Pagano's idols, says her press bio, include Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross and—Axl Rose? Except for that last head-scratcher, these influences help explain the surprising soulfulness on this Philadelphian's promising debut. On a versatile collection that hops from perky pop-rock to sexy dance jams to moving ballads, Pagano proves that she isn't your typical teen-pop pretender. Although her rangy voice is still developing, she can already belt it out like Christina Aguilera, yet she has some of the restraint and subtlety that her older competition lacks, resisting Star Search histrionics on the gospel-infused "Amazing High." Pagano even holds her own with guest vocalist Paul McCartney on a lovely rendition of his 1983 single "So Bad," proving just how good she is.
Bottom Line: You go, girl!
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