RBD “Celestial”

RBD sound as perky as ever on their third Spanish language album, Celestial, an album that rivals the gloss of Timbiriche's arena pop.

Tracks like "Bésame Sin Miedo" (Kiss me without fear) and Ser o Parecer (Be or appear to be) are upbeat rockers – punky teen bop with endearing electronic elements. Their previous hit ballad Sálvame is reprised with Algún Día (Someday), a track which almost hits the spot with a soulful string arrangement and a compelling vocal performance by Anahí Puente, the group's most polished voice.

Yet, despite the powerful stuff of teen rebellion – the group consists of six former teen telenovela actors who played the role of a musical act before they became one – the album fails to strike an original note. Compared to Quiero Ser by Menudo, 20 millas by Flans, No Strings Attached by N'Sync or Millenium by The Backstreet Boys, the 11 songs on Celestial tend to blend together, with forgettable melodies, grating mixes and corny lyrics. It's the score to a larger-than-life stadium show rather than a personal soundtrack for headphones.

Those shortcomings – from a critical standpoint – will unlikely put off the group's legions of fans around the world. Given RBD's origins as a slick marketing vehicle, it's not surprising their devoted followers embrace the group as a total package rather than a strictly musical offering. In Mexico, Celestial was certified platinum on the day it was released.

As we've written, RBD is an unstoppable force and they're poised to absorb even more energy as they sweep across the nation: they'll soon release Rebels their first English language album.