Pokémon 2.B.A. Master
From theFlashdance-like opener, "Pokémon Theme," to the closer, "You Can Do It (If You Really Try)," 2.B.A. Master is high-energy fare. This CD sports an over-the-top flavor drawn from video-game-styled electronic blips, disco danceability, and the hollow tripped-out beats of theme-park musicals, all of which makes this super hot stuff for the Pokémon generation. The 13 tunes here are spread between action narrative ("What Kind of Pokémon Are You?," "Together Forever"), scene-setting devices ("Viridian City"), and character theme songs for our hero Ash, his Pokémon Pickachu, and his pal Misty, as well as rival trainers, Team Rocket. "What Kind of Pokémon Are You?" features multitracked rapping and R&B; choral refrains; the superlative "2.B.A. Master" bursts with space-ageMichael Jackson-inspired speak-singing and electronic riffs; and not only is the funky "PokéRap" featured in audio, but the enhanced disc contains the visual component as well.--Paige La Grone