The Rubyz!
Self-Titled
iShine
Grade - C

The Rubyz are an arranged trio of teenage girls brought together intentionally to fit a targeted market. The same market as Disney’s Hannah Montana. The young ladies ages’ range from 13 to 17 and all are very talented. Each had to go through a tryout before being selected. Their debut CD does pack a powerful gospel message and the upbeat soundtrack is just right for the demographics. However,I would feel remiss if I did not get on my soapbox and say that I am not a big fan of the way we produce such groups. The competitive nature of trying out for a vocal group like this reeks of American Idol(ization). It’s the age-old struggle of in the world and not of the world. Aside from the selection process, I appreciate having an alternative age-appropriate CD that I can purchase for my own teenager.

On a side note, the CD hits another market as well with an 80’s cover of “We Got The Beat” by the GoGo’s.

The Rubyz! have a MySpace account at http://www.myspace.com/therubyz.

Ken W.