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This is the moment at which 18 year old Disney teen pop princess Demi Lovato emerges from personal trauma to step forward as a young adult pop artist. It is no surprise that she would emerge from a stay in rehab and treatment for bipolar disorder with a statement of strength in song. However, it is her choice of collaborators that help make "Skyscraper" truly memorable.

It sports the simultaneously fragile but resilient feel of collaborator Kerli's work while being guided with the surefire mainstream pop hand of veteran Toby Gad. Here Demi Lovato looks serious about being not only a Disney teen idol but also a true pop artist.

Pros

• Demi Lovato's breathy, intimate vocals that evolve into a tower of strength
• Riveting, vivid, inspirational lyrics
• Sympathetic instrumental track

Cons

• No significant negatives here

Description

• Written by Demi Lovato, Toby Gad, Kerli, and Lindy Robbins
• Produced by Toby Gad
• Released July 2011 by Hollywood Records

Guide Review - Demi Lovato - "Skyscraper"

"Skyscraper" opens with the trio of lines, "Skies are crying / I am watching / Catching teardrops in my hands." Sung with fragile emotion over a pulsing piano by Demi Lovato, this is one of the most riveting openings to a mainstream pop song yet this year. The song maintains a simple structure. It is a song of survival in the face of events that amount to efforts to "tear me down." However, the audio pictures painted by words like "You can break everything I am / Like I'm made of glass," coupled with Demi Lovato's bravura vocal performance turn this into something truly special.

The lyrics of "Skyscraper" bear the unmistakable moody, yet uplifting stamp of Estonian-born songwriter and performer Kerli who co-wrote the song. It is all channeled into memorable mainstream pop territory with the presence of producer and songwriter Toby Gad who is known for such hits as Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" and Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry." The pop music field has been crowded lately with anthems about self-esteem. However, none has been as intimately personal as Demi Lovato sounds here. As she vocally swings for the fences following the bridge, Demi Lovato sounds as if she really does see herself as the towering survivor described in the words.

"Skyscraper" is a complete change of pace from the current dominance of upbeat party tunes on the pop music landscape. Hopefully, this will mean a niche is open for a song like "Skyscraper." It is deserving of the attention, and "Skyscraper" is one of those pop songs that just might save a life or two as it gives inspiration to listeners beset by equally difficult life circumstances.