The first single from the third release of Disney’s idolized High School Musical is an entertaining blend of the old and new. An ensemble piece, “Now or Never” introduces the film with an upbeat pulse and leaves the audience pumped for the rest of the movie. Beginning with a rap solo from Zac Efron, a returning star from the previous installments, the song starts somewhat slowly and the repetitive rhythm makes for a monotonous first minute. Efron’s vocals are unimpressive, typical of skills he displayed in previous films. The song quickly picks up to a catchy chorus that has potential stuck itself into a listener’s head. Unfortunately, the song tries to crams too much into three and a half minutes: there’s rap, step rhythms and a ballad-y duet between Efron and co-star Vanessa Hudgens. The disarray of styles, though, does not detract from the overall catchiness of the song, and although the lyrics are repetitive and uninspired, expectations are low enough to soften these distractions. As a part of the soundtrack, “Now or Never” succeeds in pleasing its mostly younger listeners and accompanies the movie well.

It’s interesting how the soundtracks have morphed as this franchise grew. Originally, in the first film, most of the songs featured ballad-like melodies and rhythms. However, High School Musical’s audience base has developed since then, and the change in the songs stylistically reflects the explorative nature of the third movie. Still, High School Musical still has a long ways to go before its songs reach a point of musical significance.