Headstrong (Ashley Tisdale album)

Headstrong
Studio album by Ashley Tisdale
Released	February 6, 2007
Recorded	2005–2006
Genre	Pop R&B
Length	44:58
Label	Warner Bros.
Producer	J. R. Rotem The Matrix Bryan Todd Michael Smith Guy Roche Twin Scott Spock Shelly Peiken Emanuel Kiriakou
Ashley Tisdale chronology
Headstrong (2007) Guilty Pleasure (2009)
Singles from Headstrong
"Be Good to Me" Released: December 26, 2006 "He Said She Said" Released: January 15, 2007 "Not Like That" Released: January 25, 2008 "Suddenly" Released: May 2, 2008

Headstrong is the debut studio album by American singer Ashley Tisdale, released on February 6, 2007, by Warner Bros. Records. Tisdale began working on the project after the first installment of High School Musical (2006). Tisdale described her work on the album; "…I didn't really know who I was and I was trying to figure out who to do. I now am way more comfortable in my own skin." The performer worked with a variety of established writers and producers on the album, including Diane Warren, J.R. Rotem, Ryan Tedder, Evan "Kidd" Bogart, and Kara DioGuardi, among others. Commenting that the album garnered its title from her personality, Tisdale said she wanted to use her first album to formally introduce herself “personally”, and not as one of the several characters she is known for.

Headstrong's style derives mainly from the genres of pop, hip-pop and contemporary R&B, backed by electronica. Additionally, the album incorporates hip hop beats, while some tracks infuse dancehall and some styles of world music. The album, lyrically, discusses themes central to modern teen pop, such as broken hearts, crushes and self-confidence. Many music critics compared this first effort to the debut albums of fellow Disney Channel-alums Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Carrying primarily an urban-pop tone, the "hip pop" of Gwen Stefani was also said to be an influence on the album. Headstrong, itself, received mixed reviews from critics, who—while complimenting it overall—called it ‘ordinary’ and panned the ballads. Critics were also unimpressed to ambivalent regarding Tisdale's vocal skills. Regardless, with her multitude of fans, the album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, selling over 64,000 copies in its opening week; it also charted well in numerous international markets. It was later certified as “gold” by the RIAA and the Irish Recorded Music Association.

The album's lead single, "Be Good to Me," charted moderately in the United States and select European markets; the second single from the album, "He Said She Said," peaked at #58 in the US and appeared on several international charts, peaking within the top 20 in Germany and Austria. The last two singles were released exclusively in certain European countries. The third single, "Not Like That" charted in the top half of several European charts, while the fourth and final single "Suddenly" charted in Germany. Tisdale supported the album with promotional appearances, High School Musical: The Concert, and her tour, Headstrong Tour Across America. The album was ranked as the #6 best album of 2007, by the readers of Billboard Magazine.^[1]