Top 10

Girls' Life, April-May, 2003

Rose Falcon, Rose Falcon

You might recognize Fun" from Master of Disguise or Up, Up, Up" from inspector Gadget 2. That happy, upbeat vibe resonates even in serious songs, like the breakup tune "Breathe." "Best Friend" is dedicated to her mom, who died of breast cancer when Rose was 5. Now 18, Rose credits her dad with guiding her musically. Together, they wrote all the songs on her CD. That's tight.

Falling Uphill, Lillix

This is not the stuff Eden's Crush were made of. Sure, these teens can sing-but they also rock! For real. They write songs and (drumroll, please) play instruments. Tasha-Ray rips on guitar, her sister Lacey-Lee is a kick-butt key-boardist, Louise jams bass and Kim bangs it out on drums. Our high-voltage faves? "Lost and Confused" and "Tomorrow."

It Just Happens That Way, Mindi Abair

She used to back Backstreet Boys on sax. Now, Mindi shows what she's got, not only on sax but keyboards, vocals and wind chimes. Mostly all-instrumental tunes, like "Lucy's," "Flirt" and "Save the Last Dance," showcase Mindi's unique pop-infused jazz. Except for a cover of Eagle-Eye Cherry's "Save Tonight," Mindi co-composed all the tracks. She's one class act.

Stacie Orrico, Stacie Orrico

A whole heck of a lotta voice comes out of this 16-year-old. Her first single "Stuck" is super-catchy. You know you've heard it: "I hate you, but I love you. I can't stop thinking of you. It's true. I'm stuck on you All her songs are 3 definitely danceable. You might even have seen her a couple years back when she opened for Destiny's Child.

RELATED ARTICLE: Relish the Power

Support democracy, kick bad-guy bootie and save Townsville from a serious pickle in Powerpuff Girls: Relish Rampage ($29.99) for PlayStation 2. Notorious villain Mojo Jojo's latest scheme calls in an invasion of pickle parasites from outer space! But you can save the day as you pilot the Girls around a 3D Townsville, using laser vision and the PPG's trademark girly ninja moves to set things straight. Speed through the streets, switching between Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup in the lead, until all the baddies are banished. Don't have PS2? Relish Rampage is scheduled to be released for GameCube later this year.

TRUE ROMANCE

Dating Hamlet

by Lisa Fiedler, Henry Halt, $16.95

Dating a prince sounds dreamy? Not if you're Ophelia and Hamlet's your beau! The couple is set to live happily ever after in this twisted tale, but Ham-let's evil step King Claudius has other plans for them. Desperate, they convince Claudius they're certifiably nuts.

True Confessions of a Heartless Girl

by Martha Brooks Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $16

Aaah... what love stories are made of--a small town, confused girl and sweet guy. Oh, and a stolen truck. Noreen has made, her share of mistakes, but when Wesley comes along, it's the first time anyone has really loved her. So, she does what any romantic would do. She steals his truck and takes off. A heartless snake or flighty love bird?

No Body's Perfect

by Kimberly Kirberger Scholastic, $12.95

Truth: Nobody is perfect, and no body is perfect. Imagine never fretting over boyish legs, jelly bellies or Pinocchio noses. Well, get ready to make a body-confident you a reality! Packed with insight and info on body image, self-acceptance and personal identity, the pages of this honest book were written by previously body-conscious teens.

Bend it Like Backham

It takes a few secs to adjust to the unfamiliar Indian customs and British accents, but once you do, you're hooked. Jess, a rad soccer player, comes froma traditional Indian family living in London. Her parents are not so into cheering on her matches as they are teaching her how to cook masala. Things really heat up when Jess and her best but both crush on their coach, and Jess is accused of kissing lots of people she's never locked lips with. It covers all the bases-friendship, crushes, parental pressure, teen self-esteem and...girl empowerment!

The Other side of Heaven

It's the '50-poodle skirts, ponytails, Jitter-bugs and...grass huts, typhoons and ritualistic dances. This Disney DVD/vid could otherwise be titled I Was a Teenage Missionary. It's the true story of John Groberg who, at 19, treks to the remote jungle Island of Tonga to spread the good word. The cool thing about true stories is that, hey, they really happened (for the most part, anyway). So you can really feel for Hon as he struggles with culture shock. Meanwhile, his girl (Anne Hethaway of The Princess Diaries) is sending him "Dear John" letters.