I agree with you SweatHeart, though I wouldn't be so harsh on the other forum members. Something to remember, Celtic Thunder's target market isn't (or hasn't been) teenage girls. Damian's purpose in the group is to be the young one that adults go "Awe, he's so cute." Hence, he wears the outfits and sings some gimmicky songs. Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen and the grease song (I don't even remember the name) weren't meant to be taken seriously. They're supposed to be fun silly jokes that entertain people. The other forum members see the songs as what they are, silly, and enjoy them for that. Even Damian seems to be laughing at himself during the songs. Now, we don't enjoy that cause we want really good solo songs that were meant to be taken seriously (and honestly HPS16 is just mocking being sixteen). However, we aren't the target market....or haven't been. I think Sharron is changing that with this new album. Previously, the show was designed for older adults. Sharron now realizes how big of a younger girl following Celtic Thunder has (and by younger I mean under 30), which would make sense why she would want to redesign the show for that age group. Now this is me speculating obviously, but it would be smart of her because if she continues to give Damian songs that are only meant to be silly, she will lose fans that feel like me and you. And Sharron is smart. Now I may or may not be right, but I do know this. On the first DVD interviews Damian stated that his favorite songs were A Bird Without Wings and Come By The Hills, which were both serious. Damian then went on to say that he didn't like Young Love and Puppy Love, which were fun and silly, but that he was delighted to sing them. In the pub chat on Storm Damian said 'I have a good felling about this one. AND i love everyone of my songs....which always helps." Meaning all of his songs are probably more serious and you and I are bound to like them. Take heart, SweatHeart.

I do not mean to be offensive to anyone. This is just my personal opinion. If you like his new two songs and think they are serious, that's great. I trust Sharron to do an awesome job with the new album because she has done an awesome job in the past, even if I don't care for some of his songs.

Thank you, NelsMaryE, for the back up. You are totally my new forum best friend. As I read a lot of the posts I have to wonder, are some of these people real fans who genuinly have a taste for 50 year old soda pop shop music, or are they just groupies who see damian as a hot bod and who admire him and find everything he does to be flawless because their love is deaf. Not to say Damian can't sing. I think it's been well established that he's fabulous. I just mean, in my own, personal, singular opinion, I not fond of that kind of music. And as far as these songs representing his journey to manhood and all that, I don't see how these songs show that. Damian's been a member of CT for what, 3, 4 years? He's been singing the same stuff all that time- A love-sick boy with a girl he is completely enthralled with. Damian has without a doubt matured since his start, but his songs haven't. But I'm just one person. I'm sure Phil and Sharon have a vision for this show and it all plays it's part. I love Damian just the same. He's a beautiful, sweet, funny guy with a beautiful voice. Nothing will ever change that.

I agree with SweetHeart, they really need to modernize his songs. I know they are trying to pick songs for his age, but come on, there are modern songs about being sixteen. Personally, I really didn't like Happy Birthday Sweet 16.

Castles-Yeah, I like the 50s/60s songs too. And the funny thing is, my sister( don't really like them all that well! What's with our sisters? Yeah, most people who I introduce CT too are always like, "They don't sing that much celtic music. Mainly oldies." and then I have to explain the show, that it's the journey of a celtic man through the different stages of his life.

SweetHeart-I know what you are talking about. I think they chose those songs because they are trying to give Damian songs dealing with what people his age deal with all the time; young/puppy love. The music reflects that. As he is getting older though, I'm sure he'll have some pieces much different than the ones he has been singing. Celtic Thunder is showing the journey of a man through the different stages of his life. Now that Damian is getting older, I wouldn't be surprised if Storm has some songs completely different from what we've been seeing.

I really like this song! Damian puts so much energy and fun in it. Whenever I listen to it, no matter what mood I'm in, Damian's happiness is infectious!

I would give anything to hear this on my birthday (Oct. 19) It will be my sweet sixteen. Unfortunately as far as I know I'll be at school.

sorry to pop your bubble but he's not is skinny jeans or a leather jacket in hps16, but in buihtd