In 2021, my older sister kept telling me about this show, and how I should watch it. I eventually agreed, and watched the first episode with her. Julie and the Phantoms has been my comfort show ever since. As soon as we finished the first episode, I immediately watched the second, then the third, then the fourth. I only stopped binging the show, when my mother yelled at me to go to sleep. The next day, as soon as I woke up, I carried on with the show. Now, in 2024, I have watched the show at least 40 times and recommended it to many of my friends.
JATP is so much more than a 'cheesy kids show'. It shows a girl dealing with her mother's death, and how the three boys get her back into music. We quickly get attached to each of the characters. Julie, the girl who supposedly quit music after the traumatic death of her mother. And the three boys. Luke, the boy who captured all our hearts with his chemistry with Julie, and his relationship with his parents. Alex, the kind-hearted, empathetic, 'sensitive' boy who grapples with all the changes in their lives. Reggie, the boy who our comedic relief, with jokes for every occasion, the bubbly, upbeat and always happy one. And the other characters, Flynn, Willie, Carlos, Ray, Caleb, Nick, Carrie, Trevor.
Each of the songs didn't have that 'musical' vibe to it. It had the vibes of an actual song written by famous artists all over the world. I loved how they didn't go into song all of a sudden, but actually only played music when they were performing.
'Now or Never' quickly pulled us into the show, being the first song and scene of the show.
'Wake Up' showed us the talent that Julie had. 'This Band is Back' showed us the boys still having fun after learning that they had in fact died, and reappeared 25 years later.
'Wow' had a concert vibe to it.
'Bright' showed us Julie and the boys performing together for the first time, and how they blended in very well together.
'Flying Solo' showed us the relationship between Julie and Flynn, and how important they are to each other.
'I Got the Music' showed us Flynn SLAYING that rap.
'The Other Side of Hollywood' showed us Caleb and his performance group, and how powerful their performance was.
'All Eyes On Me' was another wonder from Carrie and her group, and also gave us a much needed Alex solo.
'Finally Free' gave us a chance of them performing outside their school. 'Perfect Harmony' literally had me jumping out of my seat.
'Edge of Great' just gave us more of those Juke moments we need. 'Unsaid Emily' had me in tears.
'You Got Nothing To Lose' had me screaming at Caleb while also vibing to the music.
'Stand Tall' had me in tears again, and also me jumping out my seat again.
OH MY GOD this was so long, sorry.