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Release Date: November 4, 2008 Label: Razor & Tie Related Sites: · Official Website for Alvin and the Chipmunks Grade: B+

When one talks about the music industry giants and the longevity of their careers, the conversation almost immediately settles upon names like the Rolling Stones or the Eagles. However, one cannot have such a conversation about such giants without paying respect to the six-time Grammy winning group, Alvin and the Chipmunks. Almost immediately after appearing as uncredited backup singers for Ross Bagdasarian's "The Witch Doctor" in 1958, Alvin, Simon and Theodore skyrocketed to stardom with "The Chipmunk Song," a Christmas tune that even today is considered a classic.

Now, fifty years later, Alvin and the Chipmunks are reinvigorated, and still a musical force to be reckoned with. Having conquered nearly every genre of music from rock to country to punk, these accomplished musicians deliver up Undeniable, a mix of covers and original tunes that span rock and hip-hop -- and even include a return to their roots with a brand new holiday offering.

Undeniable starts out in high gear with the group's theme song, "We're the Chipmunks, blended and remixed by DeeTown to include updated rap lyrics delivered by Chipmunks lead singer, Alvin, who proves to be just as adept at spinning rhymes as he is of reaching a high note.

The Peaches & Herb dance classic, "Shake Your Groove Thing," is next in line, with an assist from Drew Seeley. It might seem to be a sign of the group finally showing their age (although they appear far better preserved than Keith Richards) that they have additional singers joining them on this album (although Chipmunk fans would be quick to point out that it's more likely the tiny trio are mentoring the up-and-coming artists). Chris Classic joins the gang for "Acceptance" and Rebecca Jones gets an entire verse to herself of the classic Journey song, "Don't Stop Believin'" (with lyrics slightly rewritten -- "for a smile they can watch our show, it goes on and on and on and on").

For the most part, though, each track is pure Chipmunk magic, whether performing Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer," Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds," American Idol Daughtry's "Home," or even Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll." These familiar melodies become something entirely new as Alvin and the Chipmunks take each one and make it their own.

Whether you're a a longtime fan or have only recently been munk'd, Undeniable will be sure to delight and surprise. Baby boomers will get down to both versions of the group's theme, Gen-Xers will appreciate Alvin's lead vocals on "All the Small Things," and cult film fans will gleefully throw toast as they rock out to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"'s "Time Warp." Regardless of where you fall, Alvin and the Chipmunks demonstrate a tenaciousness and adaptability that is, as the album says, undeniable. Is there anything these guys can't do?