She knows it's coming. With two major motion pictures, a new album and an international mega-tour on tap for 2008, Vanessa Hudgens can sense the approaching cyclone. The media frenzy, the blur of time zones, the roar of the arena crowd: it's all part of the package. But having been around this block before, the 19-year-old singer is more than ready. With her new Hollywood Records CD, Identified, Vanessa Hudgens has matured, revealing a level of sophisticated artistry sure to thrill long-time fans and draw in new fans as well.

Working with A-list songwriter-producers like JR Rotem, Dr. Luke, Tim James & Antonina Armato, Vanessa took unexpected turns on the new album. "This time I did what I wanted to do," she says. "I always had a knack for a more soulful, jazzy sound, so right off the bat I wanted to kind of let loose, and come up with a sound no one has heard from me before." She's not exaggerating. For those familiar with her sweet-toned performances from the "High School Musical" films - which catapulted her to superstardom - or her 2006 debut CD, V, Vanessa has some gritty surprises in store

Vanessa's first single and video, "Sneakernight," is both fun and funky, and may end up as one of the CD's most enduring hits. Says Vanessa, "Dancing in sneakers makes it all the better. People haven't been able to see that side of me. I can kick butt!"