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A Little Bit Longer
A Little Bit Longer
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A Little Bit Longer
Standard cover
Studio album by
Jonas Brothers
ReleasedAugust 12, 2008
Studio
Genre
Length39:31
LabelHollywood
ProducerJohn Fields
Jonas Brothers chronology
Jonas Brothers
(2007) 		A Little Bit Longer
(2008) 		Music from the 3D Concert Experience
(2009)
Singles from A Little Bit Longer
  1. "Burnin' Up"
    Released: June 19, 2008
  2. "Lovebug"
    Released: September 30, 2008
  3. "Tonight"
    Released: February 17, 2009

A Little Bit Longer is the third studio album by the American pop rock band Jonas Brothers. It was released on August 12, 2008, through Hollywood Records. The album received generally favorable reviews from critics and was preceded by three singles, "Burnin' Up", "Lovebug" and "Tonight". The album was number 40 on Rolling Stone's Best 50 Albums of 2008. One of the songs from the album, "Video Girl" was also number 49 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008.

Background

[edit]

The title of the album, "A Little Bit Longer", comes from their song of the same name, which Nick Jonas wrote about his feelings with having type 1 diabetes. The album artwork was released by Team Jonas, the Jonas Brothers' official fan club, to fan club members via an e-mail newsletter on June 20, 2008.

Promotion

[edit]
See also: The Burning Up Tour

On August 5, 2008, A Little Bit Longer was uploaded to MTV's The Leak, enabling the album to be streamed before it was released. The brothers performed their second single, "Lovebug" at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards

One of the extra tracks, "Live to Party", was later the theme song for their television show Jonas.

Singles

[edit]

"Burnin' Up" is the album's first single and was officially released on June 19, 2008. The music video for "Burnin' Up" premiered on Disney Channel, following the premiere of Camp Rock, a day after. The album's second single "Lovebug" was revealed at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. It was officially released on September 30, 2008. The official music video for "Lovebug" premiered on the Disney Channel on October 19, 2008. The album's third and final single "Tonight".

Promotional singles

[edit]

"A Little Bit Longer" was released on August 5, 2008, as the first promotional single. On March 12, 2009, "Pushin' Me Away" was released as the second and final promotional single.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic66/100[1]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[2]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[3]
Detroit Free PressStarStarStar
The GazetteStarStarStar
The GuardianStar[4]
Jesus Freak HideoutStarStarStarHalf star[5]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarHalf star[6]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarStar[7]
Slant MagazineStarStarHalf star[8]
Toronto StarStarStarHalf star[9]

A Little Bit Longer received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, the album received an above average score of 66 out of 100.[1] In a 4-star review written by Rolling Stone editor Jody Rosen he stated, "The boys fantastic third album is steeped in the fuzzed-up guitars, three-part harmonies and cotton-candy choruses of Big Star and Cheap Trick. Power-pop die-hards awaiting the genre's commercial saviors must reckon with the fact that the messiahs have arrived".[7] Natalie Nichols of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "The third album from the alpha boy band of the moment is certainly of the moment. Jersey-born Jonas siblings Nick (15), Kevin (20), and Joe (18) hit all the right pop notes with such numbers as the romping come-on 'Got Me Going Crazy', the slightly funky 'Burnin' Up' (a very pale imitation of Prince) and the emo-lite of brokenhearted ballad 'Can't Have You'".[6]

In a mixed review from the Toronto Star, Ben Rayner when speaking about the albums demographic wrote, "Young hearts will melt, elder stomachs will churn", and "[A Little Bit Longer] has one uncritical audience in particular in mind and it serves it as well as can be expected".[9]

Commercial performance

[edit]

A Little Bit Longer debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 selling 525,402 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[10] The album also debuted at number one on the US Billboard Comprehensive Albums, Top Digital Albums, Top Internet Albums, and Tastemakers charts.[11]

In its second week, the album remained at number one on the US Billboard 200 selling an additional 147,000 copies, making it the band's fastest selling album to date.[12] In its third week, it fell to number four on the chart, selling another 80,000 copies.[13] On October 17, 2008, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over a million copies in the United States.[14] As of March 2015, the album has sold 2,082,000 million copies in the United States.[15]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are produced by John Fields.

A Little Bit Longer track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."BB Good"
2:56
2."Burnin' Up"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
2:54
3."Shelf"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
3:48
4."One Man Show"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
3:08
5."Lovebug"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
3:40
6."Tonight"
3:29
7."Can't Have You"
4:28
8."Video Girl"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
2:53
9."Pushin' Me Away"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
3:03
10."Sorry"
3:12
11."Got Me Going Crazy"N. Jonas2:35
12."A Little Bit Longer"N. Jonas3:25
Total length:39:31
Japanese edition track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."When You Look Me in the Eyes"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
  • Kevin Jonas Sr.
  • Bianco
  • Raymond Boyd
4:09
14."Hello Goodbye"
2:07
15."Live to Party"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
2:58
16."Infatuation"
3:30
Total length:52:16
Japanese deluxe edition track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."When You Look Me in the Eyes"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
  • K. Jonas Sr.
  • Bianco
  • Boyd
4:09
14."Hello Goodbye"
  • Lennon
  • McCartney
2:07
15."Infatuation"
  • Darlington
  • G:son
  • Kamada
  • Kosugi
3:30
16."Burnin' Up" (live)
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
3:48
17."Shelf" (live)
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
4:56
18."Pushin' Me Away" (live)
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
3:23
19."A Little Bit Longer" (live)N. Jonas8:38
Total length:1:06:05
Japanese deluxe edition bonus DVD
No.TitleLength
1.""When You Look Me in the Eyes" (music video)"4:16
2.""Burnin' Up" (music video)"3:26
3.""Burnin' Up" ("Making of the Video")"5:01
4.""Lovebug" (music video)"4:19
5.""Lovebug" ("Making of the Video")"4:22
6."JB Special Message"0:21
7."A Little Bit Longer: Album piece with exclusive photo gallery"2:15
8."A Little Bit Longer: Clear Channel Stripped performance"3:24
9."Band in a Bus trailer"3:15
10."YouTube videos:
  • DJ Danger (0:55)
  • Nick J Show (0:54)
  • Taichi (1:13)
  • Gibson Surprise Visit (0:44)
  • Look Me in the Eyes Tour Makes History (0:53)
  • Meet the Queen Josephyne (1:54)"
6:53
Total length:37:32
Target edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."Hello Goodbye"
2:07
Total length:41:41
Walmart edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."Live to Party"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
2:58
Total length:42:32
Australian edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
14."Hello Goodbye"
  • Lennon
  • McCartney
2:07
Total length:44:08
European edition[16]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."When You Look Me in the Eyes"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
  • Kevin Jonas Sr.
  • PJ Bianco
  • Raymond Boyd
4:09
Total length:40:45
UK edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
14."Live to Party"
  • N. Jonas
  • J. Jonas
  • K. Jonas
2:58
Total length:43:43

Exclusive DVDs

[edit]
Target Exclusive DVD

The Target edition of A Little Bit Longer includes a DVD with the following:

Jonas Brothers official site pre-order bonus DVD

Fans that pre-ordered A Little Bit Longer online before its release received a DVD with the following:

  • Jonas Brothers' special message
  • A Little Bit Longer album piece
  • "A Little Bit Longer" (acoustic live performance)
  • "Lovebug" (acoustic performance)
  • Band in a Bus trailer
  • Jonas Brothers YouTube videos
Woolworths (UK) Exclusive DVD

Buyers of the CD had the option to get an exclusive DVD at extra cost, As they did with "Jonas Brothers" & "Camp Rock"

  • Jonas Brothers' special message
  • A Little Bit Longer album piece
  • Band in a Bus trailer
  • Jonas Brothers YouTube videos
UK "FanPack"

Released in the UK, a limited edition Fan pack containing

  • Regular version of the album cd
  • Girls skinny fit teeshirt
  • Tote bag
  • Bracelet
  • 4 Pin Badges
  • All contained inside a clear vanity case with Jonas Brothers emblem
Canadian deluxe edition

The Canadian Deluxe Edition of A Little Bit Longer includes a DVD with the following:

  • Live @ Much: Jonas Brothers- A MuchMusic Special Presentation
  • A Little Bit Longer Album Piece
  • Band in a Bus Trailer
  • Jonas Brothers YouTube videos;
    • DJ Danger
    • Nick J Show- Anger
    • Tai Chi
    • Nick J Show- Revenge
    • Gibson Surprise Visit
    • Look Me in the Eyes Makes History
    • Meet the Queen
  • Music videos
    • "Burnin' Up"
    • "Lovebug"

Personnel

[edit]
Jonas Brothers
  • Joe Jonas – vocals
  • Kevin Jonas – guitar, mandolin, vocals
  • Nick Jonas – guitar, keyboards, vocals
  • John Lloyd Taylor – guitar, vocals
Additional personnel
  • John Fields – bass, keyboards, guitar, programming, string arrangement on "Sorry"
  • Dorian Crozier – drums, percussion, keyboards, programming
  • Stephen Lu – string arrangement, conducting on "Shelf", "A Little Bit Longer", "Video Girl", "Can't Have You"
  • Eric Gorfain – violin
  • Daphne Chen – violin
  • Leah Katz – viola
  • Richard Dodd – cello (The Section Quartet appears courtesy of Decca)
  • Big Rob – vocals on "Burnin' Up"
  • Meaghan Martin – vocals on "Video Girl"
  • Ken Chastain – tambourine on "Video Girl"

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales for A Little Bit Longer
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[45] Platinum 60,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[46] 2× Platinum 160,000^
GCC (IFPI Middle East)[47] Gold 3,000*
Ireland (IRMA)[48] Gold 7,500^
Italy — 50,000[49]
Mexico (AMPROFON)[50] Platinum 80,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[51] Gold 7,500^
Poland (ZPAV)[52] Gold 10,000*
Spain (Promusicae)[53] Platinum 80,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[54] Gold 100,000^
United States (RIAA)[14] Platinum 2,082,000[15]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Country Date
United States August 12, 2008
Canada
Brazil
Argentina August 21, 2008
Colombia
Hong Kong August 26, 2008
United Kingdom September 29, 2008
Europe October 3, 2008
Philippines October 6, 2008
Australia October 13, 2008
New Zealand October 13, 2008
South Africa November 14, 2008
Taiwan November 14, 2008
Canada (Deluxe Edition) December 9, 2008
Japan January 14, 2009

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

A Little Bit Longer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A Little Bit Longer is the third studio by the American pop rock band the , released on August 12, 2008, through . It serves as their follow-up to the self-titled Jonas Brothers (2007) and features 12 tracks, with the majority co-written by the band members—, Joe, and —alongside producer John Fields. The debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 525,000 copies in its first week and marking the Jonas Brothers' first chart-topping release. It was certified platinum by the (RIAA) on October 17, 2008, for shipments exceeding one million units in the . Internationally, A Little Bit Longer also achieved strong performance, reaching number one in and peaking at number 19 on the . The lead single, "Burnin' Up" (featuring Big Rob), was released on June 20, 2008, and became the band's biggest hit to date, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot 100 Singles Sales chart. Follow-up singles included "" (number 49 on the Hot 100), the title track "A Little Bit Longer" (number 11), and "Tonight" (number 8 on the Hot 100). These releases, coupled with the band's growing prominence through projects like , helped solidify A Little Bit Longer as a commercial cornerstone of their early career, with the album selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide.

Background and Development

Recording Process

The approached the recording of their third studio album with a dynamic that integrated songwriting and production amid their demanding tour schedule. The band frequently composed tracks on their tour bus, drawing from immediate personal experiences to maintain authenticity in their pop-rock sound. As explained in a 2008 interview, "We wrote while we were on the bus, because if things happened to us, like the days of like while we were recording and then it was a that wasn’t on our to record, but we wrote it that night and recorded it the next day and then it’s now one of our favorite on the album." This rapid turnaround allowed for spontaneous creativity, with the brothers preparing foundational elements such as drum patterns, guitar riffs, and vocal melodies before entering the studio to refine and complete them. Production duties were spearheaded by John Fields, a seasoned collaborator who previously worked on the band's self-titled second album, ensuring continuity in their evolving sound. Fields not only produced the album but also served as the recording engineer, while contributing instrumentation on bass, keyboards, guitar, and programming to enhance the tracks' energy and texture. Executive production was overseen by and Kevin Jonas Sr., the band's father and manager, who provided guidance on the overall vision. The sessions emphasized the brothers' growing role as songwriters, exemplified by penning the title track as a personal reflection on his experience with , which was recorded with emotional depth to resonate with listeners. This collaborative, on-the-move workflow resulted in an album that balanced high-energy rock elements with introspective ballads, marking a maturation in their recording approach.

Inspiration and Title

The title of the ' third studio album, A Little Bit Longer, derives directly from its closing title track, a penned solely by . This song was composed in approximately 20 minutes during a challenging day while filming the film Camp Rock in 2007, when Jonas was experiencing the physical and emotional toll of his diagnosis, which he had received at age 13. The reflect his frustration with the condition's daily management, including mood swings and irritation from blood sugar fluctuations, culminating in a message of perseverance: "a little bit longer and I'll be fine." The album's broader inspiration stemmed from the brothers' desire to infuse their music with authentic personal narratives, drawing from real-life events amid their rising fame. Nick Jonas explained in a 2008 interview that the songs were rooted in "things that actually happened to us," written primarily on their tour bus during the Camp Rock production and a supporting tour with Miley Cyrus, with final refinements in a studio afterward. This period marked a transitional phase for the group, as they balanced teenage life, professional pressures, and individual challenges—such as Nick's health struggles—while aiming to evolve beyond their earlier, more playful pop sound. The title track, in particular, held deep personal significance for Nick, who described it as "really close to my heart" for confronting his diabetes openly, a theme that resonated with fans and underscored the album's emphasis on vulnerability.

Musical Composition

Style and Production

A Little Bit Longer blends with influences, incorporating hooks and occasional energy in its uptempo tracks, while ballads provide emotional contrast through acoustic layering and sincere vocal deliveries. The album's sound emphasizes polished, energetic arrangements with prominent guitar riffs and rhythmic grooves, evoking a summery, youthful vibe suitable for the band's . Tracks like "BB Good" showcase rock-influenced guitar breaks and driving beats, marking a maturation from earlier bubblegum pop toward a more guitar-oriented pop-rock aesthetic. The production, helmed by John Fields—who also served as recording engineer—results in a glossy, radio-ready finish with tight instrumentation and layered harmonies that highlight the ' vocal interplay. Fields co-wrote several tracks, contributing to the album's cohesive flow, while mixing duties were handled by , known for his punchy, dynamic sound on pop-rock records. Executive producers and Kevin Jonas Sr. oversaw the project, ensuring alignment with ' teen-oriented vision. Recorded primarily in 2007 and 2008, the sessions emphasized live band energy blended with studio polish to capture the group's evolving maturity.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics on A Little Bit Longer represent a shift toward greater personal vulnerability and maturity for the , incorporating themes of adolescent romance, the pitfalls of fame, and individual health struggles as the band members navigated early stardom. Drawing from their real-life experiences, the songwriting emphasizes heartfelt emotions over generic pop tropes, with the brothers contributing to most tracks to infuse authenticity into explorations of , , and resilience. Central to the album is the title track, a solo composition by that candidly addresses his lifelong battle with . The song articulates the frustration of waiting for a cure amid the disease's emotional fluctuations, with lines like "All the highs and lows, are gonna be over someday" conveying hope and endurance. Penned in approximately 20 minutes during a challenging day in a hotel ballroom while filming , it underscores the raw, spontaneous nature of the brothers' creative process. This track not only serves as an emotional closer but also aims to raise awareness and support for diabetes research. Romantic relationships form another core theme, portrayed with a mix of and . "," an acoustic evoking ' style, celebrates the thrill of new love through sincere declarations of devotion, while "Sorry" examines the nuances of remorse and reconciliation, highlighting emotional depth in young partnerships. Tracks like "Shelf" further delve into heartbreak and self-reflection, capturing the pain of unrequited feelings without aggression. Critiques of appear prominently in songs addressing superficiality and fleeting connections. "Video Girl," for example, targets fame-seeking individuals in exploitative relationships, warning of their impermanence with pointed such as "It's gonna suck when the camera stops rolling," which underscore the emptiness of stardom-driven pursuits. Overall, these themes blend youthful optimism with sobering realities, reflecting the brothers' transition from innocence to a more nuanced understanding of personal and public life.

Release and Promotion

Marketing Strategies

The marketing for A Little Bit Longer, the Jonas Brothers' third studio album released on August 12, 2008, via , heavily leveraged Disney's multimedia ecosystem to target pre-teen and teenage audiences, particularly girls aged 6-18. As a Disney subsidiary label, integrated the album's promotion with the band's starring roles in the Original Movie , which premiered on June 20, 2008, and became the year's top cable telecast with over 8.9 million viewers, significantly expanding the brothers' fanbase. This synergy positioned the album as an extension of the phenomenon, with the film's soundtrack also featuring Jonas Brothers tracks to cross-promote both properties. Key promotional efforts included corporate tie-ins and media appearances to amplify visibility. The band appeared in national commercials for brands like , Target, and Chevrolet, embedding their music and image into everyday consumer experiences and driving merchandise sales. High-profile media exposure featured a July 2008 cover story and a performance on ABC's Good Morning America that drew 15,000 fans, underscoring Disney's strategy of blending live events with broadcast reach. The "Burnin' Up," released on June 19, 2008, was promoted through a featuring their bodyguard Big Rob, which debuted on and helped propel the track to No. 5 on the , setting the stage for the album's No. 1 debut on the with 525,000 first-week sales. The , launched on July 31, 2008, served as the album's primary live promotion vehicle, also tying into with opening acts including and the movie's cast; the tour grossed $41 million from 48 shows. Produced by Live Nation, the tour incorporated elaborate production elements like and special effects to enhance the pop-rock spectacle, while a , Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience, was shot during performances and released in February 2009 to extend the campaign's momentum. These efforts collectively emphasized experiential marketing, blending digital, broadcast, and live components to solidify the ' status as Disney's flagship teen act.

Singles

The lead single from A Little Bit Longer, "Burnin' Up", was released on June 19, 2008, featuring a guest rap by Big Rob. The track, a song with elements, debuted at number 53 on the and peaked at number 5, marking the ' first top-five hit on the chart after 12 weeks. It also reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and number 15 on the Canadian Hot 100, driven by strong digital sales and radio airplay. The second single, "Lovebug", followed on September 8, 2008, as a slower, acoustic-influenced exploring themes of . It entered the at number 57 in November 2008, re-entered in January 2009, and peaked at number 49 after seven weeks on the chart. In Canada, it reached number 45 on the Canadian Hot 100. The music video, directed by Philip Andelman and released on October 19, 2008, depicted the band performing in a stylized, romantic setting. "Tonight" served as the third and final official single, released on January 4, 2009. An upbeat track about longing and reconciliation, it initially charted from album buzz, debuting on the in August 2008 and peaking at number 8 by August 16, 2008, before the official single launch boosted its digital performance. It also hit number 18 on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, the title track "A Little Bit Longer" was issued as a promotional single on July 15, 2008, ahead of the album's release, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2008 due to high digital downloads following its music video premiere. "Shelf" received limited radio promotion in select markets but did not chart as an official single.

Tours and Live Performances

Associated Tours

The primary concert tour associated with A Little Bit Longer was the ' Burning Up Tour, which launched on July 4, 2008, in , , at the Molson Amphitheatre, shortly after the album's August 12 release. This fifth headlining tour by the band served as the main promotional vehicle for the record, featuring a setlist heavily drawn from its tracks alongside selections from prior albums like It's About Time and Jonas Brothers. Opening acts included , promoting her debut album , as well as and later additions like and on select dates; the tour spanned and concluded its initial leg in March 2009, with additional international shows in . The tour emphasized high-energy pop-rock performances, incorporating elaborate staging, , and interactive elements to engage the band's young fanbase, often selling out arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S. and . A 3D concert film, Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience, was filmed during the tour's early dates and released in February 2009, capturing live renditions of songs such as "Burnin' Up," "S.O.S.," and "A Little Bit Longer," further extending the album's visibility through theatrical and formats. Following the , the embarked on their World Tour in June 2009, which continued to showcase material from A Little Bit Longer as a core component of the setlist, bridging promotion of the 2008 album with their forthcoming release . Produced by Live Nation, this global outing included 92 shows across , , and , generating $96.6 million in gross revenue and attracting over 1 million attendees, with numerous sell-outs. Highlights featured acoustic medleys of introspective tracks like "A Little Bit Longer" and "," performed on a to emphasize the album's themes of perseverance and youth.

Notable Performances

The delivered several high-profile live performances of songs from A Little Bit Longer during late 2008 and early 2009, capitalizing on the album's momentum and their rising popularity. One of the earliest standout appearances was at the , where they performed the album's closing track "" on September 7. The rendition, staged on the backlot of Paramount Studios in , featured the band's signature pop-rock energy and marked a pivotal moment in their career, showcasing their transition to more amid a sea of celebrity attendees. In November 2008, the group took the stage at the to debut "Tonight," the album's third single, introduced by fellow Disney artist . Broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in on November 23, the performance highlighted the song's anthemic chorus and the brothers' synchronized choreography, contributing to its subsequent chart success and reinforcing their status as icons. Early 2009 brought further acclaim with a memorable collaboration at the on February 8. The joined for a medley blending "Burnin' Up," the album's lead single, with Wonder's classic "." Performed at the Staples Center in , the infused the high-energy track with influences, earning praise for its intergenerational appeal and the brothers' ability to hold their own alongside a music legend. On television, the band appeared as musical guests on on February 14, 2009, hosted by . They delivered stripped-down yet vibrant renditions of "Video Girl" and "Tonight," emphasizing the album's introspective lyrics and guitar-driven sound in the intimate setting. The episodes captured their playful stage presence, including sketches poking fun at their boy-band image, which broadened their appeal beyond audiences. Later that year, at the on March 28, the opened with a medley of "Burnin' Up" and "S.O.S." (from their prior album) at the in . The slime-themed event's performance, introduced by actors and , energized a young crowd and tied into the album's themes of perseverance, with "Burnin' Up" serving as a high-octane closer that solidified its status as a live staple. These appearances not only promoted A Little Bit Longer but also demonstrated the band's versatility, from award-show spectacles to TV variety formats, helping propel singles like "Burnin' Up" to No. 5 on the and the album to multi-platinum sales.

Critical Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in August 2008, A Little Bit Longer received generally mixed to positive reviews from music critics, holding a score of 66 out of 100 based on 12 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Critics noted the Jonas Brothers' evolution toward a more rock-oriented sound while acknowledging the album's roots in . Many praised the band's improved musicianship and songwriting maturity, particularly in tracks blending pop-rock energy with personal themes, though some faulted the production for being overly polished and the material for lacking lasting depth beyond its . Entertainment Weekly described it as the work of a "pretty terrific little rock band," crediting the trio's youthful energy and creditable output despite their ages, emphasizing songs such as "BB Good" for their joyful jam quality. Rolling Stone's review called the package "as assured as any album released in ," with crisp production and catchy songs that showcased the brothers' ability to sing, write, and play instruments effectively. Conversely, Slant Magazine's Jonathan Keefe gave it 2.5 out of five stars, critiquing the album's failure to transcend the teen-pop cycle, arguing that even its more ambitious moments felt contrived and unlikely to endure beyond the band's current fame. The Guardian offered a similarly dismissive take, labeling the music "McFly-like soulless pop-rock" and "unlistenable tosh," amid the wholesome but bland fare. The New York Times, in a concert review tied to the album's promotion, noted it as "slightly less consistent" than the prior release but observed the songs signaling the brothers' growth toward more mature themes. Christian-focused outlet Jesus Freak Hideout rated it 3.5 out of five, applauding the diminished pop excess and rock-leaning tracks like the opener "BB Good," while suggesting further evolution could elevate future work. Overall, the album's reception underscored the Jonas Brothers' commercial peak while highlighting debates over their artistic longevity.

Retrospective Assessments

In retrospect, A Little Bit Longer (2008) is often regarded as the pinnacle of the Jonas Brothers' early career, marking their transition from Disney-affiliated teen idols to a more mature pop-rock act while solidifying their commercial dominance. Critics have noted the album's blend of upbeat pop-punk energy and personal vulnerability, particularly in tracks like the title song, which Nick Jonas wrote about his experience with Type 1 diabetes, adding emotional depth to their otherwise polished sound. This sincerity helped the album resonate beyond its initial teen audience, with later assessments praising its raw instrumentation and call-and-response vocals as ahead of typical boy-band fare. Looking back, the album's production and songwriting demonstrated unexpected talent, with standout singles such as "Burnin' Up" and "Lovebug" highlighted for their catchy hooks and genuine appeal, proving the brothers capable of crafting arena-ready anthems that endured in pop culture. A 2017 reevaluation described it as "actually good," emphasizing how superficial romantic themes were delivered with heartfelt execution, elevating it above dismissive stereotypes of the genre. By 2025, reviewers continued to admire its timeless quality, arguing that the music's ability to transcend age boundaries—through loud guitars, breathy falsettos, and intense builds—remains a key part of the band's legacy, even as they evolved post-Disney. However, retrospective views also acknowledge the album's role in foreshadowing creative tensions, as the push to "" after its success led to experimentation on subsequent releases and eventual hiatus. Despite this, it is frequently celebrated in career overviews for capturing the brothers at their most unified and impactful, with its personal themes and high-energy tracks continuing to energize live and fan .

Commercial Performance

Chart Positions

A Little Bit Longer achieved significant commercial success upon its release, debuting at number one on the US chart and marking the ' first chart-topping album. The album sold 525,000 copies in its debut week, securing the third-highest debut sales figure of up to that point. It held the top position for a second consecutive week, moving an additional 147,000 units. Overall, the album spent two weeks at number one, six weeks in the top ten, and a total of 35 weeks on the . Internationally, the album also performed strongly, reaching number one on the Canadian Albums . In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 19 on the Official Albums and remained on the listing for 12 weeks. On the ARIA Albums in , it attained a high of number 13 and charted for five weeks. The album further entered the top 20 in several other territories, including where it peaked at number 15 on the Irish Albums .
Chart (2008)Peak Position
Australian Albums (ARIA)13
Canadian Albums (Billboard)1
Irish Albums (IRMA)15
UK Albums (OCC)19
US Billboard 2001

Sales Figures and Certifications

A Little Bit Longer debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 525,000 copies in its first week in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan data. The album's strong initial performance contributed to its overall commercial success, with cumulative U.S. sales reaching approximately 2.1 million units by 2025. In the United States, the album was certified platinum by the (RIAA) on October 17, 2008, denoting shipments of one million units. Internationally, it achieved double platinum status from in August 2009 for combined sales and streaming equivalent to 160,000 units. The (BPI) awarded it certification in January 2009 for 100,000 units shipped in the .
CountryCertifying BodyCertificationUnits CertifiedDate
CanadaMusic Canada2× Platinum160,000August 2009
United KingdomBPIGold100,000January 2009
United StatesRIAAPlatinum1,000,000October 17, 2008

Track Listing and Formats

Standard Edition

The standard edition of A Little Bit Longer was released on August 12, 2008, by in and digital download formats, comprising 12 original tracks primarily written by the , with production by John Fields. This version marked the band's second major-label under the label, emphasizing pop-rock elements and themes of youth, romance, and personal challenges, including Nick Jonas's experiences with as reflected in the title track. The track listing for the standard edition is as follows:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1BB Good, John Taylor2:56
2Burnin' Up2:55
3Shelf, Steve Kipner, 3:48
4One Man Show3:08
5Lovebug3:40
6Tonight, Greg Garbowsky3:29
7Can't Have You, PJ Bianco4:28
8Video Girl2:54
9Pushin' Me Away, Greg Garbowsky3:00
10Sorry3:35
11Got Me Going Crazy2:36
12A Little Bit Longer3:25
All tracks were produced by John Fields, with the album's total runtime 39:37. A limited edition vinyl version was released in 2021. The edition was distributed internationally in similar formats, though some regional releases included minor variations in packaging or digital metadata without altering the core content.

Deluxe and International Editions

The deluxe edition of A Little Bit Longer was released in select markets, featuring additional content such as DVDs with exclusive footage and bonus audio tracks. The Canadian deluxe edition, exclusive to that region, included a bonus DVD titled Live @ MuchMusic: Jonas Brothers - A MuchMusic Special Presentation, which contained live performances and interviews recorded at MuchMusic in . This edition maintained the standard 12-track CD while enhancing the package with region-specific promotional material to appeal to Canadian fans. In Japan, a limited deluxe edition was issued as a two-disc CD/DVD set in 2009, incorporating seven bonus tracks on the CD, including live recordings from the band's March 20, 2008, performance at Agganis Arena in Boston (such as "Burnin' Up (Live)" and "A Little Bit Longer (Live)") and the exclusive track "When You Look Me in the Eyes" as a bonus. The accompanying DVD featured music videos like "When You Look Me in the Eyes" and "Burnin' Up," behind-the-scenes content such as the making-of for "Lovebug," a special message from the band, and an album promotional piece. This version also added "Infatuation," a track with Japanese lyrics co-written by David Darlington, Thomas G:son, Toshiya Kamada, and Atsushi Kosugi, tailored for the local market. International editions of the album varied by territory, often appending bonus tracks to the standard 12-song lineup to align with regional promotions. The edition, for instance, included "Live to Party" as track 13, a high-energy pop-rock song written by the that later served as the theme for their series Jonas. Similarly, select international releases, such as those distributed through globally, featured "Live to Party" as an exclusive bonus, extending the runtime to approximately 46 minutes and emphasizing the band's touring ethos. Pre-order bundles in various markets also offered a bonus DVD with band messages, album teasers, and early video clips, though these were not standardized across all international versions.

Personnel and Credits

Band Members and Musicians

The served as the core performers on A Little Bit Longer, with providing lead vocals, contributing guitar, mandolin, and backing vocals, and handling lead and backing vocals alongside guitar and keyboards. Their touring band members also participated extensively, including bassist Greg Garbowsky, drummer , keyboardist Ryan Liestman, and guitarist John Taylor, who added guitar and backing vocals. Session musicians further enriched the album's sound, with producer John Fields performing on bass, guitar, keyboards, and programming across multiple tracks, while Dorian Crozier supplied drums and percussion. Drummer contributed to select recordings, and string arrangements on tracks like "Shelf," "Can't Have You," "Video Girl," and "A Little Bit Longer" were handled by Stephen Lu, featuring violist Leah Katz. Additional elements included tambourine by Ken Chastain on "Video Girl" and spoken vocals by Meghan Martin on the same track, with rapper Big Rob delivering a guest verse on "Burnin' Up."

Production and Technical Staff

The production of A Little Bit Longer was primarily handled by John Fields, who served as the lead producer and recording engineer for all tracks, while also contributing instrumentation on bass and keyboards. Mixing duties were assigned to , known for his work on numerous high-profile pop and rock albums. Executive oversight came from and Kevin Jonas Sr., with Lind additionally directing A&R efforts alongside coordinators Christi Parker and Cindy Warren. The project was managed by Philip McIntyre for Philymack, Inc., and Johnny Wright for Wright Entertainment Group. Visual elements, including art direction and design, were crafted by Enny Joo.
RolePersonnel
Producer, Recording EngineerJohn Fields
Mixer
Executive ProducerJon Lind, Kevin Jonas Sr.
A&R
A&R CoordinatorChristi Parker, Cindy Warren
ManagementPhilip McIntyre, Johnny Wright
Art Direction, DesignEnny Joo

Legacy and Impact

Cultural Significance

A Little Bit Longer played a pivotal role in the ' ascent as icons of late-2000s culture, embodying the Disney-fueled revival that captivated a generation of young fans. Released amid their rapid rise to ubiquity, the album amplified their status as a wholesome, relatable act, drawing massive crowds that exemplified "Jonas fever"—intense, shrieking enthusiasm from preteen girls who viewed the brothers as accessible idols rather than distant celebrities. Their sold-out performances at venues like and the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater underscored this phenomenon, positioning the band as a significant act of the era and a gateway for children into mainstream music . The album's cultural resonance extended beyond entertainment through its title track, a personal ballad written by about his experience living with , diagnosed at age 13. By addressing his struggles openly, the song served as an anthem of resilience, inspiring others facing chronic illness and contributing to broader awareness efforts. Jonas has described the track as therapeutic, noting its role in his , including public disclosures that encouraged dialogue on among youth. This vulnerability humanized the brothers, blending their clean-cut image with themes of perseverance that resonated in an era of polished . Furthermore, A Little Bit Longer highlighted the brothers' musical maturation, infusing '70s power pop influences from acts like the Cars and Cheap Trick with contemporary bubblegum hooks, which critics praised for elevating their sound while maintaining broad appeal. The release coincided with Disney's multimedia strategy—including the Camp Rock film and a 3D concert movie—solidifying their influence on youth media and fashion, from layered clothing to purity ring symbolism. Massive fan turnout, such as the 15,000-person line that halted Times Square traffic on launch day, and accolades like six Teen Choice Awards, cemented the album as a touchstone of early millennial pop culture, fostering a devoted community that persisted through the band's evolution.

Enduring Popularity

Following the Jonas Brothers' 2019 reunion, A Little Bit Longer experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, driven by heightened streaming activity and renewed chart performance. The album, originally released in 2008, benefited from the band's comeback single "Sucker" topping the Billboard Hot 100, which prompted fans to revisit their early catalog; as a result, A Little Bit Longer saw increased plays across platforms, contributing to the group's overall streaming dominance. As of November 2025, the album had amassed over 551 million streams on Spotify alone, underscoring its sustained appeal among both original fans and newer listeners introduced via the reunion era. The album's tracks have remained staples in the Jonas Brothers' live performances throughout the 2020s, reinforcing its enduring relevance. During the 2021 The Remember This Tour and the 2023 The Tour, songs like "Burnin' Up," "Lovebug," and the title track "A Little Bit Longer" were featured prominently in setlists that spanned the band's career, allowing audiences to engage with the material in a retrospective format. This inclusion extended to their 2025 Greetings From Your Hometown Tour, where fan requests for A Little Bit Longer tracks were fulfilled, highlighting the album's role in bridging generational divides during high-energy concerts. Anniversary milestones have further cemented the album's lasting fan devotion, with celebrations marking its 10th anniversary in 2018 evoking widespread nostalgia and social media tributes from millennials who credit it with shaping their youth. The reunion not only expanded the band's fanbase to include younger audiences but also revitalized interest in A Little Bit Longer as a symbol of the group's early maturity and emotional depth, evidenced by its continued rotation in playlists and covers by emerging artists. In November 2025, the band performed the title track to honor the 20th anniversary of Nick Jonas's type 1 diabetes diagnosis, further emphasizing the song's ongoing impact on advocacy and fan connection.

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