News Flash: Contrary to what you may think by the buzz, the winner of American Idol Season 8 was not Adam Lambert. Since the end of Season 8, Adam Lambert has been everywhere, I believe that this is not only because of his flamboyant, flashy style but also because of strong marketing. Kris Allen, the actual winner, has been given the short end of the stick, you just need to read a few headlines or see some of the marketing for their albums, it’s pretty clear. Adam was one of my favorites this season but it’s kinda sad when you see that Kris has been given so little attention, poor management and a very scatter minded marketing. On the other hand we have Allison Iraheta, which a few days after the season ended secured a recording contract, going over the actual third place winner, whose name shall not be mentioned… kidding, his name is Danny Gokey, and I am not a big fan of his. On the other hand, I am waiting for an album from Megan Joy, I love her.
So, with all that said, I am going to do a quick review of their albums which were released in the past three weeks.
Kris Allen: Kris Allen
My first thought when listening to Kris’ album was that it sounded pretty solid. It has some catchy tunes but sounds a bit under-produced, it feels like it needed a bit of cleaning and that they were in a rush to finish it on time. Some of the songs are very radio friendly which can be good for Kris in the long run. Maybe they kept it sounding a bit raw to give it a ‘singer-songwriter’ feel, whatever that means. I think they should’ve tried harder to take him in the ‘John Mayer-Jack Johnson-Jason Mraz’ direction. Something that I did like about the album is that some songs resemble The Script, the first single, Live Like We Are Dying, was actually released by them first in Europe. Hopefully he will do well in the long run, his first week sales where the lowest of all idol winners, and I am sure there were some less deserving; Taylor Hicks anyone?
Favorite Songs: Alright With Me, Written All Over My Face, Heartless
First Week Sales: 80,000
iTunes Link
Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment
I was really looking forward to this album, as I said before I was a big fan of Adam during Idol and his performances. I believe he did what David Cook did, he took normal songs and put a whole new spin on them and people went crazy. Another reason why I was looking forward to this album was the people working on it, it appears that they found some of the hottest writers and collaborators for it. Contrary to Kris’ album, Adam’s feels a bit over-produced which at times makes Adam’s vocals take the backseat, it’s like they tried a little too hard in the mixing stages. Having said that I really like this album, you will hear some Muse on it, some Lady GaGa, some Mad World and even some Mika. It is different than other Idol albums in that it doesn’t fit the mold, it’s just like Adam, very out there and very extravagant. Some times I want to give it a break and stop listening to it, but I keep coming back. Very solid and I kinda love it.
Favorite Songs: Sleepwalker, Fever, Sure Fire Winners, Music Again
First Week Sales: 198,000
iTunes Link
Allison Iraheta: Just Like You
Well, well, well… this one surprised me. I used to like Allison while on Idol, not a huge fan, but though she had potential. This album is great, the vocals alone can give Adam and Kris a run for their money, in the sense that it doesn’t feel like she’s trying too hard and that the songs showcase her pipes. While Adam sounds a tad over-produced in some songs and Kris may sound under-produced, Allison is right smack in the middle(and I hate saying ‘right smack). Her vocals sound powerful and clear, and can challenge most female singers out there. It has in my opinion one of the best vocals from any album coming from an Idol contestant. Reminds me of Kelly Clarkson at her best. Hopefully people will catch on and start talking about her and buying her album, it will be sad seeing such a talented girl being dropped from the label. Again, I am surprised that I’m being so emphatical on her, but it IS that good. She can sure beat the crap vocally out of Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and the likes.
Favorite Songs: Scars, Holiday, Trouble Is, Robot Love
First Week Sales: Estimated 35,000
iTunes Link
Lil Rounds is here. And I ain't amused.
Okay rambling Rand…get used to the treatment of Kris Allen. This is Idol's motus operandi. It doesn't matter who wins…they push who they want and AL is who they want. Oh and by the way, Taylor Hicks is a fabulous musican who was also pushed aside by Idol so stop the rotten bashing will ya!!
Don't blame Adam that Kris is being pushed aside. Kris's fans love his low key personality. Well that smells of boring to me. Adam is exciting. When someone interviews him, Adam comes across intelligent, knowlegeable. Kris just comes across boring. How many times can someone write about how Kris's family bought board games and pajamas for Christmas. Or that he likes snakes because he can chase his mother with them. “Yawn”. Until Kris gets more interesting Adam will continue to attract the attention. BTW I think Adam's cd is fabulous. Kris's is well boring. I haven't heard Allison's yet. I did hear her single and as far as I'm concerned her voice was v ery overproduced.
It appears to me, that you didn't read my post.
Allison definitely has the best album. I love adam too. She for some reason is not getting the media coverage she deserves. She is incredible. I have her album. Allison is even better live!! Rock Star for sure! I am older crowd fan. Her label is focusing on teens and latinos. She needs to be international!! Fans from other countries are complaining they can't get her album on itune!!!
So tired of the Taylor bashing….why you don't you pick on Ruben or Fantasia once in awhile….they were and are losers going nowhere. also…..black and off limits???
Wow! Racist much?
Ruben, I don't like. So yeah, Ruben turned out to be a flop… After
his first album at least.
If you like Taylor, good! Buy his music, he will be grateful.
My point, exactly. No one can say anything negative about black whatever or someone will
call you a racist!!! Let's stop the double standard. You took the bait; don't choke on the hook!
Wow, angry much?
Not at all, Rand…not a racist and not angry…just engaging in some civil conversation…lighten up. Back to the topic…Kris, like Taylor and Ruben, was upstaged by a runner-up. Their label gave them no support and did not promote their CDs preferring to go with Clay, Chris, and Adam. It;s hard to make it if your lable won't fight for you. However, I admire Taylor for getting out and working on the road every day to make a living. He has had to put up with more undeserved criticism than any other idol; he could have quit the music scene, but he keeps on doing what he does best. Bloggers who trash for hits should be ashamed, but I realize Kris and Taylor trash gets hits to their sites that would otherwise go un-noticed. We forget that all three of these idol winners are nice guys and real people with feelings, who don't deserve the bashing. One or two comments had your feathers ruffled; how would you handle 3 1/2 years of criticism warranted or not?
I don't consider bashing stating that Taylor Hicks was less deserving on his season. Feelings? Of course they have them, talent, yeah they are talented as well. But again, this post is not about Taylor Hicks, it is about a quick review of three of this season's strongest contestants. I am totally sure that some other people may love other music that I don't like, that's perfect with me. Feathers? I am not Adam Lambert.
Adam Lambert is the sure winner. It's only that rednecks doesn't vote for gay singers and that's what happened. Allen is a HAS BEEN. Nothing is so new with this guy, and his voice is another HAS BEEN lol. No idea why Iraheta gets the slot to be reviewed
Adam Lambert is the sure winner. It's only that rednecks doesn't vote for gay singers and that's what happened. Allen is a HAS BEEN. Nothing is so new with this guy, and his voice is another HAS BEEN lol. No idea why Iraheta gets the slot to be reviewed