Kris, Adam and Allison: A Review
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
