Owner: American Idol Symphony - Music CD, Books, Memorabilias and More! URL:http://american-idol-symphony.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2007 09:58:58 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Review and shop for all your favorite American Idol CDs and items. Featuring compilations and the artist's own album releases for all their fans and admirers of the world renowned hit reality show. Site statistics:Click here
RJ Helton - Real Life 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Who'd have EVER thought RJ Helton
would've made such a GREAT album? I certainly didn't, and he certainly proved me wrong. I was never a fan of him on American Idol. I rooted for him to get voted off along with Jim Verraros and A.J. Gill since the very beginning. His stage presence wasn't very good, and his voice rarely complimented the songs he chose, though he did have a good voice. After hearing this CD, though, my opinion has totally changed-and I find RJ to have more potential than other contestants who placed even higher than him in other seasons of AI.RJ's R&B vibe took me aback at first. 'Even If' has become one of my favorite songs of his, with a catchy chorus and great vocals. The song tells of his relationship with God and I allows me to strengthen my religious relationship with the Lord as well, in the privacy of my own home without people judging me. I was also surprised with "My Devotion", "Freedom", and "Why don't we pray?", all three venturing out for a hip hop s Read more:Real Life
American Idol Greatest Moments 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "American
Idol: GreatestMoments
" is the companion CD to the talent show TV program that ran in 2002. The CD has 15 tracks: four performances by contest winner Kelly Clarkson (including her performances of the original songs "A Moment Like This" and "Before Your Love"), 2 performances by runner-up Justin Guarini, one solo apiece from each of the rest of the top ten contestants, and one group performance of "California Dreamin'."It's interesting to hear these vocal performances stripped of some of the other elements that made the TV show so memorable (and occasionally annoying): the hosts' silly banter, the judges' comments, and the shamelessly manipulative psychodrama. And most of these vocal performances are really great. Justin Guarini shows that his voice can stand alone without his oft-commented upon mop of hair. Similarly, Nikki McKibbin's full-bodied rendition of "Piece of My Heart" triumphs without the show's visual trappings. But the best performance on the disc is given Read more:American Idol
Kelly Clarkson - Thankful 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Kelly Clarkson
, the toothsome winner of Fox TV's first American Idol competition shows that her prime-time win was no fluke. She blithely skips through octaves and genres like a seasoned pro, belting out power ballads like hooky "Low" and the Diane Warren-penned "Some Kind of Miracle," with the aplomb of Pat Benatar in her prime. Clarkson tackles the neo-gospel "Anytime" without flinching, then shows some dirty street cred as she growls through "Miss Independent," a song she penned with Christina Aguilera. But Miss Independent would be a gross misnomer; despite the fact Clarkson co-wrote four of the album's tunes.Clarkson not only had uber record exec/executive producer Clive Davis at her disposal, but an arsenal of producers and songwriters to make sure she didn't make a creative misstep. Despite Clarkson's sublime vocal talents, excessive gloss at times overwhelms the quirky charm and personality she displayed on Idol.Songs on Album:1. The Trouble With Love Is2. Miss Independent3 Read more:Kelly Clarkson
, Thankful
American Idol Season 2: All Time Classic American Love Songs 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Interested in visiting your favorite contestants from the second season of American
Idol? Then this is the album for you, but be forewarned that something is lost in the translation from the small screen to the compact disc. Simon Cowell's scathing comments and Paula Abdul's head tossing add to the human drama; without those visual embellishments, the recorded version falls flat. Sure this is a talented bunch, but the material is mundane, with few of the finalists straying from the traditional arrangements. But when they do, it's sometimes worse. Ruben Stoddard's rendition of the Carpenters hit "Superstar" reeks of misplaced sincerity. The best cut on the disc is Kimberly Caldwell's throaty cover of Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly With His Song," which gives the song some well-needed grit. And while Julia Demato's voice is no match for Etta James's full-bodied version of "At Last," Demato gives the classic a fetching kittenish spin. - Jaan UhelszkiSongs on Album:1. God Bless Read more:American Idol
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Ruben Studdard - Soulful 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The first full-length effort from second-season American Idol winner Ruben
Studdard is an unassuming album that will surely please his fans. Studdard works in the vein of mainstream R&B crooners like Luther Vandross; here, he even covers "Superstar," the Leon Russell/Bonnie Bramlett song associated with Vandross. Other familiar material includes a close, if foreshortened, copy of Al Green's version of "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart," and the standard "For All We Know," so memorably sung by Billie Holiday on Lady in Satin. A fair bit of time is spent making sure we know that despite his success, Ruben hasn't changed. Indeed, he comes off as modest and charming; as for electrifying, he's less so. As a CD that could've easily pandered much more to the whims of casual TV viewers, though, Soulful
is a perfectly acceptable debut. - Rickey WrightSongs on Album:1. Sorry 20042. No Ruben3. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart4. Take The Shot5. What Is Sexy (feat. Fat Joe)6. What If7. Superst Read more:Ruben Studdard
Carmen Rasmusen - Carmen 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Carmen Rasmusen was never given the chance she deserved on AI. This doesn't mean that one can't be objective and give her CD a listen, which I did. I bought it immediately! This girl is a handful of the AIs who have really surpassed the bad rap they were given on that God awful program. Josh Gracin and RJ Helton are the others. This CD is excellent and my favorite song on it is "Photograph". At least this young lady has charm and dignity.....and she is not exploiting herself just to do what sells. To say not to give her a chance just because of her past AI performances is like God telling us he will not forgive us our sins when we do wrong. What a mess we would be in if that were true!!Songs on Album:1. Photograph2. Crazy In Love3. I've Just Seen A Face4. The One After Read more:Carmen
Ruben Studdard - The Return 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I really like this cd. It's missing some super super songs, but there are a few great ones here though. I love One Side, Get U Loose and Make Ya Feel Beautiful. Vocally, Ruben
Studdard sounds amazing as always, physically he is looking better, but the one thing stopping him from being a much bigger sensation is the material he has. As someone with such an outstanding voice, he needs better song writers to really come up with some gems for him to release and make him the star he should be. He's so talented, but I just don't feel like there are any major hits on this cd. The songs that are good are just good. It is an enjoyable cd to listen to, but it's not earth shattering. - Little Miss CuteySongs on Album:1. The Return
(Of The Velvet Bear)2. Change Me3. Make Ya Feel Beautiful4. Get U Loose5. Our Story6. One Side7. What Tha Business Is8. Rather Just Not Know9. Ain't No Party10. Listen To Ya Heart11. I'm Not Happy12. To Da Crib13. Blow Ya Mind14. If Only For One Night Read more:Ruben Studdard
Clay Aiken - Measure of a Man 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Clay Aiken
is the reason I enjoyed the second season of AI so much. His voice is so pure and strong. It's almost like listening to an angel sing. It is apparent that he has such a big heart and he puts so much feeling into his songs. It doesn't matter what he sings, he does an outstanding job. I bought his album and I have to say I think its the best FIRST album of any American Idol thus far. Any song he sings that broadcasts his voice range just awes me. Anybody that doesn't think this young man is talented needs to have their hearing checked. He is Spectacular! In my opinion Clay should have won AI..hands down! Definitely an album worth owning. - SharlettSongs on Album:1. Invisible2. I Will Carry You3. The Way4. When You Say You Love Me5. No More Sad Songs6. Run to Me7. Shine8. I Survived You9. Solitaire (Bonus Cut) 10. Perfect Day11. Measure
of a Man12. Touch Read more:Clay Aiken
Clay Aiken - A Thousand Different Ways 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A Thousand
Different Ways, the follow-up to Clay Aiken
's chart-burning debut Measure of a Man, trots out the kind of material a fleet-voiced former American Idol contestant can't help having a field day with: Aiken's version of Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" is bathed in a smoothness that renders it arguably better than the original; his step into Celine Dion's shoes for "Because You Loved Me" sees nary a stumble (no easy feat, considering it's a vocal obstacle course of a song); and his cover of Paul Young's '80s classic "Everytime You Go Away" comes across as a clean-sounding, much-needed update.More proof that Aiken ain't fakin' when it comes to being a stylish interpreter comes courtesy of his convincing carry-off of Dolly Parton's sweet "Here You Come Again," but where he'll earn the most merit points for this disc is with its four originals--"A Thousand Days" especially. Aiken has the kind of voice that makes listeners want to scoot close to the speaker. He may b Read more:Clay Aiken
American Idol season 3: Greatest Soul Classics 1970-01-01 00:59:59 American Idol Season 3 was by far the most interesting season of the three so far, not in the least for its line-up of talents, in the Top12 as well as those who didn't not make the cut for one reason or another. Following the tradition set by past AIs, the producers have once again come up with a compilation of songs to showcase the vocal abilities of the Top 12 contestants.As in the television program, on this CD, the better ones shine while the lesser talents just scrape by (but barely). George Huff , Jennifer Hudson and LaToya London produce the most polished works, while Fanatasia, Diana Degarmo and Jasmine Trias show why they are worthy of reaching the upper echelons of the competition. The rest of the line-up basically just make up the numbers, with Matt Rogers, Amy Adams and Camille Velasco doing slightly better then the other three.The one thing I would like to comment in defense of the 'lesser' performances is that it may seem a tad unfair to highlight just one genre of mu Read more:American
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George Huff - My Christmas EP 1970-01-01 00:59:59 George Huff will be remembered for his infectious smile as one of the finalists in the third season of American Idol. George's happy-go-lucky demeanor made him one of the fan favorites. George's first CD is actually a EP of Christmas
tunes that makes one wish it had been a full LP. George's soulfully smooth voice and Gospel influence bring true hear to these seasonal songs. His silky voice reminds me of a young Luther Vandross. "Silent Night' is a particular favorite and "Go Tell it on the Mountain" could be a gospel classic for Mr. Huff. If I have one complaint its that the album is just two short and I would like to seen a couple more upbeat songs. Still, a wonderful debut for Geroge Huff! - Tim JansonSongs on Album:1. Silent Night2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas3. Medley: Angels We Have Heard On High/Hark! The Herald Angels 4. Oh Holy Night!5. Go, Tell It On The Mountain Read more:George
Diana Degarmo - Blue Skies 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Diana DeGarmo's definitely is a powerful vocalist. If i did not get it wrong, she recorded this album at the age of 17. Years to come she will for sure be a really really impressive singer! This album did showcase the young energy carrying in her and contains some ballad to smoothen more this entire album. She handle both slow and fast songs just as well. The most outstanding tracks in this album to me would be Cardboard Castles, Emotional, Dreams, Boy Like You and Don't Cry Out Loud (A Better version in my own opinion) . With her great personality and voice, she'll fly high! Her potential is going to be FULLY shown in her second album. I'm looking forward to that! Hopefully there would be more ballad songs in her second effort! - JustinSongs on Album:1. Cardboard Castles2. Skies
.htm">Blue Skies
3. Emotional4. Then I Woke Up5. All I Ever Wanted6. Go On And Cry7. The Difference In Me8. Till You Want Me9. Dreams10. Boy Like You11. Dream, Dream, Dream12. Don't Cry Out Loud Read more:Diana
Fantasia Barrino - Fantasia 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I absolutely loved this CD. I feel that Fantasia
took her time with this album and she was able to produce a number of very good songs. I loved the fact that she toned the screaming and relied on her actual voice to sell the songs. Her voice is beautiful. I feel that she believes in what she is singing and this is felt throughout the album. I liked this album much better then her first album. I really hope this album does well on the charts but even if it doesn't...oh well...her album was still good. And for those that are judging this album on her first single...you need to listen to the whole album and then judge. I must say however, i bought this album because of the first single which I love. - M. FequiereSongs on Album:1. Hood Boy featuring Big Boi2. When I See U3. I Nominate U4. Baby Makin' Hips5. Not The Way That I Do6. Only One U7. I Feel Beautiful8. I'm Not That Type9. Uneligible10. Two Weeks Notice11. Surround U12. Bore Me (Yawn)13. Sunshine14. Bump What Ya Friends Say Read more:Fantasia Barrino
William Hung - Miracles:Happy Summer 1970-01-01 00:59:59 What can I say except that this new William
Hung CD is one for the ages! Just save this one for when you've got the top down on a hot summer day, at the beach. It just puts you in an indescribable summer mood! Just crank up his amazing version of "Surfin' USA", and heads will definitely turn your way, with smiles from ear to ear! Brian Wilson must be proud! His smooth, melodious crooning will bring tears to your eyes...trust me! Mr. Hung has a knack for making a song his own, and makes it barely recognizable in the process. I was considering putting some Sinatra into the CD player on Valentine's Day, but I think this one will achieve the magic mood, with all due respect to 'Ol Blue Eyes. A definite Desert Island Classic! What else can I say about this one...hmmm...oh yes, if you actually take this review seriously, you're probably the same kind of person who also takes this CD seriously and pans it! Come on!! It's a novelty CD which isn't supposed to be taken seriously! And for Read more:Happy
, Summer
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