Jordin's first Spark commentaries

I did buy Jordin Sparks self-titled debut CD last week and gave it one spin through. Meanwhile, my husband saw it and actually said, WHY did you buy this?? And my response was that it’s Idol, it’s clean, she’s 17 and I want to support her career and give my girls, both aspiring singers ages 5 and 10 someone to listen to and maybe even look up to….reason enough, says moi.

I wasn't holding out much hope of anything great, thinking that her winning Idol anthem "This Is My Now" made we hope that was her"Then", even after her effervescent performance this summer during Idols Live...and it's been noted that Jordin Sparks is the lowest-debuting Idol CD in Idol history, beating out Fantasia's 2004 debut album, Free Yourself (and not in a good way).

Since I don't feel like I've spent enough time with it to cough up any meaningful commentary or opinion, I've hobbled together a quickie compilation of reviews for you, which gives a pretty good idea of what this album offers....overall, it's being well-received and she should be proud!

Entertainment Weekly graded this album a B+, which on their scale is quite good (keep in mind that Some Hearts was given a C when it was first reviewed, saying that it “under whelmed”! ha!) EW described it as “R & B flavored, froth-pop, embellished with just enough vocal flourish” and called it “effervescent fun.”

Rolling Stone gave this CD three and a half stars out of four, deciding it was “hip hop-flavored R & B” and described Spark’s voice as being ”funked out without pushing too far into adulthood” (which I can agree on) but softened to say that her voice isn’t as strong as it was on the show.

USA Today’s Idol Chatter wrote that Jordin’s debut CD played to her strengths, citing her “clear, appealing vocals and bubbly enthusiasm” in a “consistently captivating sequence of songs.” Hmmm.

MSNBC (yes, they apparently do music reviews) called the album “tame” but “upbeat” and liked Jordin’s wholesome appeal, likening that appeal to Disney Channel stars like that of Hannah Montana.

Finally, Billboard called Jordin’s debut CD “sophisticated teen pop marked by innocent good cheer and harmony-laden vocal arrangements” which I think says it all.

So, will you buy her CD? Time will tell how it stands up against other Idol efforts...

Carrie's Carnival Ride

I love to purchase CDs from favorite artists the day they are released and enjoy each and every track like a Christmas gift .....and this was no exception. I had high expectations of Carrie's sophomore effort and with good reason: Some Hearts was an amazing debut album I count among my favorites. But instead of turning out a "review" of this CD after spinning it once or twice, I've played it over and over in the minivan for the last 2 weeks, mostly alone, and let it sink in and really edge it's way into my inner soundtrack. And instead of talking about each of the 13 tracks, I offer to you my take on three of my favorites, songs I personally think stand out and make this disc one we'll be hearing from for a while.

You've heard it by now, but if you haven't, you're in for a treat. The first single released ("So Small") had me hooked at the first line: "What you got if you ain't got love..." I love the message of hope this song brings. The video brings that message home with simplicity and beauty, and I must say...it's common sense, but even I need to hear it now and again. Co-penned by Carrie herself, under the banner of her new song publishing gig with a cool name, Carrie-Okie Music! LOL!

My next fav is track 6: Crazy Dreams. I think this is the perfect country song! You've got banjo, guitar, fiddle...and upbeat track and inspiring message (I sense a theme here) that I really just love....and I count myself among those hairbrush singers, wild bloomless magnolias and firefly chasers! LOVE IT.

Finally, since I decided to limit myself to three tracks, I have to call out number 10. I love reading liner notes, one main reason I still buy CDs instead of downloading tracks electronically......I love knowing who composed the song, who played what instruments, who produced, etc....and because of this, I learned before even listening that Randy Travis penned this tune and that none other than Vince Gill sang backup...and I knew I loved it before the first listen! And it didn't disappoint. What a classic country "hook" we can all relate to (I told you so!) with beautiful harmonies.

I can't stop here without adding that it was tough to limit myself to just 3 songs...I also love the roof-raising romp that opens the CD ("Flat on the Floor"), the haunting "I Know You Won't", and "The More Boys I Meet (the More I Love My Dog)". And even though I really tried not to compare this album to Carrie's first, it's tough not to listen to "Last Name" without thinking of "Before He Cheats"...the lyrics don't jive with that sweet, Southern Carrie we fell in love with on Idol....no tire-slashing in this one, but a drunken road trip to Vegas after a night of too much tequila! This song will be a hit! Along with easily 3 or 4 others, following in the footsteps of BillBoard blockbustering that Some Hearts paved....

Carrie's in for another wild ride!

Why Isn't Anybody Watching The Next Great American Band?

I actually like this show, I have my TiVo set to record it and then enjoy it at my leisure over the weekend if need be.....maybe I'm just addicted to the Idol Franchise, but I quite enjoy seeing the bands perform, I love Sixwire (okay cuz maybe I'm a housewife!) but I also like the bunch o' kids (Hanson, anyone?)

I guess the Friday night spot is a deathwish for ratings, BUT the show does bridge that need I have for an off-season trio of jidges including one with an accent that says way mean (but spot-on) things, a dark-haired lady in the middle who has _maybe_ passed her musical prime, and an ego-laden rock 'star' with liberal props....

If you don't watch, why not? Just curious....enlighten me.

What's going on?

Someone had the nerve to ask me the other day, how can there be anything about American Idol for you to write when the show isn't even on?? I just about coughed up my Coca Cola.

The truth is, and you know this since you are reading this blog :) with 6 seasons so far there is LOTS going on with ex-Idols, with albums, follow up albums, holiday albums, concert tours, TV appearances, Broadway shows, charity events/causes, gossip :) PLUS, the spin-off shows are great fodder: So You Think You Can Dance this summer, Don't Forget the Lyrics! and most recently, The Next Great American Band (which I haven't even gotten around to weighing in on yet...but I love it! Go Sixwire!) There is lots to write about! And discuss amongst ourselves :)

January will be here before we know it!

Kelly Clarkson still a star

Kelly played a sold out show this week here at the Chicago Theatre and from the review published today, it sounds like it was a great show. (I like Greg Kot's style...you can read his review here.) Sounds like it was a great show with lots of old and new favorites. Yes, My December hasn't see the commercial success her earlier efforts enjoyed, but hey people -- she was just keeping it real and making it her own! Can't fault her for that!

While Carrie has recently edged past her in terms of overall CD sales (sorry, Kelly), the original American Idol has nothing but blue skies ahead. I can't wait to hear what comes next!

Yuletide Yamin!

Okay, I know that Elliott Yamin is Jewish, but that isn't stopping me from loving his new CD of Christmas music. I deal with the same thing when I listen to Barry Manilow at Christmas....some of my favorite holiday music! Honest!

You can only get Elliot's Christmas CD at Target, and you'll want to pick it up as it has lots of old favorites with Elliot's special spin on them including "Little Drummer Boy;" "Merry Christmas, Baby;" "The Christmas Song;" and "Jingle Bells." You'll also get Elliot crooning "A Very Merry Christmas," "Let's be Naughty (And Save Santa the Trip)," as well as "Warm Me Up" -- three original songs recorded exclusively for the CD. My personal favorite? "This Christmas" , a Donny Hathaway standard, gets the CD going with trademark Elliot. What's not to like? And a pricetag at $6.99 means even Scrooge can afford it!