American Idol Season 2: All Time Classic American Love Songs
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Free Music Notes for American Idol Season 2: All Time Classic American Love Songs
Free Music Review: The Canadian Version Review....
Hit: 5 Stars
The Canadian Version of this album has all the same songs, but just in a slightly different order...so I'll review it as the USA track listing goes instead.1. God Bless The USA (This is the last song on my version) - A very very catchy tune, and probably the mainr eason why it has been so successful. We all know how Patriotic Americans tend to be, especially during the time this song was released. While I think it's a bit cheesy, I like it.
2. What The World Needs Now Is Love (First song on my cd...) - I really really like how Clay opens the song on this one, its a beautiful re-do of the classic track, and is really emotional. The verses are definatley the best part! The end is a bit redundant, but a nice song overall.
3. Superstar (Track 2...and so on) - Ruben's first single and conincidentally (I think not) the first song by an individual preformer on the cd. A reallll taste of soul is poured out here as Ruben emotes each word very beautifully, the beginning is my fave part, theres only too many "Baby baby baby baby ooooh baby"'s you can hear yanno.
4. On The Wings Of Love - Clay's song. Not my fave, it's a little bit cheesy and he makes it too Broadway for my liking. However I love his voice, so I really can't complain.
5. At Last - Whaaaat? This is Julia Demato? Scared, trembling, JD? You can finally truly see her talent shine through on this slightly more uptempo version of the Etta James classic, and you really hear a different tone In Julia's voice. While the song is nothing new, the difference in Julia's preformance will make you listen to it again and again.
6. Three Times A Lady - Josh is a country singer at heart, yes we all know, but I really enjoy this track. You can just picture him singing it to his wife, and looking very in love. A nice offering that I usually take a listen to when I'm playing this album.
7. Let's Stay Together - The song that made America fall in love with Trenyce, and well, re-fall in love with this song (especially for the younger generations). It really showcases Trenyce's vocals and the chorus is killer. I'm not a huge fan of the "Good or bad, happy or sad" little background singing action going on, but a really catchy song otherwise.
8. Back At One - I'm sorry, but Rickey Smith did NOT sing this. It's clearly Brian McKnight in disguise...or not. Rickey does an amazingly convincing job on this tune, almost too convincing to the point where I wish I could hear some originality in his voice. If i'm in a Brian McKnight mood I play this one for sure.
9. Killing Me Softly - Ugh. Really not my fave song, I wasn't ever a huge fan of Kimberly's voice, but it doesn't sound bad here. I just really don't like how sped up the beginning is (I'm a sucker for the Fugee's version) and how long the track is entirely. *shrugs* sorry Kim!
10. Open Arms - Another person I was never really a huge fan of, I find this song pretty boring. I do praise Corey for having a very very unique voice, just not one that I'm inclined to listen to over and over. The song is different, just not my fave.
11. How Do I Live - Ahhh! Carmen! Another Julia-style comeback! I really, really, really love this song. I actually liked how Carmen's voice was a cross between country and pop on the show, and although she had some shaky preformances, I was cheering her on. Anyway I think she did this song justice by re-inventing it and making it her own, a really good job, I love to sing along!
12. Over The Rainbow - K Lo as she was aptly titled sings her classic song. Good and bad, because I'm sorta sick of it, but it sounds amazing and exhillarating at the same time. I think Kimberley really enjoys singing this, or at least it sounds like it. A very classy number, its got a bit of cabaret tone to it, but I like it.
13. Overjoyed (Track 12 on my cd...and its sung by JUST Charles Grigsby) - I really wish Charles made it farther on the show based on this song. I loved it when he first sang it, and all the times he sang it in his little promo videos and stuff. It's just a really beautiful arrangment and has really sweet lyrics. Bravo!
Overall, if you are looking for a way to sample a lotta different true talents all on one disc, pick this baby up. The more you listen to it, the more you love it. While it is mainly mushy slow songs, it does have a few up-tempo numbers, and the differences in the singers voices will keep you interested enough to listen to it.
Free Music Review: Great Collection but missing someone!
Hit: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed the second season of "American Idol." I wasn't one of the groupies who focused only on Clay rather I enjoyed everyone and I thought they were all A merican Idols in their own right. The only problem is they could have substituted "What The World Needs Now" for Vanessa Olivarez who was in the top 12 but somehow wasn't on this album! She was also one of the best voices of that competition but perhaps a bit too "out there" for the average viewer. Anyways I was very surprised how good they sounded. Even ones like Rickey Smith and Charles Grigsby sound better. Superstar ~ Ruben Studdard
I love Ruuuuuuuuben but I think this version falls flat compared to when he sings it live. I love his voice. It reminds me of Tyrese newer R&B meets Luther Vanadross older R&B. OK if you never heard Ruben before.
On The Wings Of Love
I love Clay's voice (questionable performer) but I thought this was a poor song. I thought his voice would be better suited for something by Elton John. A decent track if you like the song but still great vocals.
At Last
I was a fan of Julia's in the beginning of the competition but she fell flat towards the end, perhaps being nervous? Anyways, I love this song but once again it was the wrong song for her! I wish she would have sung "Breathe" like she did so well in the competition.
Three Times A Lady
Great song suited to Josh's voice. They could have picked a country song though w hich suits his voice best but he still shines on here. Like Julia he also seemed to get nervous on the s how too and definately sounds better here. I wish he would have sang something like "Amazed" or "I'll Be."
Let's Stay Together
I loved Trenyce on the show but towards the end she ended up having p itch problems probably because of anxiety. She sounds great here and this was a good song from her.
Back At One
I liked RIckey on the show but I always felt he chose poor material to sing live. This version of the Brian McKnight classic fits his range perfectly. Interesting rendition.
Killing Me Softley (With His Song)
Though I am used to the version by Lauryn HIll I really like Kimberly's because it's different. I always liked her on the show and I thought her performance of "Come To My Window" was her best. One of the album's best.
Open Arms
I love Corey and even though he was asked to leave the show because of legal issues, I think he would have gotten to at leased the top 5. He has a great upper register and I love this version like when he sang "Drift Away."
How Do I Live
Perhaps this is because I am used to the versions by Leann Rimes and Trisha Yearwood's, Carmen's isn't as good as th eoriginal but stilll suits her voice. I thought she was ok on the show but not as good as Vanessa O.
Over The Rainbow
I loved Kimberley Locke and I voted for her until she lossed the top 3. I absolutely ADORED her performance of this song on the show and while it doesnt compare to the live version she still sounsd remarkable like a mix of Ella Fitzgerald and Tina Turner. Her personality is also so nice and kind.
Overjoyed
I loved Charles when he was voted in and I thought he got nervous towards the beginning of the top 12. He has a great voice and while not as good as Ruben or Clay or Kimberley's, it still is very smooth and underrated.
Overall I loved Eveyone and their personality last year compared to this year (John Stevens?!?!). While I thought some of the song choies on here were questionable, it was great to hear everyone in the studio without all the pressure of singing live in front of million sof people. I can't imagine what that's like! They all sound a lot better without the pressure. I am still angry that Vanessa Olivarez (Who could have sang "on My own" like she did on the s how) who reminded me of Bette MIttler. Anyways, a great collection & Reccomended for fans of AI II. Well-done!
Free Music Review: Bought it to hear Clay
Hit: 5 Stars
I'll admit up front that I am a huge Clay Aiken fan and that his track is the only reason I purchased the CD. Again I'll admit that "On the Wings of Love" would probably not be my favorite song (on the CD or otherwise) if it were not sung by Clay. I love his voice! OK, now we got that out of the way, and you can decide for yourself if you want to read the rest of the review.
My main comment for the CD in general is: "Thank God for Audio Technicians!" With the exception of Clay (OK, maybe Kim L. and Ruben too), all of the songs sound HEAVILY doctored-up, which is good, because I might not have wanted to listen to the CD otherwise.
Clay performs a heavenly "On the Wings of Love". I didn't know this song before, but I love it now! His voice sounds as pure and natural as it does on TV.
Among the remainder of the tracks I have two favorite songs and three least favorite songs, and I classify all the rest as "take it or leave it".
My two favorites are Julia DeMato and Kimberly Caldwell. I realize that very few will probably agree with me on this, but I think that Julia DeMato had the prettiest voice of all the female contestants in the show. She suffered severely from inexperience and related stage fright (I'm assuming this, because she always looked horrified), which led to tremendous pitch problems, but the quality of her voice was really good, in my opinion. I really loved her rendition of "Son of a Preacher Man", but that, her first performance, was also, unfortunately for her, her best on the show. Her voice on the CD sounds great, and she chose a good song for her. It's jazzy and classy and very enjoyable.
Kimberly Caldwell, with Killing me Softly, well, let me just say that if she performed like this on the show, she'd still be a contender!!! Her rendition is very very good. Judging from her performances on the show, I thought she was out of her league almost as much as Josh and Carmen, because she doesn't have much of a range and had frequent pitch problems, but her singing on the CD is beautiful.
My least favorites on the CD are: Corey, Carmen, and... Ruben!
Corey made the HUGE HUGE HUGE mistake of choosing a song that we have all heard Clay sing (Open Arms). How stupid is that? He sounds like a 10 year-old girl, not even worthy of being in a boy band. Sure, he can carry a tune but there is no depth or soul to his voice what so ever.
Carmen singing How Do I Live sounds at 18 far far less accomplished than a 14 year old LeAnne Rimes. The performance is flat and boring. Gotta agree with Simon, she's definitely cute enough to be marketable in show-biz, but if she insists on a career in singing, she needs to improve.
Ruben took a perfectly good Carpenters song (Superstar) (I loved the original), and made it a Barry White song. The 1-1/2 minute version on the show was OK, but dragging his version out over 4 minutes nearly put me to sleep. He doesn't even start singing until more than 50 seconds into the song! And his version is SO SLOW! Paula says that Ruben puts people "in the mood", well this song put me in the mood for a nap. It's too bad for him, really, 'cause he's a great performer and I enjoyed other performances of his a lot better.
Among the "take 'em or leave 'em" songs I have to say that Josh's rendition of Three Times a Lady doesn't sound like him at all. It doesn't sound country at all. And, in fact, it so much doesn't sound like him that it's actually not bad. Kim Locke sings "Over the Rainbow". We got tired of her rendition in week two of the show. I was very disappointed she didn't choose to record "I Can't Make You Love Me", because I thought she sang that SO beautifully on the show.
In summary, this is clearly a CD for fans of AI2 and its contestants. They will enjoy it. Those looking for anything more than that should look elsewhere. Enjoy!
Free Music Review: The best in one album
Hit: 5 Stars
For everyone else who caught AI2, you wouldn't remember these singers sounding they way they did on the album. Their voices sounded so much better on this CD. If based on the album itself, all of them would be winners.1) What the World Needs Now.
A very moving rendition of this song that I have ever heard so far. The piano at the background serves as a constant reminder of how great this evergreen classics is. The idols have done a fantastic job in this track. Yet, I can't help but to notice there's very little harmonics in this one.
2) Superstar - Ruben Studdard
It's quite amazing how the producers knew that Ruben would win way before the finales. It couldn't be pure coincidence that Ruben's track was first followed by Clay right? I believe that this track could have been taken at a much faster tempo. But Ruben's velvet voice really makes my hair stand throughout the song. Very moving and emotional.
3) On the Wings of Love - Clay Aiken
My favourite track in the whole album. The music arrangement was fantastic, trying to keep to the original version as close as possible. The thing with Clay is that he has this very unique voice which is perfect for this song. Pitch perfect vocals. A must listen.
4) At Last - Julia DeMato
Her voice reminds me very much of Marilyn Monroe. Very sultry and sexy, most suitable for this genre of music. I believe it is quite tough for anyone to carry out this song as well as she did. However, I find that she is better off singing something else more challenging. She doesn't seem to be able to support the middle section of this song well.
5) Three Times a Lady - Joshua Gracin
The best I have heard him so far. He should have chosen this type of song for the whole competition. THe country thing is not working too well for him. Very well-supported vocals.
6) Let's Stay Together - Trenyce
Trenyce is one of my favourite contestant in the contest. Very powerful voice. Reminds me much of Mariah Carey and Whitney. She carries off this song with perfect pitch quality and suitably placed riffs. However, I have to agree that she sounds better on TV, especially with the whole image and all.
7) How do I Live - Carmen Rasmusen
During the competition she made the mistake of choosing songs which are way out of her vocal range; either too high or too low. This song is a perfect 10 for her. She seems to be able to carry off this song convincingly. I felt that her lower notes lack depth though.
8) Open Arms - Corey Clark
One word. Sluggish. His voice is fantastic on the higher register. But the nature of this song, especially when sung by Mariah Carey, naturally needed more boost and perfect pitch. He often trails off flat at the end of the notes. I knew what to expect when he sang the first three notes; could have chosen a better song.
9) Over the Rainbow - Kimberley Locke
This is one of the tracks which I find absolutely disappointing. For one thing, this song has been "over-sung". Too many versions from too many artists. I felt that if Kim sang "Inseparable" I would have given her a 10.
10) Overjoyed - Charles Grisby
He looks awfully young for his age. He pulled off this classic very well. It put a smile on my face throughout. He just sounds so happy and cheerful. Apt title: Overjoyed. I believe that if Charles and Corey switched songs, they'd have sounded at their best. Which led me thinking, maybe a duet between this two is more suitable.
11) God Bless the USA
I am glad they decided to push the tempo a little faster. Honestly I have heard enough of this song. It's become a little passe. And one more thing it lacks is good harmonics. Everyone is singing in unison. The music arrangement is fantastic though.
Free Music Review: This CD is GREAT! BUT HORRIBLE!
Hit: 5 Stars
This CD is great, but bad. There are some good people and some horrible.1.What the World Needs Now Is Love-*****-Yes, it was great! Carmen is'nt my favorite but she should of had Kimberly's solo. She made it farther than K Caldwell! Kim Locke was great, so was Ruben and Treynce and Kim C. Clay was bad and boring. His solo was way too long.
2.Superstar-**-I'm going to give him to because he is a good singer but everytime I heard that 45 second instrumental I just get bored and turn it off. Good singing, but bad song. Like it better live when you were in the semi-finals.
3.On the Wings of Love-no stars-It was a great song for you. But it sounded like broadway.Sorry Clayton, but you should be doing Annie on Ice or something? Sorry.
4.At Last-***-Is this Julia? It don't sound like her. She sounds like a child. But it's very sexy. I like it. I listen to it. Good job!
5.Three Times a lady-no star-that was horrible. Your country you should'nt even be on this show! Nashville Stars is your show! See-ya if you get a record deal, well you won't. Horrible choice of song. Bad, bad, bad!
6.Let's Stay Together-****-Great! I love when you sung this live! I voted for you! The chorus is great too. It's a great style of song for you. Keep up the good work.
7.Back at One-****-Actually you were great!!! I love it, it's not my favorite on the CD, but the second. You held a note. I love it, I think you did it better than Brian Mc...well I forget his name now, because you took his place. Great. You will go far.
8.Killing Me Softly With His Song-****-It was great, I never suspected you singing this song, with your country/rock voice. You weren't my favortie during the show. But I like you on the CD, its great! GOOD JOB!
9.Open Arms-no stars-that was horrible, you sound like a women. you beat up your sister, I hate you. I got disquailified from the show! Thats how bad you are! Venessa should of sung, not you! Horrible anyway! :-(
10.How Do I Live(with out you)-****-I have to admit I hated you through out the show. You were horrible and you were the worst singer I've ever heard. But on this CD you were great. You took away that horrible vibrato! Great job, if you get a deal, maybe I will buy your CD!
11.Over the Rainbow-*****-THIS WAS GREAT! YOU SHOULD OF WON THE SHOW! I LOVE THIS, ITS SO JAZZ'Y AND GREAT! I LOVE IT, EVERYTIME I HEAR IT, IT GIVES ME GOOSEBUMPS!!! THATS HOW GOOOOOOO YOU ARE! I HOPE YOU GET A WHOLE CD YOUR GREAT!!! FANTASTIC, SUPERVE, EXCALLENT! OR HOWEVER YOU SPELL! seconds holding a note!
12.Overjoyed-****-Good job charles! That's all I have to say. Great though, should of went farther! One note mess up though.
13.God Bless the U.S.A.-****-I loved it! It was great! Kim Locke was'nt it, due to strep throat! I loved it, but it gets boring after a while. Great though
Here are the songs in order from bed to worst: Best to worst.
1.Somewhere Over the Rainbow-Kimberley Locke
2.Back at One-Rickey Smith
3.Overjoyed-Charles Grigsby
4.What the World Needs Now is Love-Sung By All
5.God Bless the U.S.A.-Sung By All-except K-Lo(sick)
6.How Do I Live(without you)-Carmen Rasmusen
7.Killing Me Softly With His Song-Kimberly Caldwell
8.Let's Stay Together-Trenyce(Lasandra Cobbins)
9.At Last-Julia DeMato
10.Superstar-Ruben Studdard
11/12/13!(all bad)
a.Open Arms-Corey Clarke
b.Three Times a Lady-Joshua Gracin
c.On the Wings of Love-Clayton Aiken