Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 146
 STELLAR DEBUT FROM IDOL CHAMP August 11, 2010
RALPH PETERS (CLOVIS, CA USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I admit it. I liked Kris on IDOL but thought Adam outperformed him. A year later, I'm glad I was wrong, as this album is (for me), miles above Lambert's. The songs (especially the ones written or co- by Allen), are mostly excellent and survive multiple (in my case hundreds) of listenings. Sometimes the production is a bit much; when you have a voice as good as Kris Allen's, you don't need every instrument on every track. It was said by movie critic Pauline Kael that voices like Bessie Smith and Aretha Franklin had a healing quality that other (albeit excellent) singers like Billie Holiday didn't have. I feel that way about Kris Allen. His singing has a heartfelt, soothing quality that conveys compassion and an understanding far beyond his 25 years. Some might call that an old soul, but that's become so trite now. I'll just say that this CD has for me the same quality and value that Joni Mitchell's best work (like BLUE and COURT & SPARK) have: they heal. They elevate. They inspire. I'm disappointed that this album hasn't had the smashing success of some other IDOL debuts only in the sense that it says something sad about current tastes. Let's hope it's inspired enough people so that Mr. Allen can entertain and touch us for many years and we can grow along with him. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
NO GIMMICKS, ALL TALENT August 11, 2010
Sheila Martin (Lowell, MA USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am not a person who likes "junk". I am not trained or anything but I know when I hear a talented vocalist. The range in Kris' voice is awesome and he uses it to inflict emotion and energy into his songs. There's a lot of variety on this CD. There's songs with messages, fun songs, and emotional ones. The arrangements are absolutely fantastic!!
I have been an Idol fan the last few years and have really enjoyed some of the talent. I even bought a couple of CD's but by far, Kris Allen has the best CD and I really can't wait for the next one! What a shame more people have yet to discover such a gifted performer!
 my music July 24, 2010
Jo A. French (Rockwood, TN)
i purchaced this cd because i like american idol. even though i was for adam lambert to win, i still like kris. i really love his music on this cd.
Nice Album from a newcommer July 13, 2010
Chen
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Listening to the CD is like taking a look beyond the facade of a perfectly managed life. With Allen writing 9 of the 13 tracks it's clear that his heart is on display here and that heart is either being torn apart or Allen is one hell of a method actor. Almost every track is a picture of longing or loss. This album paints the picture of someone who is holding on to the past but sees what they really want in front of them but it's just out of reach. It's breathtaking and heartbreaking and you want to turn away but you're held, rivetted to your seat because each track digs a little deeper and scratches a little more off the surface. Every track is pretty amazing. There are several choices for the next single but the stand out tracks are The Truth, Is It Over, Before We Come Undone and Bring it Back. The debut CD of American Idol Winner Kris Allen is much like the man himself, a total surprise. Every track tells a story and the story is one that everyone can relate to.
The relationship has gone south and you aren't sure where to go now.
Good material, poor production. July 8, 2010
R. Brown (Kentucky)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a CD that you need to listen to a few times to really enjoy. Maybe it took me that long to get past my expectations and listen to the music for what it is. Instead of overly produced auto-tune pop that most producers are pushing out this CD is a through back to a cross between folk rock and Seattle. Once I started listening to the songs and to the words I enjoyed it much more. I do wish the producers had given it more time and attention. It sounds like it was produced by someone who did not want to waste any magic on an American Idol product with guaranteed sales. It almost sounds like a basement studio production.
Now that I have listened to it a few times I would buy it again, but I don't think I would give it as a gift.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 146
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