Album Review: Farmer's Daughter - Crystal Bowersox

Without question, Crystal Bowersox sounds absolutely great in this debut effort. Actually, the lack of overproduction in this record is a pleasant surprise. The writing holds up, her voice undoubtedly sounds great, and I like the production and maybe the style of the whole record. But will I buy the album? I'm not so sure.

I just can't see myself listening to more than a couple of her tracks over and over again. Some songs, at least to me, never seem to go anywhere. There are not enough strong melodies, no memorable hooks, and some of the songs just don't build to a climax. To be honest, after listening to the album thrice, I still can't recall a single song or even a melody from the album.

This isn't saying that the album is bad though. Maybe this isn't just exactly my preferred type of music. But I'm pretty positive that there has to be an audience for this kind of music. It may not be me, but I think this is a solid effort, regardless.

Here's my track-by-track review:

Frankly, I don't care much for this album opener. Yes, she inhabits the song with natural ease, despite the fact that this track sounds like it was a decade too late. But I think the main deficiency of the song is its general lack of a hook. The chorus is pretty much just an extension of the verse and the title/hook seems merely an afterthought here - offering no memorable change of melody. Plus, it's too twangy for my taste. 5/10

I actually like her cover of this song. Everything seems almost the same with the original but her vocal touches here and there makes her version stand on its own. It has that throwback feel to it and she does sound good singing the track. But at this point, it's already a given that Crystal has the pipes to pull this ditty off, so I'm not surprised. 7/10

Possibly one of the strongest tracks on her record. Starts as a slow and sensuous ballad that transitions into something which is surprisingly much more introspective than I expected. This, to me, is lyrically and thematically an edgy song that represents her perfectly as an artist. It may not be the most radio-ready track on the album, but I'm really glad she fought for this to be her lead-off single. 9/10

The one-two punch of Farmer's Daughter and this actually gets the album going. This track just took my breath away. It starts quiet and slow, but then grows to a more rocking anthem that once the song explodes into a huge, soaring chorus, Crystal's vocal remains controlled and focused, which is pretty impressive. The bridge is amazing and production-wise, it's on point. Absolutely lovely. 9/10

This is quite surprising. On first listen, this song is probably one of my favorites on the album. And it's probably the least Crystal-y. It's a shockingly bubbly song that sounds like it could have been ripped from a Owl City album. Haha. It’s funky, dynamic, and it rides on a tight rhythm section. Nothing revolutionary, but it has a fun vibe. I like it. 8/10

Not quite a ballad, not quite an anthem. But I have to say, this Kara DioGuardi-Chad Kroeger penned ditty isn't that bad. Sure, the song does sound like a Nickelback cover but I really think Crystal's voice adds something extra to this track. To me, this is a terrific example that she can actually extend her repertoire into slightly slicker pop without losing sight of her acoustic/folk roots. 8/10

It isn't one of my favorite tracks in the album but I have to say, this sounds, potentially, the most viable country radio single in this album. I think this has a decent amount of commercial appeal. No, the hook in this song still isn’t strong enough to stand on its own legs, and neither the rest of the song’s lyrics but Crystal is rocking in it hard and she - finally! - let loose. This is actually refreshing. 7/10

The percussion, the rhythm, the vocal, this is musical seduction at it's best. The song rocks as all heck. Enough said. 8/10

If not for Taylor Swift,  I would have wanted Crystal to name her album Speak Now. I don't know. There’s just something very earthy and real about this track. Here, Crystal has a satisfying, clear voice, and that slick, robust production clearly makes the track soar. That said, I'm not so sure about the structure of the song. I find the intro a tad too long. 7/10

My least favorite song on the album. I don't know why, but for some reason it's just grating on my nerves. It's not the lyrics or the production, but the tone of her singing is just strange. The melody strangely reminds me so much of The Carpenters. 4/10

Phenomenal! Arguably, the strongest track on the record. This is the only song that caught my attention when I first listened to the album. Crystal sounds great harmonizing with her husband, Brian. I actually like that they both effortlessly wraps their warm and slightly-raspy voices around the song. The instrumentation with it's lush strings and subtle drums is a nice contrast to the lyrics as well. Oh, and the bridge is nothing short of beautiful. 10/10

Just like Mason, there’s just something about the vibe to the production that I really like. This is actually a refreshingly calm track that boasts a breezy melody and warm vocal. I love how quiet this is, and how she never pushes too hard or tries to make this song bigger than it should be. I like the restraint. 7/10


Of course, opinions about certain albums are relative but I have no doubt that this debut material from Crystal Bowersox is solid. She manages to infuse her distinct sound in this record and that in itself is already an outstanding accomplishment for her. I actually wouldn't be surprised if she gets good reviews from legitimate music critics.

So, even though I'm personally not too crazy about this record, I think that the people who like this type of music will adore this album. Besides, I feel that Farmer's Daughter has more substance than most of the records that was released this year. Just saying.

RATING: 7.4/10

Album Review: Live It Up - Lee DeWyze

I must admit, I was never a big fan of Lee DeWyze on American Idol. Yes, I recognize his talent but he just didn't do anything special on the show that made me want to root for him - none of them did, actually. So, was I excited to listen to his debut album? Not really. It wasn't even a priority, if I'm being honest.

However, after listening to the whole record, I think this is a pretty solid stuff. Squarely mainstream, though a bit generic, which was pretty much what I was expecting. Most of the tracks manage to be radio-friendly but more eclectic than I thought, and it’s so much more introspective than most of the albums that’s out there now. It is eclectic yet, at the same time, coherent. Will it turn your musical world on its head? Absolutely not, but it is a record that is pleasant enough to listen to and possibly nice to have.

Here's my track-by-track review:

This was actually his original debut single but somehow had a sudden change of heart. Well, I think it was a good call. While this is undeniably a nice tune, I don't think it's the type of song that gets a lot of airplay compared to his actual single. This is more low key with less backing instrumentation, which I love. I think it's a pure authentic Lee song from the vocals down to the lyrics and production. 7/10

A track that is very bouncy in a John Mayer meets Jason Mraz kind of way. So unexpected and so playful for a debut track from Lee. I’m actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this song. It has tons of words, but, hey, that worked with Kris Allen pretty well, with Live Like We're Dying. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied - it gets stuck in my head. Total ear worm. 8/10

Handsome melody with an easy-going guitar strumming. This song seriously has a tendency to be extremely corny but it sounds refreshingly catchy and upbeat that it somehow avoided that route. Sure, this isn't the best track on the record, but it demands attention, which is always a good thing. 7/10

Easily one of the strongest tracks on the album and possibly the most personal for Lee. This is exactly how simple, straightforward love songs are supposed to make you feel. I'd say just indulge and let the wistful spirit of this track wash over you. Enjoy the emotion as it flows. Amazing!! 10/10

Possibly one of the most radio-friendly tracks. The melody is stunning, the verses are great, interesting bridge and it has got excellent drums beats and some Coldplay-like piano. There’s also an urgency to the music that never lets up. Plus, I love it when Lee stretches his vocal range, for a change. Good times. 8/10

I love this jaunty little treat from Lee. Seriously. This song has that fun and bouncy nature, which is very shocking since I didn't know Lee had it in him. Ha! A cherry song, which brings to mind a summer roadtrip with uncertain anticipation and excitement. To be honest, by the time the drums and synths kick into overdrive, I'm swaying to the beat and singing along. This actually reminds me so much of Kris Allen's Alright With Me. 9/10

Great melody and undeniably anthemic. This track has some striking similarities to U2's Beautiful Day - not a bad thing, mind you - which is ironically Lee's coronation song when he won American Idol. The production is high quality complete with strings, keyboards and his soaring vocals. A good song that has a catchy hook and could make its way onto some radio stations soon. 9/10

WOW! I'm very much in love with this song, if nothing else! It really has that jazz feel to it, which is surprising for someone like Lee. The track opens with an odd mix of piano and drums, but once Lee sings a note in this achingly beautiful melody, it's easily irrelevant. This has a nice building and dynamic that it carries over into his vocals - the hitch in Lee’s voice on that soaring bridge is stunning. 10/10

If there has to be one definitive let down track, it would be this. The song is just not unusual enough to stand out. In other words, a bit generic. This is the only track that feels disposable to me, but will likely appeal to a large portion of the fan base that pushed Lee to the win. It's not bad, it just seems more of an afterthought and doesn't make me want to go back and listen to it again. 5/10

Another mellow track, with a smooth hook. The groove is tight and will surely make some part of your body move. Actually, the whole song feels like it's moving along at a steady pace thanks to the drum train, the keyboards and the guitar line, which is actually my favorite part. 7/10

This is a decent song with a solid groove, and probably a nice way to finish the album. However, the melody on this mid-tempo track never really goes anywhere. And while this acoustic guitar strumming ditty - augmented by Lee's vocals - is hardly a disaster, I wish the album ended with something stronger like Brooklyn Bridge or Dear Isabelle. But maybe, that's just me nitpicking. 6/10


After a full listen through this album, it's tough not to try and compare it to the other debut albums of past winners, but they're entirely different entities, so I will not even go there. All I will say is that, Lee's debut effort after American Idol is not something to listen to if you want the boundaries of music challenged. I mean, if you’re looking for something unheard of or for the next step in music culture, this is obviously not it. This record just sits comfortably in convention, tried and tested sounds and methods which have been successful once before. But, that’s not to say that it isn’t entertaining in some way.

The material is tight, and Lee DeWyze's talent remains clear. Eleven tracks crossing between modern pop, folksy, and a hint of rock. Live It Up remains to be a safe release for an Idol winner, but there is no statement being made here.

RATING: 7.8/10

Album Review: The Other Side Of Down - David Archuleta

Let me go straight to the point: The Other Side Of Down is seriously a solid sophomore album for David Archuleta.

Now, I'm definitely loving the newer sound. While I liked the first album, I’m loving the newer mature sound of David. Yes, it still has that usual bubblegum pop vibe that was somewhat carried over to this sophomore effort, but I think he has truly grown in maturity with his new album.

The album, I must say, is surprisingly diverse and yet, at the same time, coherent. He still has that youthful sound but, at the same time, is able to allow enough maturity this time around. I also think that this sophomore effort achieves a really good balance between the vibe of a singer-songwriter and the usual mid-tempo to upbeat production sound that is, arguably, popular today.

You know what? I'm just really happy for David.

Here's my track-by-track review:  

A surprisingly unique sound for David. Frankly, I'm a little perplexed with this track. I mean, a part of me thinks that this would have made a much more radio-friendly single than, say, Something 'Bout Love because it's different for someone like Archuleta and I kind of like the bouncy vibe in the verses. But, some part of the song - especially the chrous part - really annoys me. I don't know.  7/10

This one has radio hit potential. Sure, it's a little too overproduced with all the auto-tunes and whatnot but that's what works on pop music nowadays, so I'm not surprised. It is a catchy song, with great hook and incredible production. Oh, and the bridge took me by surprise. Seriously. I like that he uses his range in this song. 8/10

Say what you want about Elevator, but I really like it. Ha! Now, if I'm being honest, the first time I heard this track I said that this can't be seriously in his album because it reminded me so much of that hi ho hi ho song by the seven dwarfs. Haha. But after a few subsequent listen, I kind of warmed up to it. I think it's very cleverly written, both as a metaphor and just as a song - word choice, syntax rhythm, consistency in theme. I also think that it's fun, catchy and it felt like a little roller coaster of a song. 9/10

One of the strongest tracks on the album. At first, I thought it would be like an angst-y song - based from the lyrics - but the melody and vocals from him make it sound like a bubblegum pop type of song, which shockingly works for me. The verses are better than the chorus, but maybe that's just me nitpicking. This, to me, is probably one of the biggest potential hit in the album. 9/10

Just like the other tracks, this one has a bouncy and hook-y melody. That said, this song just doesn't really do anything for me. I'm also not particularly keen with the different voices in the verses. Possibly one of those songs that I wouldn't necessarily skip over but it wouldn't make me repeat it for a second listen as well. 6/10

I can easily picture this track as part of a TV series' or a movie soundtrack. The melody and the production of this song is lovely. Yes, the lyrics aren't it's strongest suit but, good thing, everything else about it is great. His voice, especially on his lower register and his falsetto in this song is quite gorgeous. 8/10

I heard the live version of this song from David and I was somehow on the fence with it as his voice sounded almost hoarse singing the high notes. However, the studio version completely changed my opinion of the song. The production is actually pretty good and, somehow, takes it to a whole new level. I wonder though if this would've been better if it was sped up just a bit. As for the vocals, I love the soft rise and fall of David’s voice. 8/10

This reminds me of his song Your Eyes Don't Lie from his first album. Totally annoying at first listen but somehow along the way made me a fan of the track. Yes, I barely finished this song and thought that this would be the one track that I would end skipping. But guess which song gets stuck in my head after listening to the whole record? Yup, this one. Ha! Possibly one of my favorite tracks. This song is absurdly catchy, which reminds me a bit of both Owl City and Imogen Heap - just listen to the first tens seconds of the the song. 9/10

It's interesting that the beginning of the verses sounds exactly like Crush. Is that intentional? Maybe. Does it matter? Absolutely not because this song, I believe, is one of the best tracks on the album. It may seem a little generic in terms of its structure but this song is to die for. It's simple, hauntingly beautiful and surprisingly powerful. His vocals just spill over on the lyrics like a series of massages. Ha! Oh, and the bridge and the last chorus makes this song even more impressive. 10/10

This definitely grew on me. Not the best in the album, but it's definitely a good track. Very soulful, bluesy, and clearly has that John Mayer sort of feel to it. The melody is marginally different from the rest of the tracks and it does have some classic pop harmonic structure in the chorus that I just can't resist. Somehow, the song also sounds a little bit country to me - I don't know if it's just me though. 8/10

Frankly, I'm liking it a bit more than I did but the track just strikes me as one big cliche. Sure, it's decent but I just can't really get into it as much as I'd hope. Now, if they tweak this song a little, I could see this being an Idol exit song - it does have the inspirational kind of vibe obviously. 6/10

EPIC! This song is gorgeous!! Stunning vocals with so much emotion! His strong full-bodied voice is always in front and center and it never got overpowered by the instrumentations. You see, I love a distinct piano presence in a song and this is a perfect and heart breaking example of simple but powerful recording. Pure. Soft. Unadulterated. It is beauty, rawness and simplicity at its finest. 10/10



I have to say, this sophomore record of Archuleta does hold together very cohesively from start to finish with each song highlighting another side of his voice. It is actually interesting that he maximized his falsetto and higher register compared to his debut album. Anyway, the fluidity of the songs is spot on and it seems to me that each track have its own distinct melody. I don't feel like I'm listening to the same song over and over again, but I don't feel like I'm listening to 5 different albums either.

Suffice it to say, whatever happens with his sophomore effort, I think it’s a fantastic album and I do believe it's far superior than his last album. Nothing more, nothing less.

RATING: 8.2/10

Album Review: Unbroken - Katharine McPhee

Katharine McPhee is back.. and she's blonde!! Interesting look. The hair is giving me a Florence Henderson vibe circa Brady Bunch years. I mean, she is the most attractive person to EVER grace the Idol stage, but this look needs some getting used to. I don't know. Ha!

But listening to this album, I think material-wise, it is one of the best pop/adult contemporary albums to come out in a while. All round, she delivers perfect vocal performances, realistic lyrics, and a perfect mesh between up-tempo and ballads. I want to refrain from comparing her to Kelly Clarkson because of the Idol relation, but this album easily ranks up there with Kelly's Breakaway and their contemporaries.

Here's my track-by-track review: 

This is probably the catchiest song on the album. All the right ingredients for an Adult Contemporary hit is here. An incredibly catchy chorus is only partly responsible for the positive vibes, though, as she does a solid job making somewhat dim lyrics sound upbeat. I also like the layers on her vocals. 8/10

People are associating this song as country. Seriously? This is a typical RnB tinged pop. There's nothing country about it unless we're at the point where anything with a melody that isn’t beat driven is considered country. I think that the song is light, breezy and pretty. I like that this song shows off the nuances of her voice and that there are no cringe-inducing runs in her upper register and her lower register has always been beautiful. A killer combination of minimal production and simple lyrics. 9/10

I'm not really crazy with this one. For some weird reason, this track sounds like a Daughtry song. Ha! I wish it was more acoustic and not trying too much to be haunting. I did like some parts of the song though. This is, at the very least, an ok song. 7/10

I feel that this song will be so underrated. I love the sass and how raw this track is. The second verse and the layering of her vocals is also a nice touch to the song. The big note on the bridge does bother me a bit though. 9/10

This is by far one of my favorite songs on the record. This just grabbed my attention right away. I totally love the minor chords, riffs and all that jazz. I also like the really cool piano line and bluesy organ accompanied by a really pretty vocal melody. She sounds really cool and this proves that she can lend her vocals to a blues-leaning ballad without coming off as insecure. One minor criticism though, she doesn't sound like herself after the key change towards the end. 9/10

This is a great example of how well her vocals blend on a duet. With a little help from Jason Reeves on this Colbie Caillat-eque track, both voices complement each other, and even though Reeves is more of a background presence, he still gives the song a feeling of completion. I heard Kara Dioguardi's version and I think I'm digging the changes shedid on the song. 10/10

Without a doubt, this lush track is the highlight of the album. I think that this fits right in her vocal sweet spot. Just breathtaking and quite hunting. In this song, she doesn't do much of those annoying runs and her vocal restraint is commendable. I love the drums in the second verse and the bridge where she just throws it down. She shines not just as a vocalist, but as a storyteller as well. 10/10

Vocal Perfection! I get chills everytime I listen to this. I heard the original demo of this song by Lucie Silva and I feel like the build-up at the end is more subtle here, which I like. I love how she gets slightly louder every chorus and adds more runs and riffs. The chorus is gorgeous and the I am really digging the guitar. This song is freezing, moving and the melody is just impressive. I also glad that she is able to demonstrate her keen sense of inflections in this track. 10/10

By the time I heard the piano and electric guitar intro of this song, I'm stuck. I think that this is a potential hit for her. It is a moving power ballad that allows her to reach for the high notes with her beautiful use of melisma. The rousing chorus and the pop-leaning arrangement makes this a good candidate for a future single. 7/10

The lyrics to this song is heartbreaking and obviously personal. I have to be honest, the first time I heard it, it drove me insane as it sounded too generic and cliched for my taste. But, I'm taking it back now. Ha! It is gently sung and I love her voice, the harmonies and how she connects to it. I can personally relate to the song, that's why I had a sudden change of heart towards this track. 9/10

LOVE this song and I've been listening to it for a while now. Cute. This lets her use that distinct breathy sound that she does so well. It has a very Jason Mraz feel to it. I think that her voice suits this style so well and the little vocal moments in the background help me find something new to appreciate everytime I listen to it. If this gets the right amount of attention, this could be a hit for her. A great sing-songy piece - reminds me of Kris Allen's Alright With Me. 9/10

When she lets the lyrics breathe, she shines. This requisite ballad is actually good. The production and instrumentation is just brilliant. I like the use of her upper register here, which she faithfully follows through on. I think the solemn, vulnerable arrangement magnifies the tenderness explored in the lyrics. Chills! 10/10

A throwback to the '70s. Honestly, it is such a dumb song but it is kind of cute and sexy. I love how funky the instruments are and her vocals here are just impressive especially her falsetto, which adds special flair to the recording. This track is truly flimsy and a great upbeat note to end on. 8/10



I just wanted to say that I am pretty impressed with her sophomore record. Personally, she really has found who she is with this record. It’s sophisticated, adult, well produced with great songs written by good songwriters.

Hopefully this CD will do very well for her, it certainly deserves people giving her a second look. She is an incredible talent and if she doesn’t do well with this, then America is completely ignorant. This is miles better then the first album and she’s really grown and found what kind of music she should be doing.

 RATING: 8.8/10