my friend send it to me now
i though was cool... they rated her the best
By Jeff Miller
Metromix
Since rocking reality TV's most popular competition, most recent "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks has been on stage with everyone from Snoop Dogg to Willie Nelson. However, his current single "The Runaround" maintains the Motown horns-driven Soul Patrol sound that made him the contest's favorite.
Now Hicks is releasing his self-titled major label debut. And he isn't the only "Idol" with superstar dreams: His finalist buddy Katharine McPhee is set to release her debut in January and a slew of other ex-"Idol"-ers have albums on shelves right now.
Kellie Pickler
ALBUM: “Small Town Girl” (RCA/Bna Entertainment)
4 out 5 stars
This Season Five contestant was a heartland favorite on the show and, listening to her debut, it’s obvious why. There are no “Idol”-style histrionics on her rock-solid country record, just a slew of harmonies, slide guitars and twangy vocals reminiscent of early Dixie Chicks and Reba McEntire. And it’s no surprise that Pickler co-wrote most of the songs—unlike most “American Idol” contestants, this “Small Town Girl,” sings ‘em like she means ‘em.
Fantasia Barrino
ALBUM: “Fantasia” (RCA/J Records)
3 1/2 stars out 5 stars
Sometimes in pop music, it’s your collaborators who matter most. Big ups then to Season Three “Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino, who’s managed to wrangle everyone from Missy Elliot to producer Swizz Beatz to make sure her gospel-tinged, graveled-soul vocal sounds as good as possible. “Hood Boy,” the album’s opening cut and featuring Big Boi, is among the best R&B songs of the year, and the record succeeds where so many hyped, more-established artists have failed in 2006: by making sure the music matches the range. You listening, Janet Jackson? How ‘bout you,
Beyoncé?
Taylor Hicks
ALBUM: “Taylor Hicks” (Arista)
3 stars out 5 stars
Though Hicks enters this competition with the most street cred of any "Idol" winner, his album flirts with being depressingly middle-of-the road. “The Runaround” continues the poor-man’s blues-brother vibe he’s already established, and “Soul Thing” could really use a double-sized dose of Motown horns to flesh out its empty arrangement. But Hicks really owns some of this material: Dave Matthews fans should definitely check out “Wherever I Lay My Hat” for an example of the excellent pop-rock that’s been his calling card for years. Inconsistency is rampant, but when Hicks is good, it’s obvious why America thought he could be great.
Daughtry
ALBUM: “Daughtry” (RCA)
2 stars out 5 stars
Rocker Chris Daughtry was this year’s man with momentum,and when he was booted from the show late in the season, it was one of the biggest upsets in “Idol” history. But his eponymous band’s debut is steeped in mediocrity, from reach-the-rafters rocker “Home” to the acoustic-tinged downer “Breakdown.” These songs (most of which seem to be about a lost relationship—hope everything’s OK at home) all have a been-there, heard-that feel that never separates Daughtry from his own idols like bland-and-blander bands Fuel and Live. Still, in a world where faceless bands like Hinder and The Fray are near-superstars, the sales potential here is limitless.
Ruben Studdard
ALBUM: “The Return” (RCA/J Records)
1 1/5 out 5 stars
Just one career move away from the state fair circuit, once-supersized superstar Ruben Studdard’s latest misstep is releasing this lovers-only disc, which celebrates his bigness—and blandness—to its maximum potential. Recycled ‘80s Teddy Riley beats and overwrought arrangements (“Make Ya Feel Beautiful”) can be nice, but Studdard never steps above his second-rate material, making this return seem destined for bargain bin status before the holidays.
http://www.7cities.com/music/natent-...-music-stories
