First Impressions of the AI2 Love Songs CD

The new American Idol Season 2 All-Time Classic American Love Songs CD came out today. I have been listening to it since this morning, giving each song two or three hearings. Here I will discuss my first impressions.

But first, let me say in genera that I understand why they wanted to release it early, but it really is too bad. We’ve seen and heard several of the contestants improve so much since early in the competition – not to mention having heard them excel at other songs that would have been nice to hear on the CD.

“What the World Needs Now Is Love” – Top 10: OK, now I see why they decided to release “God Bless the U.S.A.” as the single. This song, while performed well by the singers, is kind of dull.

“Superstar” – Ruben Studdard: I have to admit I’ve never been in love with this song. I mean, how many times can you say “baby baby” in a single song? That said, Ruben’s voice has been described many ways – but I think “liquid soul” is the best I’ve heard. That describes his performance here perfectly.

“On the Wings of Love” – Clay Aiken: It’s interesting (and I’m sure conspiracies have already grown because of it) that Ruben and Clay perform the first two songs on the CD. Indeed, it shows me just how difficult it will be to decide between these two. They are different types of singers, but both are good enough to win. Clay’s unique voice shines through and takes over the song – something that is rare on this CD (and the first AI one) because of the way the production is done.

“At Last” – Julia DeMato: For some reason, this song seems to be recorded with Julia’s voice louder than any of the others. It also seems like her voice has gone through a bit more “production” than perhaps some of the others did. In any case, this may be the best we’ve heard Julia – probably because she didn’t have to worry about nerves from being on-stage and also because we didn’t have to watch her stare into the camera like a deer into headlights.

“Three Times a Lady” – Joshua Gracin: This may be the best I’ve heard Joshua as well. He actually sounds like he’s singing naturally. Yes, he has the country accent, but it’s under control – not overpowering his whole voice. And he doesn’t sound like he’s trying to be somebody that he’s not, which was the problem when he sang without the accent.

“Let’s Stay Together” – Trenyce: (Yes, the actual CD does say it’s by “Trenyce” rather than her real name, which was listed on the early listings.) Trenyce is one who I think would have benefited from waiting until later to make this recording. She has grown along the way and we don’t necessarily hear that here. That said, it’s still a good rendition.

“Back at One” – Rickey Smith: Wow. Rickey really did leave too early, and this supports that. He has his upper register under control so it’s not as grating as it was sometimes in the competition. I had to check the CD song list to see who it was – it just didn’t strike me who this voice was coming from!

“Killing Me Softly with His Song” – Kimberly Caldwell: As much as I was tempted to make a joke about how Kimberly was, indeed, killing us softly with her songs, the fact is that she does a fine job. She gives a breathy performance that stays within her range and showcases her abilities nicely.

“Open Arms” – Corey Clark: What the hell are those “ooohs” before the song? Where are the guitar riffs? They took a nice rock ballad and turned it into just a plain ballad. Ugh. I felt like I was listening to it on an elevator. Mind you, this is nothing against Corey, who does a good job with it – in fact, his voice is pretty much perfect for the song – but somebody should smack around the producers.

“How Do I Live (Without You)” – Carmen Rasmusen: Now this is the Carmen I liked early on. In her case, it might have been better that the recording was made early in the show, as her singing habits seemed to decline as we went on, for whatever reason. As I said numerous times early in the show, Carmen has an interesting voice that makes me want to hear more – when she can keep it under control. Such is the case here.

“Over the Rainbow” – Kimberley Locke: Another one where the background music just isn’t up to par. I feel like I’m listening to her at a piano bar or something. And also another case where I really wish they’d have waited until later. In fact, I think Kim Locke is the main reason I feel that way. For one, she sang other songs that would have been much better (not to mention more appropriate for a “love songs” CD). She does well, but the performance just doesn’t capture the Kim Locke we’ve come to know and love in the past few weeks.

“Overjoyed” – Charles Grigsby: This may be Charles’ best performance. He wasn’t around long and he’s not a bad singer – he’s just not the American Idol.

“God Bless the U.S.A.” – Top 10: We’ve heard this one so many times it’s not like I can say much that hasn’t been said already. It’s a good rendition of the song and was the best choice for the single. I can see why it got such a positive response.

As noted, some of the songs are among the best we’ve heard from certain singers. This is to be expected as we take out the whole live aspect with all the nervousness that entails. They can record ‘til they get it just right. And if they still don’t, the producers and engineers can step in to make it a bit better.

Sure, the performances of several would have been better if they’d only waited a bit longer to let them grow and mature over the process, but for at least some of those who are already gone, these are definite highlights. The ones who are still left may end up with their own recording deals in the end, but this is a good reminder of how they began.

David Bloomberg is the Editor of Foxes On Idol, and can be reached at rno@pobox.com.

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