Soot and Stars
I AM SOOT!
This was a surprise to me because as an Idol contestant I never really saw what made Chris stand out from all the other pop rockers from Idol past. I didn't pick up that vibe from him. In fact, the last season was the first season since I started watching I didn't finish watching. So my friend told me that he had been sampling the c.d. and it was really solid with the type of pop rock sound we usually like.. I also did my own sampling on my own and tended to agree. Luckily, there was a Black Friday c.d. to get the album for 7 bucks so it was an easy buy good or bad.
Now I've had plenty of time to hear the album and I really like it. One thing you could tell on the show is the guy had pipes and quite a range. Vocally he was like Adam Lambert with his range and I think the songwriters did a great job pulling in the reigns and creating a steadier rock vibe more akin to Daughtry for the album. The pipes still get to soar but it's mopre of a rock albuum than Lamberts flamboyant pop spectacle. I dare say this is my favorite album by an Idol male.
One reason is the songwriters knew what they were crafting. There's a lot of great talent contributing to the writing of this album, a lot of them being rock singers themselves. The lead singer of Sixx A.M., former Evanescence member turned songwriter Ben Moody, fellow reality show winners David Cook and Ryan Star and veteran writer Marti Fredrikson all left a fingerprint here. Even Motley Crues Mick Mars contributes guitar on one track. To me I think a great collection of songwriters is enough to perk my interest for an album. Now I know that James isn't a well crafted songwriter yet but he shows potential as he writes on four of the songs hear. Ironically, he writes solely on my personal favorite on the album, "Right behind You". Let's see what you guys think of these tracks:
Higher Than Heaven
(I can hear the Sixx A.M. influence on this. I honestly think that overall that James does have that special 80's metal type vocal)
Right Behind You
(this is a perfect pop rock song, I love the strummingguitar/drum rhythm and the overall driving beat and structure of the song, my favorite)
Outcast (ft. Mick mars)
(doing a great Vince vocal, James is a chameleon on vocals, he has his own vibe which will come out more with each album)
May
(Of course I have to spotlight the most balladish song within the album, beautiful track though)
Check it out! You may be surprised or may not! Regardless it has the Sooty approval!