American Idol 10 Top 12 Studio Recordings Available Now on iTunes
The American Idol Top 12 Studio Recordings are available now on iTunes. Songs from the year they were born. Some sounded blah but there were some that got re-invented somewhat.
Profit from these tracks will go to Japan relief efforts.
My favorites are: Paul McDonald, Naima Adedapo, Pia Toscano
Download: All 12 Tracks (Save 50% if you buy everything!)
Thia Megia - Colors of the Wind
Another disappointing recording from Thia Megia. I think I should stop believing what the judges keep telling me about Thia. Maybe she's really horrible and Charice is so much better than her. This was so boring. I'm losing faith. At least have a good recording right?
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Download: Colors of the Wind
Stefano Langone - If You Don't Know Me By Now
Go Stefano Minnelli! I love this guy. His singing style in the studio is not for everybody, but I love it. He's better live, but as a fan, this track is awesome!
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Download: If You Don't Know Me By Now
Scotty McCreery - Can I Trust You With My Heart
This is not as good as last week from Scotty. But it is still solid. I was actually expecting a bit more. I thought he was better live. Scotty's higher register is not as good as his lower register (obviously). This song didn't fit I think.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Download: Can I Trust You With My Heart
Pia Toscano - Where Do Broken Hearts Go
I like this arrangement! It's not for everyone, but I thought it sounded a bit contemporary. Another solid job from Pia. Just the total package this girl. Go Pia!
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Download: Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Paul McDonald - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
As I predicted Paul's recording is excellent. This is SOOOOO GOOD. Amazing! This guy better win! OMG! I love the lispy fff-falsetto. Is it the veneers??? Hahaha! Go Paul!
Ratings: 5/5 Stars
Download: I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Naima Adedapo - What's Love Got To Do With It
Wow. Wow. Wow. So surprised with this one! The production value for Naima's tracks are so good! Two singles in a row are winners. Too bad she can't sing to save her life live. But this is another great single. The studio loves Naima!
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Download: What's Love Got To Do With It
Lauren Alaina - I'm The Only One
Lauren sounds different in her recordings. Very interesting. I think she's better live. She sounds a bit generic in this track (again). However, I still think it's solid. Glad that she's back strong this week.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Download: I'm The Only One
Karen Rodriguez - Love Will Lead You Back
This actually sounds decent. Why does she sound so bad live? Unfortunately, this has karaoke written all over it, and only her die-hard fans will really like this. As usual, she adds a lot of Spanish lyrics to please her Spanish-speaking and Spanish language loving fans.
Ratings: 3/5 Stars
Download: Love Will Lead You Back
James Durbin - I'll Be There For You
James sounds so different here. He doesn't sound like Adam! I'm shocked. I now understand what Steven Tyler was saying about being "poppy". This is a pop version of I'll Be There For You. I don't really know what to make of it. The chorus is a bit ridiculous.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Download: I'll Be There For You
Jacob Lusk - Alone
OMG. This was as bad as I imagined it to be. There's no reigning in Jacob. He's going to belt like there was no tomorrow. Every. Single. Time.
This really didn't work. I really doubt that Jacob will come up with a decent recording this season with his style of singing.
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Download: Alone
Haley Reinhart - I'm Your Baby Tonight
This sounds good! Boggles the mind why the judges are so harsh on her. Haley records really well -- and sings well. Maybe it's an image problem. She needs to get it together.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Download: I'm Your Baby Tonight
Casey Abrams - Smells Like Teen Spirit
At least he was fearless. This was very bad. I cannot even give him 1 star for effort. Total miss. You cannot mess with a classic -- in the same style ever. And on American Idol? Double fail. I don't care it there were trumpets in the end.
Rating: 0/5 Stars
Download: Smells Like Teen Spirit