American Idol 11 - Top 10 iTunes Studio Recordings Review
Here's my review of the American Idol 11 Top 10 iTunes studio recordings.
The only track that a non-fan can pick up without getting disappointed is Elise's. You probably need to be watching the show to consider the rest. Like it has been every week, the ones that need work the most and may be hopeless at this point are Heejun, Deandre and Joshua, possibly Hollie. The rest offer solid recordings.
Download: American Idol Top 10 Season 11
The reviews:
Deandre Brackensick - Only The Good Die Young
To be honest, there was only so much Deandre could to with this arrangement. He tried to put a bit of his husky tone in the end, but I had already tuned out by then. A disappointing song from Deandre who I think still has potential if he sings the correct song.
Rating: 2/5
Hollie Cavanagh - Honesty
I'm beginning to get used to Hollie's voice. She has a quirky accent. This song didn't go anywhere unfortunately. It was dialed up to 80 and just stayed there.
Rating: 3/5
Colton Dixon - Piano Man
The Jonas Brothers school of music lives on with Colton. If you are into that genre then this is a winner. A bit too long and monotonous, but he offered just enough energy in the end to save it.
Rating: 4/5
Heejun Han - My Life
Karaoke lives with Heejun! A fast song actually works a bit better for Heejun's style of singing where we don't have time to dwell on the flaws. He still sounds like he is singing in a karaoke bar however.
Rating: 2/5
Skylar Laine - Shameless
Skylar's nasal-style of singing is not bad in my opinion. It works for her tone. I liked this. She made this sound like a country song just by her singing alone. Great job from Skylar! She has a great voice for the studio. A label should pick her up after the show. She has potential.
Rating: 4/5
Joshua Ledet - She's Got A Way
This is a great song from Billy Joel. Joshua did a decent job. He started off a bit colorless -- but he added his "mantasia" to the song towards the end. He needs to work on his studio singing; it can still work I think. He needs to be aware of what works well for his voice and his type of singing. Without the "mantasia" he sounds very plain -- but you can't add all the flurries from start to finish.
Rating: 3/5
Phillip Phillips - Movin' Out
Phillip has his style down pat. Love it or hate it, this is what Phillip is going to do. I like it. I think he's ready to record!
Rating: 4/5
Jessica Sanchez - Everybody Has A Dream
Solid recording from Jessica. Her voice actually works better with a slower song like this compared to the bigger Celine-anthems. Her voice can actually take over instead of the other way around. Good job. Knowing what she's showed us so far this season however, she seems to prefer the power ballads -- but something like this may be her winning ticket.
Rating: 4/5
Elise Testone - Vienna
Elise can sing all the Billy Joel songs that everyone recorded and she'll sound better than everyone else. Her voice and style is made for this music. She doesn't disappoint this week.
Rating: 5/5
Erika Van Pelt - New York State of Mind
Seriously, Erika has the best voice this year and she records beautifully. I love it. She can dial it a bit down specially in the beginning, so she doesn't get accused of "oversinging," but overall another great week in the studio for her.
Rating: 4/5
Download: American Idol Top 10 Season 11
