American Idol 11 Top 13 - iTunes Studio Recordings Available Now
Here are my short reviews for the American Idol 11 Top 13 iTunes Studio Recordings.
Download: American Idol - Top 13 Season 11
If FOX only opened up the rankings on iTunes, I'm sure a couple of these would be in the Top 20 just like Glee.
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DeAndre Brackensick - Master Blaster
I love DeAndre's husky recording voice! He sounds like he's channeling a bit of Terrence Trent D'Arby here. Awesome. He's so going to go to the tour! This recording is fantastic. DeAndre needs to improve on his stage presence, but so far this first recording is excellent.
Rating: 5/5
Hollie Cavanagh - All the Man That I Need
This was a solid recording but I found it a bit boring. Her voice needs to grow on me while I listen to more of her iTunes stuff in the coming weeks.
Rating: 4/5
Colton Dixon - Lately
Colton's Jonas Brothers School of Singing training is quite evident in this recording. Not to my liking, but maybe there's an audience out there for this. I just don't understand because I thought Colton was the Adam Lambert or James Durbin of the season, and yet he sounds like a Jonas? Jonas Rocker anyone?
Rating: 3/5
Heejun Han - All In Love Is Fair
Heejun's halitosis-style of singing just doesn't work for me. I know some people like his diction, which is actually a bit endearing, but he needs to hit his notes with conviction and not play around with his mouth. He's trying to put emotion in to the song though which is one of his strong points. Still needs a lot of work.
Rating: 2/5
Jermaine Jones - Knocks Me Off My Feet
Jermaine's strength is obviously his incredibly deep lower register and a lot of that is lost in this song unfortunately. When he hits the low notes -- it's amazing in the recording -- but when he hits his higher notes (which is most of this song), he just sounds blah. It will be very difficult to find good songs for Jermaine. But if he can the right song, it will be magic for sure.
Rating: 2/5
Skylar Laine - Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Her nasal singing style actually works here. Nice and countrified. But still a little to shrill for me. At least her voice sounds unique among the Top 13.
Rating: 4/5
Joshua Ledet - I Wish
Joshua is meant for the stage, not the recording booth. This recording exposed the weakness in his vocals. I'm surprised that his voice sounded very plain considering he's very animated during his live performance on the show. I was expecting this to be a bit "dirtier" but it was just very ordinary and colorless.
Rating: 3/5
Shannon Magrane - I Have Nothing
This song is just too big for Shannon. Not the worst recording on Idol ever, but for this week definitely not worth $1.29. Skip this. The producers couldn't even save her with the auto-tune in the high notes. Song choice fail.
Rating: 1/5
Phillip Phillips - Superstition
I loved this! However, Phillip needs to work on polishing up his vocals. I can see some potential here for him to sound a bit like Bono. Definitely the most unique artist this season.
Rating: 4/5
Jeremy Rosado - Ribbon in the Sky
The weakest male vocalist in the Top 13. Unsure of his notes. A thin voice not fit for the song. Nothing. Skip this. Looks like the studio producer didn't even do anything to help him out. Sounds like a play the backing track and sing, in and out kinda thing.
Rating: 1/5
Jessica Sanchez - I Will Always Love You
An almost perfect copy of Whitney Houston's version done many times in the past. Excellent if you are into that kind of thing. My advise to Jessica: add Jessica into her music and not just copy a vocal note for note (complete with inflections, etc). That's how you will become an artist. Find your soul Jessica!
Rating: 5/5
Elise Testone - I'm Your Baby Tonight
This was a disappointment. Not a good song choice for her voice or style. She's shouting not singing. She shouldn't have sung this. I feel bad for her.
Rating: 2/5
Erika Van Pelt - I Believe In You and Me
Can Erika be the dark horse? This recording is amazing. OMG. I believe. I think Erika may just win American Idol. She's so ready to record! Am I going nuts? This can be on the radio now. I love this.
Rating: 5/5
Download: American Idol - Top 13 Season 11
