American Idol 12 - Top 10 iTunes - Review
Here are my reviews for the American Idol 12 Top 10 iTunes Studio Recordings.
Overall, a great effort from the contestants this season. They are boring on stage but most of them can sing in the studio. Looks like I am going to enjoy the iTunes reviews this year for a change.
Download: American Idol - Top 10 Season 12
Amazed - Paul Jolley
This was very good. While listening to this, I can't help but imagine Paul to be a cute version of Tate Stevens who won The X Factor. Country fans will love this. A solid effort. Rating: 3/5
Breakaway - Lazaro Arbos
Unfortunately two things happened here: 1. I still can't understand Lazaro while he sings; 2. The backing track is godawful. I cannot recommend this even if I love Lazaro. Rating: 1/5
Crying - Kree Harrison
Kree makes a strong case for winning with this track. Her tone reminded me a bit of Carrie Underwood's. She has so much potential. I just hoped they styled her better and give her an image makeover. The title is hers for the taking, seriously. Jimmy Iovine must have been salivating when he heard this track. Rating: 4/5
Flying Without Wings - Burnell Taylor
Wow Burnell! This was very nice. However, his voice needs to mature a bit since he sounds like a teenager/boy band member. Or not (if you like a boy singing to you about mature topics). He struggled mightily with the high notes but I liked this. So refreshing to hear a track like this after YEARS of crap on iTunes from Idol -- and you guys know I've listened to every single one. Rating: 4/5
Gone - Janelle Arthur
A solid effort from Janelle though a bit boring. She's a lesser Skylar Laine from last season. But not bad really. Rating: 3/5
I Believe - Curtis Finch Jr.
You know how I felt while listening to this? This is the voice of a douchebag and an asshole rolled into one. Curtis' bad vibes transcends every fiber of his being and his voice is no exception. I rebuke this track! Rating: 0/5
I Surrender - Angie Miller
This was excellent! So much better than her live performance. I still think her voice is not as radio-ready as Kree's, but this sounds very good. A bit Broadway-ish (which I tend to like). Fantastic. Perfect song choice. Rating: 5/5
I Who Have Nothing - Candice Glover
This was as good as her live performance which is a testament to Candice's singing ability. I would have liked a little bit more pathos in her voice, but this was a very solid vocal. Rating: 4/5
A Moment Like This - Amber Holcomb
This was good. Unfortunately, it's really hard to take on an iconic song like this on American Idol. I wanted to listen to Kelly Clarkson to be honest. Rating: 3/5
Temporary Home - Devin Velez
Great effort from Devin, but this was not the right song choice for him. There just seemed to be a disconnect between him and the lyrics. His tone sounds great though. He is the great hope of the guys this year (vocally) -- Paul is still tops when it comes to the "x" factor. Rating: 3/5
Download: American Idol - Top 10 Season 12
American Idol 12 - Top 10 iTunes - Review