American Idol 12 - Top 9 iTunes - Review
Here are my reviews of the American Idol 12 Top 9 iTunes Studio Recordings. Just average recordings this week with one stellar standout.
Janelle Arthur deserved her pimp spot this week as she delivered in her live performance as well as her recording. Meanwhile, the troubles for Lazaro Arbos were evident everywhere this week including his recording which sounded rushed.
Download: American Idol Top 9 Season 12
Amber Holcomb - She's Leaving Home
Her tone is better here than last week, but Amber needed coaching on her phrasing and breathing. She was out of breath on many lines -- very distracting. But I liked this better than last week and her live performance.
Rating: 3/5
Download: She's Leaving Home (American Idol Performance)
Angie Miller - Yesterday
Not as good as last week -- in fact little bit too dramatic for me. She needed to dial this down a notch or two. She's was a little bit too into the lyrics. "Yesterday" is not a torch song, LOL.
Rating: 3/5
Download: Yesterday (American Idol Performance)
Burnell Taylor - Let It Be
Burnell with his teenager voice is always refreshing to listen to. This was better than his live because he didn't "struggle" too much with the high notes, although he still did that. I guess that's the style he is going for. I can appreciate gruff, but Burnell's voice is too thin and shrill that it tends to be unpleasant when he does it.
Rating: 3/5
Download: Let It Be (American Idol Performance)
Candice Glover - Come Together
A by the numbers vocal that again did nothing for me. I really needed some angst from Candice and it's just not happening. One would think that with all the vocal calisthenics she is capable of, maybe you'll find some emotion there, but sadly no.
Rating: 3/5
Download: Come Together (American Idol Performance)
Devin Velez - The Long and Winding Road
Better than last week for sure -- although he had runs on almost every single note here. By the end, I was sick and tired of this arrangement, like in the live version. Maybe Devin will get his break with a better song choice next week if he's still around.
Rating: 3/5
Download: The Long and Winding Road (American Idol Performance)
Janelle Arthur - I Will
Best recording of the season so far. I already wrote Janelle off so this was a pleasant surprise. I think she's back to being a serious contender with this one. She could be the dark horse. I know, it's just one song, but still -- this was that good.
Rating: 5/5 (Recommended)
Download: I Will (American Idol Performance)
Kree Harrison - With a Little Help from My Friends
Another solid vocal from Kree. She managed to inject a bit of her country vibe in the overpowering melody of this song, which I give her bonus points for. Her future looks bright for the next few weeks.
Rating: 4/5
Download: With a Little Help from My Friends (American Idol Performance)
Lazaro Arbos - In My Life
Listening to Lazaro, I feel like he's going to eat my ears or something. I can envision his mouth move while he enunciates the words with all the pronounced o's and stuff. Also, this was a sloppy recording -- there was actually some random noise in the background at the 1:40 mark or so. Upset at how they are treating Lazaro on the show right now. #PLAZARO
Rating: 1/5
Download: In My Life (American Idol Performance)
Paul Jolley - Eleanor Rigby
His live was better because we can see his face. But this was still a solid vocal. Maybe he does have a future in musical theater. This sounded something along those lines. Still hoping he would be the male Taylor Swift though, or Carrie Underwood, one of those. #PLAZARO
Rating: 3/5