The Voice 2 - Quarterfinals 2 - iTunes Studio Recordings Review
Here's my review of The Voice Quarterfinals 2 iTunes Studio Recordings.
Katrina Parker recorded a fantastic version of "Jar of Hearts" and Pip crashes and burns with "Somewhere Only We Know." Still a good batch this week.
The reviews:
Jamar Rogers - It's My Life
A great recording from Jamar but I am a bit unhappy with the production on this. Didn't sound as full as I'd like it. His live performance was better, but there are moments here where Jamar just lets go with his husky growl and it's just magic.
Rating: 4/5
Download: It's My Life
Watch Jamar's live performance
Katrina Parker - Jar of Hearts
Beautiful. A great voice and a great version of this song. I absolutely love her.
Rating: 5/5
Download: Jar of Hearts
Watch Katrina's live performance
Mathai - I'm Like A Bird
Mathai got matched up with a song that fits her affected singing style perfectly. Unfortunately, it is perfectly annoying. Maybe this sounds wonderful to her fans, but I don't find it pleasurable to listen to. I just don't have any patience for those additional frills she adds at the end of all the notes she sings.
Rating: 3/5
Download: I'm Like A Bird
Watch Mathai's live performance
James Massone - Just the Way You Are
I really like this. This brings a smile to my face seriously. It's not for everyone, but to those who get James, you know what I mean. There's a sincerity in his tone that I am attracted to. (Don't judge, LOL).
Rating: 3/5
Download: Just the Way You Are
Tony Lucca - Baby One More Time
I think that Tony's core audience will love this and this song may just make them fans forever, but I don't think this is as original as Tony and Adam would want us to believe. I've heard many versions of 'Baby One More Time' over the past 10+ years, and this is yet another one of those. But props for the effort and basically singing a Britney song in front of Christina. Ouch.
Rating: 3/5
Download: Baby One More Time
Cheesa - I Have Nothing
Good effort, but she sounds like she is struggling. It even sounds like a key or two lower than Whitney's. I wish she had more control of this song. Not as good as her live where you can see her emotions and could give her a pass for a less than flawless vocal.
Rating: 3/5
Download: I Have Nothing
Watch Cheesa's live performance
Pip - Somewhere Only We Know
This sounds more pop than his previous recoding which is a good thing. He however like his live was struggling with the high notes. Not very nice. A really bad end on this one. I started off high, then I had to subtract points as things went downhill.
Rating: 1/5
Download: Somewhere Only We Know
Juliet Simms - Cryin'
OK, maybe there is a market for affected rock singing -- or maybe it just works very well for a live show. In the studio, I'm not so sure if it has the same effect. Juliet was able to capture most of the intensity of her live performance on this track, but I think a more controlled one notch down approach might have been a better option here.
Rating: 4/5
Download: Cryin'