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DEL.ICIO.USAn ‘Idol’ harvest, ripe for holiday picking
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark your calendars, “American Idol” fans. Already, three “Idol” finalists have released new albums in recent weeks: Season 2 victor Ruben Studdard, Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken and most recent season finalist Kellie Pickler. The onslaught is not over. Today, fourth-place finisher and rocker Chris Daughtry comes out with his first effort under the band name Daughtry. And three more “Idol” albums are scheduled to arrive in stores before the holiday season is over: Season 3 winner Fantasia, current crown holder Taylor Hicks and runner-up Katharine McPhee. Based on sales so far, it’s unlikely Studdard, Aiken or Pickler have Kelly Clarkson-level blockbusters on their hands, but blockbusters are hard to come by for any musical act nowadays. David Bloomberg, editor of “Idol” fan site Foxesonidol.com, predicts that of the four releases, Hicks’ album will do the best, followed by those of Daughtry, Fantasia and McPhee. “I have a bad feeling about Kat,” Bloomberg said. “It’s hard to say what her appeal will be on a CD.” Here’s a sneak preview of the new and upcoming releases:
CHRIS DAUGHTRY Title: “Daughtry” First single: “It’s Not Over” What it’s about: It’s a blend of hard-rock anthems, melodic pop-rock mid-tempo tunes and a couple of power ballads. He wrote several songs himself and collaborated with others such as Brad Arnold (Three Doors Down), Carl Bell (Fuel) and Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty). Quote: “I’m making the kind of album I’ve always wanted to make,” Daughtry told MTV.com. “It’s got the sensitive, lighter stuff but also the stuff that makes you want to run around in circles, pounding the walls in or something.”
FANTASIA Title: “Fantasia” Release date: Dec. 12 First single: “Hood Boy,” featuring Big Boi of OutKast. What it’s about: She’s worked with producers Missy Elliott, Swizz Beatz and Babyface and songwriters Diane Warren and Sean Garrett. Quote: “I’ve let go of things from the past, and I’m having a good time,” Fantasia told Billboard.com. “Now I’m on a whole different level … and I let everyone know that I’ve moved on from where I was.”
TAYLOR HICKS Title: “Taylor Hicks” Release date: Dec. 12 What it’s about: AOL Music reports he’s worked on one song with Bryan Adams, while Billboard says he’ll do a cover of a song by his hero Ray Charles. His producer is Matt Serletic, a Grammy winner who has worked with Carlos Santana and Willie Nelson. Quote: “If I gave away all my secrets, my album wouldn’t be as special,” he told AOL Music late last month. “I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag too quick. I want somebody to be excited about getting the CD and being able to open it and really listen and see what the music is on there.”
KATHARINE MCPHEE Title: To be announced Release date: Dec. 19 What it’s about: So far it’s a mystery. A month before its release, there’s virtually no information about her first album.
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By Achin4Aiken
November 21, 2006 4:14 PM | Link to this
I Kelly Clarkson the only one who has Clive Davis in her corner or was Taylor picked up by him too? She is amazing but so is Clive at managing which makes me wonder why Clay backed away from him. Bad decision.
I have Clay’s new album, of course, and it is a disappointment. Only covers? What were you thinking, Clay? After listening to it, my husband and I had the same reaction (which we believe may also be the reaction of his label) - so ok, you got that out of your system, so now let’s make an album. He seems to be hell-bent on career suicide (the recent Kelly Ripa incident for example) and that is not easy for me to say.
By Achin4Aiken
November 21, 2006 5:54 PM | Link to this
and in addition (apparently I’m alone in here with you Rodney), I’m really looking forward to Chris’ release. Sounds like it may be good. That would be wonderfull. Let’s hope the same is true of Taylor.
I saw Ms. Pickler’s video this past weekend and while she is cute and sassy, it was almost immediately followed by Carrie’s video for her latest release and there was no comparison. Carrie is a star. Kelly should concentrate on comedy and getting on the latest edition of Hollywood Squares. She just doesn’t have the chops or “it”.
By MissyG
November 21, 2006 6:50 PM | Link to this
Can’t wait for Taylor’s CD! I’ve heard a couple of snippets from it and it’s whompy and very chair-dance worthy! I’m so looking forward to getting my hands on it Dec 12th.
As for Clay’s CD - I simply love it! Wonderfully produced, and he sings so beautifully! Not all the tracks are covers. He’s co-written a couple and they’re some of my favorites on the CD.
On the side, Clay did nothing to deserve what Kelly the Diva is doing to him now! He was a delightful co-host and IMO, was only playing along with the playfulness of the show.
Clay is a class act - Kelly is not.
By Shay
November 22, 2006 8:13 AM | Link to this
O.k. so I am looking forward to three of those albums. I just don’t think McPhee’s will be that good, but who knows. Taylor and Fantasia are definitely bought in my house when they come out.
By Donna
November 22, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
I have heard a couple of snippets from Taylors new CD ( Runaround & Dream Myself Awake) and I have to tell you that they are amazing. Even If I didnt Love Taylor to pieces, I would still love these songs. They are totally Taylor. Again, I dont think anyone will be dissapointed with this album.. 12/12/06, I for one cannot wait. Donna
By jonny
November 23, 2006 2:35 AM | Link to this
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November 27, 2006 1:33 PM | Link to this
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By diane
December 1, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
Clay is the best. Kelly said on the View that she was thinking of flu and colds. She was not wanting to be sexual.
Clay keeps getting knocked down and judged inappropriatly . We are going to run off a great singer in the same ranking as Tony Bennett, Frank S., Peary Como.
We need his talent and class.