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Monday, November 20, 2006
An ‘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.
Worst Thanksgiving stories
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Have you ever had a Thanksgiving that was anything BUT a celebration of appreciation and gratitude? Any family horrors revealed? Food fights? Permanent family rifts? Tell us about the Thanksgiving you were most thankful was over …
