‘Is It Over’ – “Your tears on my chest”, “So take your time”, Oooh the melodic twists & turns in this song just KILL ME. Pure Golden Sex!

‘Red Guitar’ – His love for his wife just pours out of this song. Love how he sings “Melody”, just this word, the way he sings it, just so sweetly.

I Need To Know…. what else can I say about this song…. I just feel compelled to mention it everywhere, even just the track name.

Oh Kristopher Allen, what have you done….

BWCU has some of the strongest lyrics in this album. “Could we put our weapons down, just to figure this out now” So simple yet so real and so touching. Along with it’s beautiful and catchy hook and melody, this song is a great contender, esp after LLWD.

Other Contender is CSA…. This song has had the most spillage into other artist’s fanbase. Non-Kris fans love this song. They are surprised by it and enjoy the hell outta it.

“I think LLWD’“while a good song by itself’“didn’t feel like a good representation of Kris’ singing’ ¦” JGA94

You know, I agree with this statement. I adore LLWD, and I love the way Kris sang the chorus and the sing/spoken bridge. I love the little “Mmmh” before the bridge and other little nuances he’s added to the song. But the song does not do justice to Kris’s vocals & range. The song stays at a higher range, so you really don’t experience his lower register at all (Which I can listen to all day & night). As his 1st single, it had left me wanting…
But now, not complaining anymore coz this song adds great depth and variety to the album. And this song’s Music Video…. Perfect UNF!!!

Songs that I’m listening on loop today – ‘Bring It Back’, ‘Red Guitar’, ‘Is It Over’, ‘I Need To Know’ (I have MAD Passsionate love for these 4 songs) Followed by ‘Before We Come Undone’ & ‘Can’t Stay Away’.

I think the album is very representative of who kris is–it’s very nicely put together and the songs aren’t a hodge-podge of singles just hurriedly put together—the songs gel…I even think the album title is appropriate because the songs seem to emit a personal touch from Kris….funny I think LLWD–while a good song by itself–didn’t feel like a good representation of Kris’ singing…..

The album is very contemporary,very alternative rock…very,very nice debut for him I think.

With the proper radioplay and promo,i think this will do good…it may not skyrocket immediately in sales but i think it’s the type of album that’ll have staying power because a lot of the songs have potential to be good singles….

I wasn’t able to hear every song but the standouts for me are: Written All Over my Face,Alright With Me,Before we come undone,The Truth,Let it Rain…

And while people may say that this sound has been done by other artists,I did not feel any pretentiousness on the part of Kris’ singing….the songs are definitely him….Kris has always been like this on AI…he may not have the most distinctive voice or the best technical voice…but he has the ability to bring a song to life…to give it meaning…I think that’s a feet that’s hard to find especially in today’s top Billboard chart hits….

These are the types of songs that –I think–will stand the test of time because it’s about real feelings,real people…

Congratulations…Oh and America did not get it wrong….and I’m not even a Kris fan (Anoop supporter here)…

“Red Guitar” is just such a good song. Kris’s voice just spills over like melted butter all over the song. The melody is really nice and I love the piano instrumental part towards the end. This seems to be the song a lot of people are comparing to U2 – which is NEVER a bad thing, in my book.

I think the strength of this album is that while it is being compared to songs and artists who have already done this sound, they are respectable artists nonetheless. I would rather Kris be compared to U2 and Maroon 5 than something else. It also shows the variety in this album. You have comparisons to George Harrison, U2, Maroon 5, The Fray – people who could not be any more different. The vocals though are distinctly Kris Allen

Today the song I am singing is “Bring It Back”. I’m really surprised that I love this song. On the 30-second snippets, it was one of my least favorites, but the full version is so pretty and I love Kris’s voice on it. Love love love the bass line and instrumentation – the intro is so pretty. Good luck to Kris and Jive in picking the next single – he definitely has plenty to choose from. I think they won’t go wrong with “Before We Come Undone” though – it seems to be a crowd favorite. If they go with a slow song, I’d go with “The Truth” or “Bring It Back”

There’s just something about Kris’s sweet vocals (and good boy image) that appeal to me. The only song on his album that I would skip over would be Heartless. I love all of the other songs. I love, love, love his lower register, and that’s where Cook misses it…everytime Cook sings the low notes he gets terribly pitchy…not that it’s his fault, it is what it is (to quote DC). But that’s where Kris shines.

oceana
11/10/2009 at 7:24 am
Carmine, I can’t imagine anyone who’s a huge DC fan, finding they like Kris’s cd better than David’s, but of course I could be wrong.

oceana, I’m still trying to figure this whole thing out. I love DC!!! I especially love him live! However, for some reason my instant impression of this album was WOW! I also liked LLWD so much better than LO. (Of course neither written or co-written by them.) I have various favorites on DC’s album, but I can hardly find a song on this one that I don’t like, that I would skip.

As I said, I’m still trying to figure this out. The only reason I would compare the two is because they are both my favorite AIs and what I find in common with them is their ability to emote.

Of course this is me, my ears and my feelings.

ETA: cookbunny, me too on the fan card for DC!

I just was put off a bit to find so many criticisms of DC’s cd in a thread about Kris’s cd, and didn’t see why it was necessary to bring him into it, when they are two entirely different singers and there are hundreds of artists out there to compare Kris to, but whatever.

Ah oceana, I’m afraid tis the way the Idol cookie crumbles. (Pun not intended.) Each season when the new crop is released into the wild, invariably someone will fall in love with the music and want to declare it the best Idol album evah! Someone who is not so enamoured will disagree. Then you’ll get the lists and the rankings….the comparison posts… Someone with an opposing POV *cough cough, sheepishly raises hand* will suddenly be compelled to play devil’s advocate. And there’s the faint beating of tribal drums in the distance as Jennifer Hudson breaks into that Lion King song again.

oceana
11/10/2009 at 7:24 am
Carmine, I can’t imagine anyone who’s a huge DC fan, finding they like Kris’s cd better than David’s, but of course I could be wrong.

*sheepishly raises hand*

I’m a big, big, HUUUGE DC fan (hello? Look at my username!). Love Analog Heart, love Axium, love his work with MWK, been to see him live and LOVE him live. And there are tracks on DCTR that I love, and some I like. But…overall, track-for-track and production-wise, yes I like Kris’ album more than I like David’s post-Idol debut. DCTR took me a few listens to like most of the tracks, while Kris’ grabbed me right away. I know I know, they are two different artists with varying differences in styles. But just saying…it IS possible.

Do I have to turn in my DC Fan Club membership card now? ‘Cause good luck prying it out of my hands, lol! *wink*

Just curious…I wonder if the itunes season pass sales will be added to the regular album sales.

So I guess I find it annoying that Kris fans are feeling it necessary to bring David Cook into this, and invariably find that they like Kris’s cd better.

Well said oceana! I totally agree.

I’m feeling the vibe of Before We Come Undone, though the drums sound louder than the vocals at times, but the line, “Could we put our weapons down?” made up for it; and I’m certainly feeling the not-so-subtle angst in Let it Rain, but I must say that I’m not old enough to dislike the Script-penned songs.

The ballads were ok, they were at least sincerely sung. Save for Lifetime because I just couldn’t remember anything about it. And well, I was confused w/ the first part of I Need to Know. It was as if Kris was lying on his back, too tired to sing. Apparently, that was really the case, but for some, the vocals were “raw”; unadulterated. The song got better midway, though. I guess he stood up eventually.

Lastly, I was taken aback by Heartless. While the intro sounds as if Kris was lazy and sleepy, the way it was sung was at least reminiscent to the acoustic version Kris did on AI, minus the weird instrumentation w/c I presume is from a percussion, and the eerie back-up sounds at the start.

Over-all, I think the album is decent. Now,let’s see how it sells in the market, and how it appeals to critics.

GOD! How I love this song. I love how this can be interpreted as a call to a higher power, asking for directions or a wounded lover simply pleading for answers or justification, or just plain old heartbroken lament. Just beautiful!

i know! wow you took these words right out of my mouth. what are you seeker? my brain? haha

i love it how everytime i listen to it, each time it takes a different meaning. by the way, is anyone out there?

and also MJ, did you have time to review the album?

Okay SarahP, I don’t think you’re here anymore, but right when I came to this song on my fourth listen to the album, this post was the next one for me to read’ ¦so I followed your lyrics! Thanks!!!! I just love reading lyrics while I listen!!!!!! LOL!!!!

i’m back again! had an amazing day today meeting amazing people but what was amazing about today was that i started off by listening to kris’s album. woot!

and coolcricket, as soon as i get the time i’ll try to post the lyrics i’ll do bring it back and lifetime. i know everyone is meh about lifetime but perhaps it sounds better with the lyrics to sing along to.

off to dinner now but will be back for more

For myself, while I thought the choice of singles was not the best, I love DC’s cd and never tire of hearing it (mixed in with my other music). I would never put down his cd, as I think it is a great cd, for me, as a DC fan, it’s the kind of music and singing I like.

I just was put off a bit to find so many criticisms of DC’s cd in a thread about Kris’s cd, and didn’t see why it was necessary to bring him into it, when they are two entirely different singers and there are hundreds of artists out there to compare Kris to, but whatever.

So I guess I find it annoying that Kris fans are feeling it necessary to bring David Cook into this, and invariably find that they like Kris’s cd better. Well of course they do, since they are Kris fans to begin with.

Most of the people who responded like that in this thread are either DC fans or a fan of both. Atleast from what I’ve read so far.

So far the only song I hated and had to skip was Alright with me, which is annoyingly repetitive. Otherwise I feel lukewarm about the songs at this point, except for an occasional moment when a song catches my attention in a very positive way. Let It Rain is one I do like so far.

After watching AI for 8 years, I don’t find it useful to compare the winner’s cds to other idols. They are in the real world now, and competing with the other music out there. I compare music to my other music and the music I like to listen to, and see if it fits in there, and if it makes me feel something I want to feel.

Each Idol winner is completely different from other winners. It can be useful to compare their sales to see how they stack up, since they all have a similar advantage by being on the show, but to judge if I like a cd or not? No. I judge each cd on how it appeals to me, not how it compares to other Idol winners.

So I guess I find it annoying that Kris fans are feeling it necessary to bring David Cook into this, and invariably find that they like Kris’s cd better. Well of course they do, since they are Kris fans to begin with. I was a huge DC fan during season 7 and of course I liked his cd, since he sings in a way that appeals to me. Kris I was lukewarm about and I’m still lukewarm about his cd at this point.

Kris is someone I see as having potential to move me, he moved me a couple of times on the show, I find him a likable person and I basically think he’s still unformed and hasn’t found himself yet, to the extent that David Cook, for instance, already knew who he was as a musical artist well before the show, though he continues to grow and develop of course.

Anyway, listening to Kris’s cd as if he were any other artist on itunes that I was checking out, I am lukewarm about most songs but find places where I hear something I really like. It’s too poppy for me, the kind of r&b pop sound these days that I don’t like, and at times too corny, but overall I might end up buying a few of these songs, and I think he’s someone with the potential to make it and succeed in the marketplace. Also this is a credible cd that he can be proud of for his first big label cd, and his fans can be proud too.

Life’s been blinding me
What I thought I’d see
Is there clarity in this insanity, yeah
What you want from me, yeah

Roads in front of me
taking me astray
Are you leaving me or are leading the way
Can you hear what I’m saying

I need to know
I need to know
I need to know
I need to know

Feel like I’m trying to breathe under water
Trying to climb but I keep falling farther, yeah
Will you take my hand

Feel so far away, wanna see your face
Are you even there
Can you show me
Can you make me believe

I need to know (x6)

The piano playing is so beautiful so poignant! Kills me!!
Kris, you just break my heart with this song. Everytime, gets me every time!

*You know how artists breathe in, and you can totally hear it on tracks… Kris’s breath sounds different bcoz he breathes in through his mouth, through his teeth, it almost sounds like a inward hiss. I noticed this on BNS, but it’s not that obvious on this album, very few places. I think it’s the SEXIEST thing ever!* ‘I Need to Know’ is a perfect example.

GOD! How I love this song. I love how this can be interpreted as a call to a higher power, asking for directions or a wounded lover simply pleading for answers or justification, or just plain old heartbroken lament. Just beautiful!

I listened to the Live at Vineyard acoustic “Let it Rain” this morning before going to work – I LOVE, LOVE that song, couldn’t get it out of my head.

I got so excited reading the mostly good comments while I was at work. Got home and read all the other comments till the end.

Finally the first song I listen to – “The truth” due to the great response of some people, I don’t know why I couldn’t remember the snippet ? OMG !!! Sooo good. I can just picture Kris singing it live.

Great job Kris. I already feel vindicated voting for him for 4 hours non stop with 2 phones already.

OK, off to listen to other songs. (like 2 and love 4 already. Yeah, I love LLWD)

ross, I like your whole post, but I really like this part and I agree wholeheartedly.

I have to learn how ot type better but thanks. “aleays” was supposed to be aleays…shit, did it again. Always. There. heh.

redalert
11/09/2009 at 5:35 pm
I HOPE HOPE HOPE Alright With Me gets released as a single. Though I can almost guarantee it will be since it’s the only REAL upbeat song.

Alright With Me is a great song, but Can’t Stay Away is probably the most upbeat and sounds so radio friendly.

My favorites:
1. Is It Over — This might sound crazy, but it reminds me of Temple of the Dog. Does that make it old-fashioned? I don’t care, because I love it.

2. Can’t Stay Away — I in love with the funky bassline. I would love to hear this one live, esp. since I was kinda smitten by Kris’s bass player from the videos of the tailgate concert.

3. I Need to Know — y’all have already expressed what’s so great about this song.

4. Live Like We’re Dying — I still think this is an awesome song. I haven’t heard it on the radio yet, but I heard it at Walgreens today.

5. Alright with Me — Love this one because it’s so different from the rest of the album, and because it does have a Traveling Wilburys vibe.

I know a couple of Aussie Michael Johns fans who like Kris & there’s an Aussie & a New Zealander on IDF but we’re hampered here in Oz a bit as LLWD hasn’t even come out on i-Tunes [ although it is in NZ], that’s why I’ve pre-ordered the album as I have no idea how long it will take. DC’s & DA’s album is still available here so that’s a good sign but I don’t know how long after it came out in the US that it was available here?

I am sure once his music is available here it will go well because Kelly Clarkson has always done well here & Kris has a similar “vibe”!!! She’s also toured down here a few times [ & my daughter is going to see her next March] so I hope Kris can as well at some stage!!!