Michael Johns on His Upcoming Album: I Really Wanted to Do a Stax Record
Michael Johns, set to drop a new album titled Hold Back My Heart on June 23rd, recently spoke with Shirley Halperin of Bilboard Magazine about his new record, the current season of American Idol, and the awesomeness of his own season.
Read the entire interview HERE.
Shirley got a hold of a review copy, and says, “We were absolutely amazed by the Muscle Shoals ambition Johns (and several of the Idol band members he enlisted) poured into every track.”
Where can I get my copy? I do reviews! Heh.
Read on…As always, Michael lets a few juicy soundbites fly…
Michael has re-discovered his soul, “I really wanted to do a Stax record. I went back and re-listened to music from my childhood à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Sam Cooke, Otis Redding. Wilson Picket à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ and when I went to sing on the record, I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even have to think. I was really comfortable. Simon wanted me to do more of that [soul] on the bloody show, but I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get the chance.”
What does Michael make of the judges save? “I mean, I wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to change anything about the way I was eliminated. What if you get kicked off the week after? Then youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re a double loser.”
Michael is a little skeptical about this season of Idol. He thinks Adam Lambert is great for stage and TV, but wonders what he’ll do in “the real world. ”
“I think Simon would have ripped him a new a-hole, but theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re praising him, so go figure?” says Michael “It’s like, who are these contestants?”
Michael does like a few from this season, “The one who I think is really true to herself is that little 16-year-old, Allison [Iraheta]. Brooke [White] and I actually met her at a charity function, where she was the one performing. I said, ‘You go for it, girl. You can sing!’ I liked that Alexis [Grace] girl, too. She was more talented than she got to show. It sucks that she got voted off and canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go on tour.”
Michael digs his own season, “…out of any other season, I would want to be on our season, even with where I finished. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, like, who are you gonna pick on from our season? From Chikezie to Brooke, Jason Castro, Carlyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve all got something. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m really proud to be a part of my season. Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re all friends and I talk to them all the time.”
The record, “Hold Back My Heart” will be released though Downtown records via a licensing deal on June 23rd. The single, “Heart on my Sleeve” drops digitally April 14.
Posted in Uncategorized
98 Responses to “Michael Johns on His Upcoming Album: I Really Wanted to Do a Stax Record”
Be still my heart! :wub_tb:
Finally, an Idol album that I would actually enjoy!
I think MJ is not the type that enjoy RoF. He probably would change his opinion after he watched Adam’s other performance. He said he like Lil. Umh… to be honest, Lil is a consistently bad performer. She does have a chops, but she can’t choose her song. For a person who only has watched the show once. His pick is reasonable.
Imo, Adam’s recordings are still much better than most. With the right songs, he will do well in “the real world”
Interesting Michael John’s opinion about Adam…hmmm…. Michael, maybe they are praising him because he is fuckin’ awesome and has a talent and a stage presence you will never posses. “The Letter” with Carly? What a train wreck that was.
Well, I don’t get you either , Michael Johns. You always came off as a smarmy desperate slightly arrogant contestant. I never understood the bruhaha about you.
Love it or hate it Michael is just voicing his opinions with regards to this season. I have become a big fan of Adam’s and will always be a hugh fan of MJ regardless of his thoughts. His CD will be something!!!!!!!
I don’t have a problem with Michael giving his opinion. A lot of former idols have been doing so. I’ve seen all of Adam’s performances and I feel the same way about him. This last week was the first time I could see him fitting in the current scene however he was holding back his natural inclination to do the glory notes and oversinging. I also agreed with him on Simon ripping Adam if he were around last season. I still can’t understand how he didn’t make a peep when he did the ultra corny ott song, PTFMWB. I also agreed with Michael on Alexis and Allison. I still can’t believe Alexis isn’t in the running for the top 4.
Loved the rest of the interview too. I’m so excited about the single and album coming out. Finally!!!!!
As a side note….It’s interesting to note how the reaction from different AI7 contestants to Adam is.
David Archuleta, the symbol of all things nice and pure and humble and goofy in this world, thinks that Adam Lambert is one of the best and is excited to hear what he does every week. I think this says alot about Adam getting recognized for his talent and not his persona. Since MJ was the “Queen” singer last year, I am sure he is very happy that Adam waited a year since the difference between his and Adam’s vocal strength would have been apparent early on. Good luck to MJ (very popular initials, those) and I hope he finds his niche in the real world.
michael johns was my favorite that year, as is adam this year. adam, in the real world, will be terrific. why is he getting crucified for being a terrific performer on top of having an extraordinary voice? i think going to one of his concerts would be unbelievably entertaining!
MJ has a great voice as well, but i wouldnt want him to have a “sing off” with adam, it would be no contest.
It’s not a competition between last season’s singers and this. It’s dependant on your preferences. I’d pick MJ in a heartbeat over anyone this season because I like him that much. I also like several from this season better than Adam who I agree has a very good voice, just not my favorite.
Yay!! Michael ’s single will be out on Tuesday..I just can’t wait. I am happy for all the Idol’s from S7 my favorite season of all. Good Luck to you all and Happy Easter.
Like I said diversity in all things is good including music AND opinions, just ask Darwin, different strokes for different folks.
Can’t wait for April 14th and wishing MJ the best of luck with the new single and album. For something like me who enjoys funk rock and rock soul genres, it’s a niche that’s has lots of room for more artists unlike other areas which are oversaturated, like corporate grunge and pop.
When I first heard Michael sing, my first reaction is baby where have you been, I have been waiting for a voice like that to come around for too long.
Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m definitely looking forward to buying Michaelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s new album. And good for him for being candid about what he thought about season eightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Idols. Bravo!
And I find it kind of funny that his opinions of Alexis, Allison and Adam mirror my own. I like Adam and think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s very talented, but what type of artist will he be? He seems to gain votes when he does ballads, and loses votes when he goes crazy on stage. I personally prefer the crazy Adam, but if he wins what type of music will be on his first record. Will it be top dance station radio electronic dreck, will it be an album full of ballads or will it be glam rock? I prefer Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s glam rock, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure TPTB will give him much creative control because his artistry on the show is still undefined to the majority of the masses.
On the other hand Allision is very true to herself and if the right person signs her and allows her to make a rock/pop (like Pink) album and stays away from overproduced pop, she will be this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s winner even if she doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make it to the finale. Maybe Allison will be this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Daughtry , leave before her time and sell more records than anyone else. My dream finale is Allison and Adam, but at this time it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t look like ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to happen.
Maybe in the future MJ can open for some DC concerts so we can get to see the Mavids on the same stage again. Good luck and congratulations Michael Johns.
Johns is right on about Lambert.
The guy will flop as a major label recording artist.
I’m actually looking forward to Michael’s album.
Meanwhile, feel free to speak your mind, Michael Johns. Heh.
And…I’d have to agree with him. I’ve always felt that the contestants’ success somewhat depends on what season they’re in. Jennifer Hudson would have blown Lil Rounds out of the water.
It’s refreshing to hear a former idol give an honest opinion. It’s his, and even if I don’t agree, I like knowing what it is. Usually, they just praise everyone. I can’t watch Idol Tonight, it’s absurd. You would think everyone was A every week.
And doesn’t every season say their season was the best. If they don’t they should. They know the people best, and lived it. If it’s not the season they are most invested in something is probably wrong with them.
I agree that seasons 5 and 7 were great seasons.
I can see why MJ had reservations about Adam if he had only heard Ring of Fire. I had reservations that week too. Adam won me over with Tracks of My Tears and Mad World. MJ won me over with Dolly Parton week, before that he was pretty weak. He’s an appealing guy with a lot going for him, I wish him well.
I think it’s great that Michael is confident enough to voice his own opinions. I’m so sick of idols having to be so fraking diplomatic about everything. But after all the flack Jason Yeager recieved for simply sharing his opinions, I could understand why they would be afraid of doing so.
Either way, I’m actually quite excited to see hear the whole album. I just love that soulful, throaty tone of his voice- same reason I like Gokey this year. He kind of reminds me of Michael Bolton, whom I love. I wasn’t really impressed with any of his idol performances, but I do love that voice. If the music proves to be as good as it seems, I’ll definitely be getting the record.
for those who think Adam will flop as a recording artist or question that people will buy his songs……the comment section of this article says a lot about what people think of his voice……..
http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/04/adam_lamberts_mad_world_loved.html
Honestly I don’t care at all how Adam will sell or whether he’ll flop or not. I’m much more interested in Michael Johns’ single and album doing well. I almost never make comments on sites including iTunes and am willing to put my money where my mouth is. :smile1_tb:
After taking some time to mull it over, I’ve changed my tune a bit. I say, honestly, who really cares what Michael Johns thinks about Adam, or anything else for that matter? Seriously, guy’s just spouting off on the rare occasion anyone’s acting interested enough to ask him.
I’ll give him a listen when he sings, but that’s about it~
I remember Michael from season 7. Had a great voice. Yeah, I’ll definitely give his work a listen. As for Adam, I can appreciate his “artistry”, but I’ll wait and see what pans out this season.
After reading the above comments from Michael Johns. I now understood why the American voting public disenfranchised him early on in the competition.
The American voting public are wise beyond what we think. They vote for decent people whose capable of helping others raise their game .
Read below the comments of David Archuleta on Season 8 from his interview in Malaysia . Now we know why the two Davids were on top of Season 7.
“While he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get to watch much TV on the road, Archuleta has tried to keep up with American Idol this year.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get to watch this last week but I think theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got a really talented bunch this season. There are a lot of good people à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta are both really good … and then two weeks ago, Kris Allen with Aint No Sunshine, I really enjoyed that, especially the way he showed that he can play both piano and guitar. And then thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Adam Lambert who is awesome. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just so talented and really different. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so creative and catches people off guard.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
Monday April 13, 2009
Golden Arch
By ANN MARIE CHANDY
And for Season 8, I am can see now that America is making another wise choice of Deep Talent and Creativity in such another decent young man as Adam Lambert , coming from another such decent American family. When you strip him of all the accouterments that we so desire and expect to be entertained, America you have a soft spoken and well mannered, gentle person in your Adam.
I am not from America but I thank America for the great music that you have bestowed on the rest of the world through these new talents Adam Lambert , David Archeleta and David Cook . No need to compare the three with each other, they bring variety and richness to our musical lives.Thanks America.
I can not wait for his CD and think he’s right… last season was sooo much better. I enjoy some moments and do watch but it was so much better last year.
Whether I agree with him or not, and I don’t think he’s qualified to speak about Adam based on 1 performance, it’s just bad form for previous contestants to speak badly about other contestants. Most of them don’t do it. I think there’s a place to be honest, and a place to be tactful. It comes across as sour grapes or just generally sounds bad, imo.