Top 11 iTunes Performance Review – It’s Country Y’all

I totally agree with you on Matt being the most commercially accessible. I can see me buying his music post Idol…just so long as he does not attempt to be all Chris Martin douchey

And I love Adam. I’d pay money for Adam too, but I think he is a bit more niche, at least with Idol viewers. With the entire market if Adam had a kick ass band I could see him doing fine in the Top 40 format.

I love your iTunes performance reviews, mj!

Allison is fantastic. I think she could tap into the Miley Cyrus market and be successful. Can anyone else hear similarities between the two voices? Allison could out-sing Miley anyday, of course, but they have the same huskiness to their voices. Love Allison! She’s probably the only one (aside from Jesse Langseth) who will get be to pick up the phone this season.

Kris‘ recording is very nice, but at the beginning, I thought I was listening to an African-American female singer! LOL. I suppose that could be a compliment about the soulfulness in his voice.

I’ll have to give Adam a listen.

Danny will definitely be marketed in Christian Contemporary. While I’ve heard some comparisons to Jeremy Camp (another young widower, very successful in CCM), I honestly don’t think Danny holds a candle to Jeremy.

I thought Anoop had the best live performance this week. The recorded version is nice too.

You’re right, Matt does sound surprisingly country in his recording. LOL. I really, really like how he sounds in the verses, though I wish the background vocals weren’t so prominent in the chorus. I liked Human Nature better (though it didn’t garner as much praise).

So shoot me. I got Scott’s Wild Angels this week, heh.

Adam Lambert’s Ring of Fire was the worst finals performance I’ve ever seen on the show.

It was so bad that I thought he should have been immediately eliminated. Like not the next day, but right then.

I agree with everything you said mj. especially with alexis and anoop.

I love Matt’s and Kris’ Studio perfs. Adam’s was good but lacked the energy of the live version, I think. Allison’s was good as well while I agree with you mj about Anoop.

i think Kris has a really good voice, he’s just a little boring.

Who else thought that Adam was so funny this week! i mean the judges didnt even comment on the fact that he had blue hair and lifted his shirt in the middle of his performance!

Oh and who do you guys think got the most votes this week? cuz i dont think it was danny, adam, or lil!

MJ, thanks for the reviews. I don’t have the patience to listen to all of them! I totally agree with your assessment of Sarver. I really like his voice – he probably won’t last much longer so I better enjoy it while I can!

A little flat, the recording fails to capture Anoopà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s charisma.

That’s sort of my worry with Anoop. He’s a great guy, with a pleasant voice, but he still sounds like the frontman for an acapella group to me. A cool acapella group for sure, but there’s not much commercial viability in that sound, at least in the US. It’s a tiny niche.

Megan records well, but the result is a little empty.

Totally agree here. I liked Megan’s audition, but even then I was worried that she’s a one-trick pony. I guess TPTB need to make sure there’s at least one cute blonde on the tour each year for the husbands and boyfriends who get dragged to the show, and she’s it this year. If only Alexis were a little cuter (or maybe “dirtier”?) it could have been her.

Kris has a nice recording voice, but I think that song is kind of boring. Still, I hope he’s around for a while. I think he’s going to get better and better as he gets used to being on the big stage. I love the pre-Idol tracks that were posted here a few days ago. I hope he can tame Bandzilla enough to show off his voice and guitar playing.

Adam and Allison are my absolute favorites this year. I love Allison’s look, her spunky personality, and her voice. She’s one of those rare teenagers who manages to sound like she has many more years of life experience than she does. Her singles and Adam’s are the only ones I’ve bought this year (and 1 of Alexis’).

I said in the thread for Tuesday night’s episode that I adored Adam’s Ring of Fire. I love the studio version and every time I listen to it it grows on me even more. It’s a dark, smoldering song, lyrically, and he conveyed that beautifully. I wasn’t particularly a fan of some of his pre-Idol screamy stuff, but he has a fantastic recording voice, and has shown these past 2 weeks that he can reign it in and tone it down when he wants to. Definitely not a one-trick pony.

I love Adam’s ROF. I agree with the poster above who said if Adam had a kick ass band he could do well. He has a big voice and he would need some strong personalities in his band, via a Jimmy Page , Keith Richards, Pete Townsend, Dave Navarro level of guitar playing. The concerts would be unbelievable.

I looove Anoop’s Always On My Mind.
I like Matt’s So Small, but honestly I think it pales in comparison to the live version. The studio version seemed too much like the original.

I think Adam will do well, as I listen to his studio versions and feel I could hear them on the radio any day now. I think Danny would be a hard sell in top 40 which is primarily what Idol aims at IMO. Anoop, Kris and Matt I kindof group together and I so far haven’t seen the “it” factor but I’m still hopefull. Allison only being 16 bothers me as I hate another season of “their only 16 (or 17)” and I also wish she would go back to more her natural hair color. I saw videos of her in that talent contest and though she was much more appealing, but I suppose it’s the rock thing.

I’ve already purchased Lil, Adam and Anoop. Lil and Adam’s were great. I like hearing the entire Independence Day, it’s a song that shouldn’t be truncated. Adam is just a fantastic singer. I mean really gorgeous. Anoop’s disappointed me just a tad because like you said, it didn’t quite capture his charisma. I still liked it. I will get Kris’ and Allison’s now. I just don’t get Matt, and it’s funny cause usually that would be the genre I like best. It’s just that he seems so dull compared to Adam, and somewhat vocally sub par when compared to Kris.

I was soo happy to hear that the background singers and music didn’t completely over power and kill Kris’s song. I love that song regardless of the rendition and his blends a lot of them really well. I’m really looking forward to what he does in the next couple weeks.

As much as I love Anoop, I have to agree with you and this leave me worry about him! I do think he had the best performance that night though.

I don’t get Kris’ love. His voice is gorgeous but it does nothing to me.
I like Matt’s Human Nature better than So Small.

I didn’t buy or listen to all the recordings. I bought Matt Giraud and Kris’. I’m not really a fan of Kris, but I did like this song. It suited him well. I think if Michael Sarver performed it though, it may have been even better. He’s a good singer, but he doesn’t know who he is as an artist and keeps picking songs that aren’t suited for him. I think he would be good in Country. I love Matt’s voice as well as Allison’s. Alexis was my favorite girl so I was sad to see her go. I’m not a fan of Adam, but I can see why teens like him. I don’t like Megan and am surprised she’s not getting as much flack about her tattoos as Carly did. Her entire arm and leg are tattoo’d and it’s a shame since she’s such a pretty girl. When she’s wearing those sleeveless dresses, it looks as though she only has one arm. It’s a shame because she’s gorgeous. I still can’t get that picture of Danny in that white jacket out of my head. It looked so uncomfortable on him that it made me uncomfortable to watch him. Anoop sounded great on that song, but I totally forgot about him afterwards while I was on iTunes. I probably would have bought it if I had remembered him because he really did sound nice. Scott has a nice voice. I think he could do adult contemporary. He and all the rest, really, seem like a nice group of people.

I looooove Allison. She has a unique voice, and she reminds me of a contemporary Pat Benatar. She’s also extremely human in personality, and the hair…so fab.

I also enjoy Megan and Kris. Megan, quirkiness aside, has a very jazzy sound that you really don’t typically find in an Idol at this point of the game. As for Kris…I could really hear him on the radio. I’m even warming up to Michael Sarver.

I, however, don’t see the appeal for Matt Giraud. I’ve tried. I can’t find it. His vibrato and falsetto make me cringe. I just can’t stand to listen to him every week, and kinda want him off my TV.

Oh and who do you guys think got the most votes this week? cuz i dont think it was danny, adam, or lil!

I heard a rumour that Anoop got the most votes, just barely beating Danny. But who knows..

Jojosie said about Allison:

I also wish she would go back to more her natural hair color. I saw videos of her in that talent contest and though she was much more appealing, but I suppose ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the rock thing.

LOL. And the “kid thing”. Almost every teenager I know, especially the girls, but some of the boys too, messes with their hair color and style regularly. Way simpler and less permanent than piercings or tattoos, so as a parent I have no problems with it. My daughter is working on dying hers bright orange like Hayley’s from Paramore! I think Allison is cute and dresses like a real teenager. I hope the stylists don’t try and take her in some bizarre direction. I’d love to see her go after Miley’s audience. Allison seems way more genuine, likeable, and there’s no question that she’s the superior singer.

I’ve been listening to both Adam’s studio recording of ROF and his live performance today and i’m really glad I bought the studio version because it’s awesome.
I also bought Allison’s BIOYH and I loved it so much I immediately went back and bought her others. She’s really impressing me and I hope she’s able to pick up some of the Alexis voters.

mj, thanks so much for doing this! I downloaded Kris, Matt and Anoop. I love Kris’ single. Just beautiful imo. I also agree about Anoop his single wasn’t as good as the performance and I was a little disappointed.

Finally, for Matt I didn’t like his download as well as the performance and I couldn’t figure out why, but it’s because it sounds more country than having the soul vibe. I think R&B/soul is his niche, but agree that he could sell this as well.

I may check out Alison’s too. I’d hate to lose her too soon as well.

Thanks for the reviews, . I agree that Danny may end up doing contemporary Christian. He just may follow in Phil’s footsteps, who just said in a recent article that he will have that country flavor to his new cd. I will miss Michael, too, once he leaves. I still feel bad, too, for Alexis, and hope that Allison stays around a long time.

MJ – I love hearing your takes on the iTunes! My faves are Allison and Adam and want to see both of them stick around as long as possible.

Adam Lambertà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Ring of Fire was the most incredible performance Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve ever seen on the show. Hypnotic. Mesmerizing. And that voice! OMG, that voice!

Both of his iTunes versions lack that raw edge and energy of the live performance. They’re really good, just not as good as Adam LIVE. If he gets a major record company behind him …. whoa! His concerts will be incredible.

I think Danny and Kris are both destined to the CCM field; nothing wrong with that, I just don’t see the commercial Top 40 appeal, Gokey especially.

Aren’t Matt’s previous CDs also CCM?

primeminister said:

Danny will definitely be marketed in Christian Contemporary. While Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard some comparisons to Jeremy Camp (another young widower, very successful in CCM), I honestly donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Danny holds a candle to Jeremy.

Wow! Comparisons to Jeremy Camp? Are you serious? Where in the world did you hear (or read) that? You are so right that Danny doesn’t hold a candle to Jeremy. Not even a wet match.

And I hope he gets into some market other than CCM, because I listen to K-LOVE (CCM radio station) in may car pretty much exclusively (except when a hockey game is on), and I wouldn’t want to have to be pushing the Mute button on the radio all the time.

I so agree about Allison. I *love* this kid with the big, big voice and think she’s the dark horse to take it all. I bought her recording this week.

I also bought Anoop’s and Alexis’ recordings this week.

I love your reviews!

I totally agree about Matt! He has the most commercial recording voice. I don’t mind listening to him repeatedly, although it’s not my favorite genre. However, I just feel nothing about his live performance. He seems lack of something. It’s too bad that he’s probably lose in term of popularity.

I really like Allison. I was so mad that she’s in the bottom 3!!!

I’m pissed when people keep saying Ring of Fire is the worst performance on Idol. I think it’s really entertaing unique, and artsy. To be honest, I can’t help but laugh. It’s extreemly theatrical, but vocally, it’s good! The recording is awesome, the vocal is outstanding. Simon is definitely a businessman who doesn’t understand art. I totally got his point, though. hahaha…

I bought Anoop’s “Always on My Mind” show time performance video & the longer studio version single on iTunes. I love both! The tone of Anoop’s voice is richly satisfying to my ears. The camera loves him, very nice closeups, & he’s hot!

I think Anoop is slowly revealing his amazing voice to us each week, teasing us slowly, maybe intentionally, building up to the climax! He’s a clever one, my Anoop! I just love sweet, fun, smart, cool, sexy men like him!

Country is not my thing at all. I bought Anoop’s and Adam’s because they sang country songs that I actually had heard by the original artists. I preferred Anoop’s live version, but I think the studio version is quite good. I think the arrangement is a little blah and it probably needed to be about a whole minute shorter. It’s a simple song that gets repetitive and the 2 minute length worked better for me. I’m eager to hear how he sounds recorded on something that’s more in his genre, but I don’t think his voice really sounds any different than it did live.

I definitely prefer Adam’s studio recording, although I have trouble getting through the whole thing. For me, the only thing impressive about Adam’s voice is his range, but since I don’t enjoy his high notes that much, it’s sort of lost on me. The actual tone of his voice doesn’t do anything for me and he doesn’t remind me of Jeff Buckley at all. I mostly bought it because I like the arrangement. (My daughter is, however, obsessed with this recording and listened to it about 15 times today)

Sounds like I might have to listen to Allison, but I really just didn’t like the songs this week. I don’t even want to listen to Carrie sing Carrie’s songs.

I only bought Matt’s and just like last week I love how he records. I also love how he performs live. I love him both ways. Heh.

I have all of his songs on repeat. HIs voice is so smooth and very current.
He really has a great recording voice. I am already anticipating his album even if he doesn’t win. I don’t care. I just hope some label gives him an offer.

I agree with you, MJ, about Allison’s and Kris’ studio versions. Kris’ is simply gorgeous. Man, I could listen to him sing that song all day. Although, I kinda feel a little like I’m intruding on a private moment between him and his wife. It’s that heartfelt, in my opinion.

And Allison…the girl is my favorite, hands down and has been since I first saw her. Love her to death. And I love this song. I can’t stop listening to it. It makes me want to just get up and dance.

You definitely should vote for her. I really don’t want to see Allison go. She’s much too talented to go this early. I think she should be at least Top 3. But I doubt she’ll make it that far, since the guys are all so hyped that she’s kinda pushed to the side.

Anoop is damned if he does, damned if he doesnt

I only bought Anoop, Matt and Allison.

I was disappointed with Anoop, bought it based on the live performance. Good, but to much off the live.

I bought Matt’s because I love the song. Was pleasently surprised, liked it better than the live because the soul vibe was toned down.

Allison’s Blame It On Your Heart is better than any other cover I’ve heard. I don’t get why so many just label her as a rocker chick that can’t sing anything else. She has been training to sing since she was 8-yo; being exposed to rock, R&B, country, soul and pop. Her favorite style is rock, bordering on punk, but she can literally sing anything.

ITA about Matt, MJ… definitely the most commercially viable in my opinion also. Also, I thought Michael sounded great. I know I’m in the minority.

I, however, donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see the appeal for Matt Giraud. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve tried. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find it. His vibrato and falsetto make me cringe. I just canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stand to listen to him every week, and kinda want him off my TV.

MTE

The studio version of “Ring of Fire” is simply gorgeous. I have it on terminal repeat right now and cannot stop listening. I now have no doubt that a concert by Adam would be phenomenal from start to finish – soaring vocals, wild costumes, great staging, and a hell of a lot of fun. He just moved to the top of my list.

Matt is definitely underrated. I do wish he’d pull back a bit on the runs, however. He has a nice voice with a lovely tone and he doesn’t need the vocal gymnastics.

Now, I was initially a Danny fan and have to admit, he’s lost some of the magic. “PYT” was fun and well-sung, but this week was just not as good for me. Then again, I loathe that song and it will be the end of the road for me if he goes Christian Contemporary.

I still like Megan and I think there is a place for her in the industry. She needs to be managed well and handled properly so she can stay musically relevant.

Kris, Anoop, and Michael all seem like decent enough guys and can sing well, but I am bored. And frankly, Scott is out of his depth. He hits most of the notes, but at this point in the competition, he should be hitting them all.

I am still pissed that TPTB put Jasmine through to the finals and not Jesse Langseth. “Betty Davis Eyes” was a very underrated performance.

I’ve only bought Adam and Allison’s, but I guess I should give Kris’ a whirl. I just don’t like Matt too much, and buying Danny is not an option. I feel bad for not buying Alexis’ version this week. I found it interesting that she chose the Mindy Smith version. I like Mindy Smith quite a bit, but never her version of Jolene. Sigh. I will miss Alexis.

Go Allison. I am not voting anymore, but I hope she goes far. I know Adam will.

LOL. And the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“kid thingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . Almost every teenager I know, especially the girls, but some of the boys too, messes with their hair color and style regularly. Way simpler and less permanent than piercings or tattoos, so as a parent I have no problems with it.

Exactly. I’ve mentioned this in chat, but I am sans car right now because I haven’t had a chance to get it towed and the brakes are shot. I’ve been taking public transit to work and many of the teen girls have the same look as Allison. I think she should take advantage of her youth as long as she can, since she won’t be able to do the manic panic when she’s 30.

Personal opinions are so dang personal so I feel like a fool giving them…but I’ll be game.

Alexis…I’m sorry she is gone but I wish she would have understood herself better. She tried too hard to be the little girl with the big old dynamite voice.

Michael…I think his voice is better than most people realize. Simon messed it up for Michael by begging for him early and then throwing him under the bus. The guy would make a good lounge singer, and would make my Saturday night date fun.

Danny…Personality (tries too damn hard) Common Sense (minus zero-he just doesn’t have a clue) Voice (he sounds like a choir teacher, gets the nuances but has trouble putting it all together) Performance (awkward, Sunday school teacher on bandstand).

Scott…I would look forward to going to church and church socials to hear him sing.

Kris…I’m undecided. I don’t know if he has enough power in his voice to hold my attention.

Matt…Good singer, better musician. Tries to do too much with a song and its notes.

Megan…Oh my, if you turn down the sound on her videos you have no idea of the kind of song she is singing, listen to her studio recordings and I can’t tell where one stops and the other starts.

Lil…good vocals, good skills but doesn’t have any kind of “individualism” in her singing. Listening and watching she could be any R&B singer.

Anoop…I’d love to be friends with Anoop and run in his social circle, it would be fun and pleasant. Good vocals, and interacts well when he is surrounded by his buddies but needs to LEARN to be the ONLY one on stage.

Allison…Nope I won’t quote Randy, oh what the hey…I can’t believe she is only 16. She really was born with a gift…in a way she reminds me of Judy Garland. Where the heck did that voice come from. Like David A. when she grows into her voice she will be a force to be reckoned with if she doesn’t crash and burn before she gets there.

Adam…I’ve already said it all in many posts about Adam. He just IS. (not a good reason to vote for someone but I just luv me some Adam).

What Tess said!

I think Anoop’s performance will stand the test of time. Adam’s will probably become more like ROFL. Matt is too goaty. Danny is too frantic.

I only bought Adam’s, both Video and Studio. I love them both. The studio is simply gorgeous. What mad talent, sheesh.

I certainly think Megan has a way to go, but I find her interesting (especially since the show has been busy throwing everyone else I find interesting off soon after I see them). I think she does record well and although her studio track fell a little short of what I hoped for this week , I do kind of like it. I just hope she grows a bit. I am not sure if she has much chance to go too far in idol, but I would not be surprised at all to see her actually do well in the real world. With the right material I think she could be successful (not huge or anything, but decent). I certainly don’t think that it is a given or anything, but possible.

I agree with mj that the arrangement of Jolene wasn’t the best, but Alexis did have some nice vocals on the track. And I liked Lil’s studio track as well.

ETA.

clickchick:

” I am still pissed that TPTB put Jasmine through to the finals and not Jesse Langseth. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Betty Davis Eyesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was a very underrated performance.”

Jesse’s Betty Davis Eyes remains my favorite performance so far this season.

I bought most of them. I agree MJ. Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, and Kris Allen’s itunes were the best for me. I did like the video of Matt. He sings better live. He puts more energy in his live performances.

The others were okay, I think many did better performances live, but I liked them the best this week.

I heard a rumour that Anoop got the most votes, just barely beating Danny. But who knows..

I doubt anybody knows except for TPTB. They were spaced quite apart on dialidol.

I really like his voice – he probably wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t last much longer so I better enjoy it while I can!

Ditto that. I think he’s got a good voice, but he doesn’t have a prayer.

I, however, donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see the appeal for Matt Giraud. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve tried. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find it. His vibrato and falsetto make me cringe. I just canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stand to listen to him every week, and kinda want him off my TV.

Ditto that too. Matt’s appeal is totally lost on me on every level.

Hmm, I haven’t decided if I want to buy any of these yet. I’ll probably buy Kris’s because I love that song. But, for the most part, even though I liked a bunch of the performances, I’m just not a fan of most of these songs.

Just have to point out that Make You Feel My Love is not really a country song.

It was written by Bob Dylan for his 1997 album Time Out of Mind. No one sings this song like Dylan. Frankly, it is a shame that Garth Brooks even covered it, because the original version is so so much better.

^^Lots of artists have covered that song, including Billy Joel.. and while I have the biggest respect for most of the musicians that have covered it especially the writer Dylan – I think Adele’s version is the best, which is why I can’t get on board with Kris’ version too much because Adele’s cover is pretty recent and it’s just beautiful all around while Kris’ has the tendency to be boring.

I heard about that. It’s a loophole, and I think it’s not the first time a song from a different genre was sung for country week just because a country star covered it. I’m not sure but wasn’t the song Blake used create a mini controversy?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I believe Allison could be the dark horse in this competition. Too many men, too many issues. She is a powerhouse little singer, who can sing the hell out of any song.

I LOVE that you love her MJ!!!

I was so happy that she made it through to the top ten but then I was having a hissy fit that Alexis did not make it.

I’m very picky about my top tens.

DAMN, I might have to pick the phone up after all this season.

The only tune I’m buying this week is Adam’s. Just beautiful. I’m so in awe of this kid’s voice, and I have a hard time understanding how some don’t seem able to acknowledge at least the talent and the artistry. He is so not gonna be everyone’s cuppa, and I get that. But geez, how can anyone deny the talent?

That said, whether he wins this thing or not, I will willingly shell out the bucks to go see Adam in concert after this is over. Single act, fronting a band, I don’t care, you know that would be one kickass show.

I’d love to see a final 2 of Adam and Allison. Girl has mad skillz too.

Adam and Allison, there is no one else for me. I have downloaded everything they sing/sang and both of them hypnotize and mesmerize me.

Forget all genres, forget everything, just remember their talent and their voices.

Probably two different personalities though, in that when Adam opens his mouth to reply to the judges, he then quickly closes it, whereas Allison has that devil may care spunkiness of a tough young girl who may oneday *spit* across the stage into Slimon’s face. J/K LOL

I love this girl and I love Adam. There is no room for anyone else when they are on the stage. Did I say *mesmerizing?*

Thanks for the reviews, MJ. I’m loving Matt and Allison; I bought their recordings and they will get my votes.

I wonder if Simon is afraid Allison is a threat to Lil. He was digging pretty far up his ass to find something bad to say about her performance.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a simple song that gets repetitive and the 2 minute length worked better for me. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m eager to hear how he sounds recorded on something thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s more in his genre, but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think his voice really sounds any different than it did live.

Maybe that’s what it was. I found my mind drifting about halfway through the song, and then perking up a little when he started riffing, but the overall effect was a little dull for me. However, I really enjoyed his live performance.

Oh and to the poster who was all “damned if he does damned if he doesn’t” about Anoop:

There are always fans who think their favorite is some sort of victim–just consider the fact that Anoop has been pimped by the judges, even when he didn’t sing that well. He’s still in the race, while other more consistent singers are long gone. I don’t feel bad for Anoop, not one little bit.

Since I saw this performance live, I heard so much that is not picked up on through the tv. A few of the frontrunners stumbled, had flatness, ahead of the beat, missed a few lyrics. Live, Matt stood out as a whole. Allison was right up there. Adam’s performance was uhh, interesting. Anoop and Kris were good but not exciting. The rest fell short for above reasons. Or were just plain uninteresting.

I bought Matt, Allison, Adam and Megan’s songs. Live – they were something special; the studio performanaces are really winners.

I think Allison and Matt moved up the ladder after Country night, a night I thought they both would have struggled with.

On the studio version of Matt’s song, he sounds Country – there is not goatiness, his vocal tones are perfect. If it was played on the Country stations right now, I think it would be top 40.

Adam cracks me up. I can’t wait for the tour!

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t feel bad for Anoop, not one little bit.

Me either and I like Anoop a lot. I’m still smarting about Ricky Braddy going home… poor guy. He was loaded with talent but had no time to build a fan base.

This week I liked the recordings of Allison and Lil best. Allison has a fantabulous voice, I guess I need to start voting! And after hearing Lil’s ITunes recording, we decided that the judges were all wet saying she couldn’t sing country.

I love Matt, but I sure wish they’d let him play piano on his recordings. Because of that, his live performances are great, his recordings merely quite good. People complain about his riffs, I think he doesn’t overdo it, and it shows his spot-on musical instincts.

Danny and Michael were much better on the recordings than on TV this week. I still don’t love Danny, don’t hate him either, his best quality is his energy. Michael bit off more than he could chew for the TV performance, swallowed too many words — but it worked on the recording. His voice does have a nice quality that can go either country or R B.

I know a lot of people are saying Anoop’s studio version is dull. I can definitely say that I could listen to that over and over.

And everyone complains about Matt’s goatiness, or too many riffs or whatever. I guess I’m with the minority that really likes that stuff. His studio version of So Small just didn’t do it for me. But I love love LOVE the live version. I love his phrasing and the way he sang certain lines.

I thought Danny’s studio version was okay. But I won’t ever listen to it again.

And about Ring of Fire. I can’t say I hate it. But eh, I just don’t see the appeal.

I overheard a conversation at lunch the other day. One young woman said she was so upset at Adam’s performance that she had to leave the room. She said that it made her feel dirty and that she wanted to wash out her eyes and ears afterward. This from a gal who is anything but dainty and demur! Some of the things that come out of her mouth are, well, inapproriate to say the least. I agree with her on Adam.

I’m just not interested in anyone enough this year to have a listen to the recordings.

Why are so many of you concerned about the supposed loophole that allowed Kris to sing To Make You Feel My Love? The theme of the night was “Songs POPULARIZED By Grand Ole Opry Members.” That song was popularized by Garth Brooks, who is an Opry Member, from the soundtrack of Hope Floats.

There is so much crossover in music. Country artists cover pop and rock songs, rock and pop artists cover country songs. A good song is just that – a good song.

As for the studio recordings, personal taste is a funny thing.

Sarver: I don’t get him and never will. I don’t think he’s awful, but he ain’t great either. His recording of Ain’t Going Down was … fine.

Alison: I love Patty Loveless, and think Alison did a competent job with Blame It On Your Heart. It’s just, hmm. While I agree that girl’s got a great voice, I don’t think she has the experience or maturity to match her voice. She performs well, but for me there seems to be a disconnect there. Her studio recording is nice and sort of fun, but not a patch on Patty’s version.

Kris: Kris has a lovely voice on the studio version, and I love that song anyway. He managed to get the emotion across as well. I really enjoyed this.

Lil: I’m not a huge Lil fan, but the studio recroding is nice. That’s about all I can say about it.

Adam: While I found his live performance way OTT, this studio version is really strong vocally. I like it and am impressed with his vocal prowess.

Scott: He is way out of his league here. Meh.

Alexis: Well, that was a janked up arrangement of Jolene. I didn’t like it at all, either the live or studio versions.

Danny: Not a fan. At all. Didn’t care for either version, although the studio version is better than the live performance. That’s not saying much, though.

Anoop: I’m an Anoop fan, and he’s got the sort of voice I like listening to. I really like his studio recording of Always On My Mind. Very sweet with nice, smooth vocals. I think he manages to get the emotion of the song across even in the studio version.

Megan: Her version of Walking After Midnight is cute. This is not really a cute song.

Matt: For me, his recording isn’t as good as his live performance was. I’m not feeling the Matt love. He really needs to find a way to reign in the vibrato. Not bad, but not great for me either, dog.

So, my favorite studio recordings are from Anoop, Kris and surprisingly Adam.

My 2 cents.

edit: disagree but stay polite please.

I am currenlty hoping for an Adam and Allison final as well. I think these two are the best and funnies to watch and listen to at the moment.

I too fall squarely into the Adam and Allison camps. I also enjoy Megan’s tone, and occasionally a performance. I’ve only spent $$ on Adam though.

To me, everyone else is plain white bread so far (and I’m a whole-wheat-bread-with-chewy-grains-throughout kind of gal. lol)

Wow, I love seeing so many people wishing for an Adam vs. Allison finale! That’s what I’d like to see too. The two best voices plus the big bro/little sis dynamic they have going on = win!!

I absolutely love Adam’s RoF recording. I think the arrangement works a lot better here than it did during the live performance, and his vocals are delicious (what else is new?).

Yeah, I’m all for Adam – Allison finale.

If Allison is to have a prayer of being in the top 5, she’s going to have to survive next week, and the next. She is near the bottom in votes, so all us Allison fans need to start voting, pronto.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m pissed when people keep saying Ring of Fire is the worst performance on Idol. I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s really entertaing unique, and artsy. To be honest, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t help but laugh. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s extreemly theatrical, but vocally, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s good!

Each to their own. I hated it and it’s right up there with 8 Days a Week by KLC for worst idol performance ever for me. I don’t understand why people love his vocals so much in it. I guess he wasn’t screechy but he made such strange inflections that made me shake my head in wonder and it wasn’t a good kind of wonder. I will say that what I heard of the recording wasn’t nearly as bad as seeing the performance because that added to the cheesy aspect.

I bought Anoop’s and even though I enjoy it I do agree that it’s better when you can see his performance. I think he’s got the camera down pat and I’m sure got more female fans after that, lol. He’s got a pretty good fanbase and whether we agree on the pimping or not, I think he’ll be in this for a while. I think it was more that they knew he had a lot of fans early on and went with it.

I agree with you on Allison, Mj. She’s not my favorite overall but is by far the best girl left for me. Hers is the only one I’m buying this week other than Anoop’s. I don’t like Lil nearly as much as I did going in. I listened to the clip Megan’s song and she sounds like she belongs in the 40′s so I have a hard time getting them calling her current.

I still much prefer Danny and Matt to Kris. He may have a nice voice but is so boring that I gave up listening to the clip after about 10 sec.

The more I listen to Adam’s RoF, the more I appreciate how technically brilliant it was. I think people are upset that it wasn’t more country, or they are comparing it to the original, but to me there’s just no arguing that vocally it was a winner. This guy is very talented. He is the one person I look forward to seeing every week, because I know we’re going to get a performance AND an interesting vocal. And just like the NYP article says, he comes across as a nice guy. That’s going to help him.

I liked Adam better than ever this week. My husband loves him, but he’s too over the top for me- with his singing, so that’s why I loved his performance and the studio recording.

I think Allison has a great voice, but I am ready to hear her sing something other than a mid-tempo song where her voice can build.

I bought Anoop’s “you are Always on my Mind” and I love it but I agree that he was so much better live. He has a heck of a lot of charisma. I really do think Anoop’s big challange is going to be learning how to be on that stage by himself. I bought two of the ClefHanger CDs and both my college age daughter and I listen to them all the time – they are great!

I also bought Adam’s “Black and White” but “Ring of Fire” was just too much.

Anoop’s Always On My Mind is good stuff. Hautingly beautiful and tender. It is not your typical AI, over-sang, over-riffed vocal showcase. He just sings it beautifully to bring out the quiet emotion.

Adam’s performance of ROF was brilliant. The studio version was toned down alot and still captures the feel of the song. Thank God someone thought out of the box for country otherwise the show would have been boring as hell.

Adam reigns supreme again this week and truly owns that “different league of TALENT category”. I went to iTunes and purchased the video and the studio single of “Ring of Fire”, and I love listening to both, but watching Adam is a trip! I haven’t purchased any other season 8 idols, but now that I’ve read MJ’s review (thanks, MJ) and the posts here, I think I should at least go back and watch Chris’ and Matt’s show videos again. And Allison’s video, too.

I forget who posted a remark that a big brother/little sister Top 2 would be nice, but I perked right up. I suddenly got interested in “the show” again. I was at the point where I was watching, but I didn’t care what happened on Idol, as long as Adam was safe. After reading so many positive articles and enthusiastic posts all over the Internet, I’ve decided that maybe I can relax now and enjoy the rest of the show. umm… ADAM FOR THE WIN! : )))

Thanks for the reviews, mj! I hope you do this each week.

I’d already purchased Adam’s, Allison’s, Kris’s and Anoop’s, and they were all very good, although Adam’s and Allison’s were the stand-outs for me. They both have phenomenal recording voices. Allison just blows me away. I never thought I’d like that song, but it is awesome. I liked Kris’s a lot — he definitely has that singer-songwriter vibe, but as they usually make a name for themselves performing original music, I’m not sure how this will affect his chances. I think he’s as good as Castro, but probably not better. I thought Anoop sounded great but it was a dated interpretation and the song went way too long. Time will tell if he can find a more contemporary niche. I really like his voice though.

The one point of disagreement I would make with your review is that I think the arrangement of Jolene that Alexis went with (Mindy Smith’s) is actually a fantastic one. For whatever reason, nerves or lack of ability, Alexis just wasn’t able to nail it. I’m actually planning to buy this version I like it so much. I’m not sure why Mindy’s version isn’t included in the iTunes “Original Music … As Heard On Idol” section, but this is the version that Alexis actually says she was covering. Dolly Parton truly is a phenomenal songwriter. Looking back, the week the S7 contestants performed her music was my overall favorite.

Each to their own. I hated it and ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s right up there with 8 Days a Week by KLC for worst idol performance ever for me. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand why people love his vocals so much in it. I guess he wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t screechy but he made such strange inflections that made me shake my head in wonder and it wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a good kind of wonder. I will say that what I heard of the recording wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t nearly as bad as seeing the performance because that added to the cheesy aspect … I listened to the clip Meganà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s song and she sounds like she belongs in the 40à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so I have a hard time getting them calling her current.

And to me Adam’s performance/vocals on ROF was one of the finest I’ve ever seen on this cheesy show. But I like a lot of middle eastern and world music, so I didn’t find it all that OTT or unusual at all. It reminded me of some of the better music (i.e., the stuff Whitney and Mariah didn’t sing!) on the soundtrack to The Prince of Egypt, which featured the late, great Ofra Haza. Those “strange inflections” Adam was making sounded like the wailing prayers that one might hear quite commonly in that region, and I for one LOVED his interpretation. And given that I think Adam is of Jewish descent, I’m thinking that music would hardly be foreign to him.

Not a fan of Megan, mainly because I feel like she’s pretending to be Adele each week, and every song Ms. Joy/Corkrey sings sounds the same, but I actually love that retro sound. Love Adele, Duffy and a slew of other Dusty Springfield-types, but my problem with Megan is that a) she’s not nearly as good as any of those gals, because she lacks the basic musicianship and artistry required for that type of singing to work and b) it’s a genre that’s already being covered quite thoroughly, so why do we need yet another who pales in comparison?

Thanks for doing this mj. After reading your reviews I went on YouTube and heard Allison’s, Alexis, Megan’s and Adam’s studio recordings. I am surprised at how much I liked Adam’s. I am going to buy it. Allison’s was GREAT. She sounds fantastic recorded. I am started to get excited about her. Megan’s was better than I thought it would be. If only she could sound like that live. But she doesn’t sound very connected to the song. I’m gong to go find Lil and Anoop now.

I think my problem is that Adam has so surpassed my expectations already, I can’t give anyone else a break. I realize that it’s all subjective, but he simply entertains me like no other. I love being surprised and that’s what he brings for me every week. Just when I think he can’t top a performance…he does…and there’s still 9 weeks to go!

I totally get how some may have thought RoF was OTT, but I really appreciated that he took a genre he wasn’t comfortable with and put his own stamp on it and it was brilliant. As someone alluded to upthread, you don’t have to like it, but you can’t help but recognize and appreciate his talent. I think Adam could leave now and he’d be content that he got out of it what he wanted. He doesn’t need Idol. He simply needed the exposure. From a selfish point of view though, I want him to stay to the end.

At this point, I’m rooting for a finale between him and Kris (or him and Allison), but I believe it could well be him and Danny.

Had to comment about To Make You Feel My Love. There’s a recording I like more than Adele’s- it’s Joan Osborne’s rendition.

On topic: I listened to the clips and I still can’t bring myself to purchase an AI8 recording. The arrangements and instrumentals are too cheesy. After a year or two I usually dump my AI impulse purchases, and I know these won’t hold up to repeated listening because they sound dated on first listen. Still not impressed overall, although it seems to me that Allison and Matt have the best recording voices to my ears.

I want a Matt-Adam finale. That would be the coolest ever.
JMHO.

I still think the contest is anyone’s to win and not Danny’s and Adam to lose.

I personally to think Danny has been over pimped for the performances he’s given and not sure he will carry his momentum through to the finale. Adam seems to be a very polarising contestant and I think this will be what costs him his chance. I’m not loving Allison, I think her vocals are ok, but she doesn’t connect with the audience and that is why she seems to be consistantly near the bottom on DI. Can’t see that changing.

In a year where personality seems to be almost as important as vocal talent, I think consistently good performances from Anoop & Kris could catapult them to real contenders. Will be interesting to see if they can do it and make this contest really interesting.

couldn’t agree more with MJ
Kris’ version of that song is simply gorgeous. What pure/nice vocal he has. Allison’s is cool too.

I really really like Adam. He has a voice like no other I have ever heard and he sure knows how to perform.

I have not bought the songs of Itunes, last year during Idol we tried, but since we live in Germany, we couldn’t as this is only possible for people living in the U.S
Don’t quite get why, but oh well.

Anyways, I like Allison but for me she is sorta a not quite so good copy of Carly from season 7. Their voices are quite similar in my opinion.

Matt really surprised me, I enjoyed his performance very much.

Lil, well she has a great voice but sounds so much alike so many other recording artists, nothing special there.

Megan well, she is cute, her singing is kinda boring. Yes she sounds similar to Duffy, but the original is so much better.

I do hope Adam wins..

As for Denny, he sure struggled.. and he gets pimped way too much.

I bought and have been enjoying Allison and Kris’s. I love Allison’s edge and Kris’s recording voice is surprisingly good. I may have to pick up the phone and start voting for Allison. For some reason she is not getting much love from the judges.

I appreciate how different Adam is and the fact he is willing to take risks, but there is something about the tone of his voice that I just don’t like.

Only bought Adam’s. Love.

I wish we had Itunes sales data this year. I’m dieing to know how everyone’s selling. Any secret squirrels out there?

Only Idol 8 iTunes I have bought so far:

Adam “Black and White”
Adam “Ring of Fire”

I have been playing both on repeat – they are addictive!!!!!!!!!!

Allison’s and Carly’s voices don’t sound alike to me. Allison’s voice is low and husky, while Carly’s was a bit shrill imo.

I just bought Allison’s 3 songs on itunes. I want to support her as long as she’s on the show. I don’t think I’ll vote though or even watch the show, just her parts and visiting artists and a few performances here and there. Okay out of curiosity I might have to see what Adam is doing too.

I hope the producers and judges wake up after so many reviewers and critics have been saying how talented Allison is. I hope they wake up and start showcasing her, and giving her her due.

Some idols have been in the bottom 3 a lot and yet make it to the top, like Syesha and Kim Locke. So I hope she’s one of those who will stick around. She should at least be in the top 3 or even 2.

Actually a finale with Allison and Adam would probably be amazing. Most of the others aren’t as talented or as accomplished singers/performers unless someone really improves over the weeks.

Adam’s performance makes me laugh every time I hear that high “ooh” note. But unfortunately, it’s laugh like how I enjoyed Nick Mitchell’s performance. The Soup and VH1′s Best Week Ever both made fun of it this weekend in an anti-Adam kind of way, which I’m sure the Idol folks like for the publicity and controversy. But at the end of the day they don’t want a joke contestant winning, which is what he is in real danger of becoming.

I think if Adam didn’t have such an incredible voice, he would get dinged more for his stage performance. But it seems to me people who are exceptionally talented are usually just a bit eccentric. I mean look at Mick Jagger. He’s got such soul in his voice and connects so well with his music, so the funny dances moves and outfits seem to fit. Same with Steven Tyler and Freddie Mercury. I think Adam can pull it off because he is just so talented. The Soup and VH1 need to come up with material every week, so everyone is a target.

Kris’s recording is beautiful! I have it on repeat right now.

I can’t stop listening to Matt’s “So Small”. His voice is incredible.
Great recording voice. I hope Matt lasts a very long time in this show. He is the real deal.