I’m liking the band arrangements much better on this week’s recordings–some of which are downright restrained. The exception is Adam Lambert’s “Born to be Wild”. Rickey Minor won’t be producing dance tracks any time soon.
Do Not Miss: Kris Allen’s “Falling Slowly, ” Anoop Desai’s “Everything I Do” and Allison Iraheta’s “Dont’ Want to Miss a Thing”–pretty much in that order…
- Allison Iraheta – …Dont Want to Miss a Thing” – The live version was one of my least favorite Allison performances. Funny, then that the recorded version is one of my favorite Allison iTunes. There’s an intimacy in her vocal that’s real and inviting. And that’s something, considering how much I hate this song. I’ll be shocked if she isn’t signed once the season is over–no matter when she’s eliminated. – iTunes
- Anoop Desai – …Everything I Do – A gorgeous vocal from Anoop–so smooth and heartfelt. Like Allison, this may be one of my favorite recordings from Anoop. There’s no comparison to the live vocal to be made–both are worthy. There’s a nice guitar solo in the middle, too. – iTunes
- Adam Lambert – …Born to be Wild – The recorded version of the song doesn’t highlight Adam’s vocals and without the live performance, the song seems sterile. Rickey Minor and the band aren’t really up to handling techno pop credibly. Still love Adam, but not loving this. – iTunes
- Matt Giraud – …Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman – On the plus side, unlike his live vocal, the recorded version doesn’t sound like ass. But I’m not really moved either. The adult contemporary stylings sound more like they’d fit Scott MacIntyre, rather than Matt. This dull song was a bad choice no matter how you slice it. – iTunes
- Danny Gokey – …Endless Love – This song with it’s treacly sentiment and syrupy strings is just a big block of Velveeta cheese. The song livens up in the last chorus, but for the most part, Danny doesn’t bring anything special to the song. Blargh. – iTunes
- Kris Allen – …Falling Slowly – Best of this bunch, for sure. I loved the live version, and dig the recorded version even more. A background singer sings a lovely counterpoint, and bandzilla is kept at bay. Kris’s delicate interpretation is exquisite. Simple. heartfelt. beautiful.- iTunes
- Lil Rounds – …The Rose by Bette Midler – The recorded version of the song goes on way too long, with the gospel section of the song kicking in too late. The song would be better if she’d stuck to gospel all the way through–not great–but better. – iTunes
