American Idol 10 Top 11 Redux – iTunes Recordings Reviews

This week’s recordings (like the live performances) are so much better than last weeks. My favorites are Paul McDonald’s restrained “Rocket Man”, Casey’s sweet “Your Song” and honorable mentions to Pia’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and Haley’s “Benny and the Jets”.

What are your favorites?

American Idol Top 11 Redux iTunes recordings are available for download NOW.

  • American Idol Top 11 Redux Compilation $6.99 – iTunes
  • Scotty McCreary – “Country Comfort” – Scotty is Scotty, no matter what he sings. This song was really his ONLY choice, if he wanted to sound completely in his element. The tune works nicely for him.  Also, it’s a testament to Elton that this song does not sound dated at all. –  iTunes
  • Naima Adedapo – “I’m Still Standing” – I was hoping she’d drop the Jamaican accent for the recording. It’s even more pronounced.  I have mixed feelings–I like the arrangement and the idea, but Naima’s execution does not feel authentic. –  iTunes
  • Paul McDonald – “Rocket Man” – I haven’t been feeling Paul since Hollywood, but he got me back with this version of “Rocket Man”.  Really like the arrangement, his phrasing, the laid back quiet way he approached the song. Yep. Like it a lot –  iTunes
  • Pia Toscano – “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” – Pia can sing her face off. Not really much more to say than that. The recorded version has almost a country tinge, giving the song an updated sound. –  iTunes
  • Stefano Langone – “Tiny Dancer” – The recorded version is less loungy than the live performance, but without much change to the arrangement, it’s very karaoke.  Stefano continues with the strange phrasing and pronunciation of words. I wish Stefano could get back to his soulful side. The adult contemporary stylings aren’t working for him. –  iTunes
  • Lauren Alaina – “Candle in the Wind” – The live version was more emotional, but the recording is solid.  I wouldn’t have imagined this song countrified, but it works –  iTunes
  • James Durbin – “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” – The arrangement sounds tiny and cheap and James vocals–double tracked and mixed down are nothing special. Bring on the flaming piano! This worked much better as a live performance –  iTunes
  • Thia Megia – “Daniel”– This is pleasant…if I were looking to nod off. She’s got a nice voice, but no personality –  iTunes
  • Casey Abrams – “Your Song” – The live version is more musical, but the recorded version is also beautifully sung, especially the second half, where he really makes the song his own.   Thank you, Casey, for reminding us that you can sing –  iTunes
  • Jacob Lusk – “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” – Jacob’s over-acting on stage marred the live version of this song, so the recording is much much better. Still hate the modulation. Randy’s so right about that. –  iTunes
  • Haley Reinhart – “Benny and the Jets” – I actively hated Haley’s live version of this song, so imagine my surprise to find that the recorded version has a cool, bluesy retro vibe that shows off the best of her voice.  Next time Haley, don’t try so hard. –  iTunes
About mj santilli 34832 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!