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David Cook - David Cook
- After winning American Idol in May, David Cook had a lot riding on his impending album. He had just won over squeaky-clean teen crooner David Archuleta and had to prove to the public that he was a true rocker. He also had to deal with the constant comparisons to that other “Idol” who can growl his lyrics, season five contestant Chris Daughtry.
Does Cook deliver? Yes. Is he up there with Daughtry? He can be, eventually. Cook’s self-titled debut is a solid work. Although some songs could be grated a bit more to give them a harder edge, Cook does have people who voted for him who maybe aren’t ready for an all-around hard rock record.
The first single, “Light On,” is proof that he was a better choice to win the show. It’s got a little soul and Cook’s gritty, shouting style is apparent throughout. Also quite good and can be a potential follow-up single is “Life on the Moon.” The lyrics sound like he could be talking about his stint on American Idol: “I’m getting lost more everyday/And I can’t tear myself away/ From the stars in my eyes with no light.” It’s a powerful song and whether it’s about the show or not, there is some meaning behind it. For true guitar riff splendor, “Bar-ba-sol” is edgy splendor.
Unlike past winners, Cook wrote every song on the album except two. That puts him in the company of a lot of rockers who write their own music because it’s the only way they know how. They want the fans to feel what they feel. Cook is no exception. On “Declaration,” he sings: “I’ll take you just the way you are/Imperfect words inside the perfect song.” This song opens the album and you anxiously wait to see what’s to come.
The album has a few flaws. “Permanent” is short and somber, with its haunting piano melody. It’s a little too mellow. Also, “Mr. Sensitive” is borderline preachy, especially when Cook wants to “introduce you to Mr. Sensitive/Who never lets the worst get the best of him.” Also his Idol single, “The Time of My Life,” is a bonus track. Having the winning single is often a sticky situation for some “Idols.” It was with season five winner Taylor Hicks. But it looks like Cook gave in and put it on there. It’s a fitting song for him. When you hear it at the end of the album, you see how far he came.
Whether the sales of the album are Daughtry-sized (or even Carrie-sized, as Underwood is currently the biggest selling contestant ever), Cook’s fans will not be disappointed with his debut.
Download these: “Life on the Moon,” “Light On,” “Declaration.”
Reviewer: Jill Marino
new
Reviewer's Rating: 8.5
Reader's Rating: 8.75
Reader's Votes: 35
Added: 19-Nov-2008
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