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CD review: Kris Allen - ‘Kris Allen’
Kris Allen
‘Kris Allen’
(Jive)
Grade: D+
Kris Allen, with his matinee idol good looks and Hallmark Channel-friendly personal story, falls squarely into the camp of utterly unsurprising “American Idol” winners. His second album (but first since participating in the television show) is precisely the sort of pop confectionery you’d expect from a carefully groomed would-be star, a generic outing that’s all soaring harmonies, inoffensive guitar and utter lack of soul.
Single “Live Like We’re Dying” kicks off the album, with cliche lyrics that — aside from, um, urging you to live like you’re dying — elect to go as broad as possible, lest any listener be alienated by an actual glimmer of personality. It’s a running motif throughout the album, which favors almost offensively universal songs modeled after adult contemporary pop favorites like Maroon 5. Allen’s voice is serviceable, but from love song “Before We Come Undone” to “Is It Over,” he fails to make much of an impression, churning out one anonymous radio-friendly nugget after another. Only on a bizarre and fun cover of Kanye West’s “Heartless” does Allen show the promise you would expect of the man who just might be the most musically diverse “American Idol” winner yet.
Update: This article has been amended to correct a couple song titles.
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By Cinn
November 16, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this
Whoa, I couldn’t disagree more. I love everything on this album, his voice is gorgeous, I could listen to him all day everyday. Who cares what he looks like with a voice like that. Heartless is my least favorite (but I still like it) on the album, as I prefer the stripped down version, or the version he did on tour, that one is a heart-pounder. What I find weird is that the few negative reviews I have read, the reviewer seems to only like the Heartless song. Perhaps you don’t get him, and that’s cool. I am glad I get him though, because he has inspired me so much and I know I’m not alone. Listen to “I Need To Know” from this album, if you don’t feel him on that song, you don’t have a soul.
By Mike
November 16, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Wow, this is pathetic. How do you expect anyone to take you seriously when you don’t even know the correct names of the songs? Kanye West’s “Heartbreak?” Are you kidding me? Its one of the biggest songs of the last few years, and for your information is called “HeartLESS.” “Can’t Come Undone?” The name of the song is “BEFORE We Come Undone.” Do you really expect people to take your opinion seriously?
By brianna
November 16, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe I wasted 30 seconds of my life reading this ridiculous review. lack of soul? Did you even BOTHER to listen the album? His voice drips with raw emotion and soul.
I give the CD a solid B grade.
The review I give an F
By lel
November 17, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this
Did you even listed to the CD? “Cant Be Undone”? “Heartbreak”?
By MilwaukeeMom
November 17, 2009 12:47 AM | Link to this
Your job is to review the album, and if you don’t like it, that’s cool, but at least you could get the names of the songs right because your errors completely invalidate your opinion. That’s Before We Come Undone and Heartless.
By gdub
November 17, 2009 1:13 AM | Link to this
I haven’t listened to the whole album yet, but Kris did the Kanye song on ‘Idol’ — by the way, it’s called “Heartless”, not “Heartbreak”. And it was actually pretty good on the show.
By this morning
November 17, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this
Just loving this album. Very good songs on this album. Kris is a very talented and promising artist.
Not agreeing with this review at all. And you got 2 song’s titles wrong… that’s not serious…lol
By j9bt
November 17, 2009 7:25 AM | Link to this
Let me see - Kris Allen has “good looks,” produced “universal songs” that are “radio friendly” and is “the man who just might be the most musically diverse AI winner yet” BUT you give his CD a D+?
I’m gathering you would prefer a homely artist with radio unfriendly tunes, lacking in musical diversity??? That type of CD would get an A+ in your mind? Perhaps you shouldn’t be reviewing music.
By Patrick Caldwell
November 17, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
Thanks to everybody who posted corrections on the song titles — you’re absolutely right, and we’ve amended the original blog entry with the correct titles as well as a notice to let readers know we had to go back in and change them. The error was entirely mine and I apologize. There will be a print correction in the paper tomorrow.
gdub, I did catch Allen’s performance of “Heartless” on the show, and thought it was a highlight of the season. I’m glad it showed up on the album.
By Katie
November 18, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this
Wowww. I disagree completely! I don’t see how one could say that Kris Allen’s debut album lacks any soul or emotional hook. I am moved by tracks like “I Need To Know” (it nearly brings me to tears, it’s so beautiful and meaningful), “Bring it Back,” and “Before We Come Undone”. Others like “Can’t Stay Away” and “Alright With Me” have this funky, catchy edge going for them. I love the lyrics and message behind the songs on this great debut album from Kris Allen.
I sincerely hope that this review doesn’t deter others from listening themselves to this great album and reaching their own opinions. They’ll be glad they did.
By Kent
November 18, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this
Mr. Caldwell, please don’t take this personally, but it’s only your review that is boring and expected. First of all, I’ve seen too many Idols whose music I LOVED on Idol do a complete about-face on their album ~ and many were disappointed, including me! Kris’ album is quite the opposite ~ it sounds like the Kris Allen who we loved on the show ~ and very radio-friendly! I bought a couple copies today and intend to buy more for holiday-giving. Sounds like you’re a fan of “another” Idol maybe?