Here's the track-by-track review:
Elliott: My track-by-track overview
Sorry this has taken so long. (I haven't even had a chance to listen to Chris Sligh's band's album yet, or an advance copy of Bucky's I got this week, but I will try this weekend.) But here's a quick overview, track by track, of Elliott's album.
Overall, this album clearly establishes Elliott as the best pure singer of Season 5's crop. (Katharine would come in second, I think, but her album stresses attitude over virtuosity.) The main impression I took away from the album was the warmth and assurance of Elliott's vocals.
As far as the quality of the songs goes, I'm not as impressed. It's a likable collection of pop-soul, with a little funk mixed in, but no one song that jumps out at me on first listen the way Katharine's Over It or a couple songs each on Taylor and Kellie's albums did. Still, it's a consistent and solid effort that's worth 3 stars by me. On to the tracks:
Movin' On: The single is a decent lite soul number that his singing elevates. Would sound fine on the radio, if radio is inclined to play it.
2. Wait for You: One of the strongest tunes on the record, definitely a pick.
3. Find a Way: First cloud on the horizon, dull soul-pop without a memorable melody, although it does pick up midway through.
4. One Word: A ballad whose chorus is the most distinctive and pleasant portion of the song; otherwise on the forgettable side.
5. You Are the One: On the pop side, and a pretty nice example of same.
6. I'm the Man: A little more tempo, a little more R&B, though still on the pop side, and again, kind of pretty.
7. Train Wreck: Very adeptly sung soul ballad.
8. Free: Sounded just OK until the catchy little chorus kicked in. Good stuff.
9. Alright: Elliott funks things up, toughening his vocal effectively. Too bad the song's not up to much.
10. Take My Breath Away: Not the Berlin hit (whew) -- pop with a flavor of old-school soul and a nice tune.
11. A Song for You: Elderly readers will recall the Leon Russell/Donny Hathaway song is not one of my favorites, but this version of what's become one of Elliott's signature songs is well executed and will please the fans.
How will it sell? We'll get the first-week numbers Wednesday, but it just doesn't have the promotional muscle Taylor, Katharine, Chris and Kellie's albums had behind them. But Elliott can feel proud artistically of his first effort.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/