For Real: New Kris Allen - "The Truth"

"The Truth" is the second single from American Idol winner Kris Allen's debut album. The track will attempt to repeat the success of the first single, "Live Like We're Dying," which peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling more than 1,000,000 digital copies. That single continues to be a presence on the top 30, even in its 21st week on the 100.

The first time I heard Kris' album, "The Truth" and "Bring It Back" stood out as my favorites. The former separates itself because it doesn't get its spark from an exhaustingly repeated chorus, like the latter does. This track is refreshingly telling & honest (although he sings "Honesty is honestly the hardest thing for me right now"). The song moves you in the way a song from The Fray might. Just like that band does, Kris Allen sings about the situations his listeners will all relate to (lyrics like: "Stop pretending that it's not ending // And let the end begin" and "I still stand here holding up the roof // Because it's easier than telling the truth")

It's a great song, and it's going to connect to a lot of people. But it might not get the attention & recognition Jive execs are hoping it will. "The Truth" is almost too pure & honest - it's an impressive vocal from Kris Allen, and the chorus really rolls along, but overall it lacks edge. Whereas songs like "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum have catchy choruses that beg to be put on repeat over and over, and songs like "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train are fun to sing & easy to listen to, "The Truth" may be a little too deep for as little radio appeal as it has.


But Let's Be Real: People like Kris Allen. Obviously so, since he beat one of the most talented male vocalists of the decade for the American Idol crown last year. People of all ages welcome his music into their cars & living rooms & iPods & cell phones. But if a typical radio jam like "Live Like We're Dying" only hit #18 on the charts, "The Truth" will be a success if it even approaches that.
What It Is: Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.



Listen to "The Truth" and other tracks from Kris' album here.

at 1:27 PM