For Real: American Idol Top Six

American Idol started down the homestretch Tuesday night, as America has now weeded out the majority of the "also competed" folks this season. Going into the show, it seemed that with the exception of Aaron Kelly, we were left with the five legit contestants that have stood out as the favorites all season. It was Shania Twain night, which made for some very interesting performances - these very well written songs that were originally performed in the narrow genre of pop-country allowed for the artistic contestants to put their own take on the classics.

Contestant: Lee DeWyze
Lee performed "You're Still the One." It was great to hear him do a song originally done by a woman, because it forced him to shake things up. Still, he was pitchy & breathy throughout - his sustained notes were flat & unpleasant to listen to. Overall, the layering of his rough style on Shania's classic vocal arrangement worked to his advantage, but I can't help but compare him to contestants like David Cook (who won in 2008), and concede that Lee just isn't as good either technically or artistically. It's kind of like America is having to settle this season.
But Let's Be Real: It was good enough for the competition this year. But in any other season, Lee might not have even made it this far. Regardless, tonight's performance will speak to America in the way it has for many weeks now, and he will be safe tonight.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Michael Lynche
Mike did "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing," and for the first time I heard the theatrical quality Simon spoke about a few weeks ago. It only came out in a few notes, but it was there & it is a little uncharacteristic of soul - maybe part of the reason America held out on him during the top nine when he received the least amount of votes. I thought that technically, Michael's performance was as great as it always is. The song might have been a little boring & I don't think it connected to the audience quite as well as it did in the past. But still, good.
But Let's Be Real: It's really hard to say what America thinks about Big Mike...I still think he's the best contestant technically, but I don't think America loves him as a person quite as much. I think he absolutely deserves to make the top five, but I wouldn't put money on it happening.
What It Is: A-

Contestant: Casey James
Casey sang "Don't," his second attempt at a slower, soul-bearing, heart-wrenching ballad this season. Last time he did this, everybody loved it & I hated it. This time, I think we all loved it. It was a real performance, with great care to the need for "equal loud and soft parts" in a ballad. It felt very legit & was not only pleasant to listen to, but moving & emotional too. I think Casey is growing on me, and his usual annoying vocal techniques (machine gun vibrato, for instance) were absent tonight.
But Let's Be Real: He probably put himself back into the top three with this performance. The contrast between this week & last week is astronomical.
What It Is: A

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox
For some reason, Crystal took the "country" theme literally, coming out with a twangy performance of Shania's "No One Needs to Know Right Now." It was very surprising to see Crystal take less of an artistic approach than the other contestants. She sang it well, but there was no push behind the rendition. No excitement.
But Let's Be Real: Crystal is being pushed in many different directions by the producers, who obviously want her to win the show, judging by how much they have put into transforming her so far this season (I'm talking mostly appearance). It was probably good for her to have a week to "back away from the front" a bit, so that she can have a really good push up into the final over these next few weeks.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Aaron Kelly
Aaron sang "You've Got A Way," and I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Whereas I straight up loved his performance last week, this week I didn't feel strongly one way or another. He gave a heartfelt performance, he was very relaxed & he has improved technically, but he is still so nasally & seems to me like a combined version of a much less talented David Archuleta and a much less talented Justin Timberlake.
But Let's Be Real: The judge's input has such a huge effect on America's overall opinion, which in turn heavily affects the votes. Because the judges loved him so much tonight, the results could change accordingly.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus
Siobhan sang "Any Man of Mine," & it went like Siobhan's performances used to go earlier this season - the first half shaky & boring, and the latter brightened with some really big notes. The song was good, but she was pitchy - again, it felt like she was just barely holding on to the notes. For example, when Kelly Clarkson wails on a big high note, you never feel like she just barely has the power to sustain the note. It just sounds natural. With Siobhan, it doesn't sound so natural and it's a little uncomfortable.
But Let's Be Real: Although Siobhan did pull it off in the end, I get the feeling that America might be wearing a little thin in the Siobhan department. She isn't making any progress towards becoming her own artist, and there just isn't any stability with her. She reminds me of Diana DeGarmo from Season three (though I will grant that Siobhan is definitely better than her).
What It Is: B

My Breakdown:
Casey James A
Michael Lynche A-
Lee DeWyze B
Crystal Bowersox B
Aaron Kelly B
Siobhan Magnus B

So What?
It's a very tough week...I have said all along that I believe Aaron isn't good enough to be in the top 5. I still think that, but I have a feeling that America (I don't really know why there are so many voters that do this) will vote based on what the judges thought. It seems to happen that way a lot. They thought Aaron was a completely revived artist tonight, and it might show in tomorrow's results. I believe that the only contestants definitely safe are Crystal, Lee & Casey. I still think Mike & Siobhan should fill out the top five, but I have a bad feeling that Aaron could pull ahead of one or both of them...

at 5:03 PM 1 comments

For Real: New Ciara - "Ride"

For an artist who is unbelievably obsessed with herself, Ciara's latest music video is just as artificial & ineffectual as ever. The new single, "Ride," is heading off the 24-year old's latest attempt at rejuvenating her career. Her last set, which was released last year, sold a mere 200,000 copies - a fraction of the sales from her previous albums. "Ride" is like a slower, smoother, but just as stupid version of Rihanna's "Rude Boy." You might need to watch the music video to fully understand that there's only one meaning to the song, and it follows the current trend of urban pop music - becoming increasingly disgusting. The chorus is moderately catchy ("They love the way I riiiiiiiiiide it" repeated), but it's too bland & too low-pitched to get stuck in anybody's head. It's not the type of song you'll be hearing people humming. The song rapidly deteriorates during the second half of the track. Instead of inserting a bridge after Ludacris' breakdown, she just starts singing some melody-less phrases over top of the same chords. It's boring.

The problem with Ciara is that she has fallen into the worn out formula of female urban pop today. Think about "Shake It Off" by Mariah Carey. That was an awesome song for 2005, but do you think it would fit in as well today? No. The industry has moved past that. Maybe part of the issue is that there's nothing special about Ciara's voice, but as it is, this genre & style seems so 2000's to me. It should have been left there, because a track like this doesn't seem even remotely modern.

But Let's Be Real: Already, I've noticed that fans of Ciara are completely taken with the song & video, and think it's as great as anything she has ever done. She has a specific audience - probably mostly male at this point, but it's not nearly substantial enough to get people to care like they did in 2004 & 2005, when she gave us songs like "1, 2 Step" & "Goodies."
What It Is: Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100

Check out Ciara's "Ride" here.

at 6:37 PM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Seven

With the all the correct people off the show so far (in the finals), everything points to Aaron Kelly & Tim Urban each getting the cut during the next two weeks, & tonight was their opportunity to shake it off. The theme was inspirational songs - AKA, if the contestant wanted to, and they did it right, they could create a "finale moment" for themselves six weeks before the actual finale occurs.

Contestant: Casey James
Is anybody else sensing a little Taylor Hicks in Casey James? It had never crossed my mind before now, but I hear some of it...as in, an unmarketable voice with some annoying qualities, fronting a personality & image that everybody and their mother loves. Taylor sang "Don't Stop," & I'd rank in middle of the road for what I've heard from him. With a song like that, you can't really do much...it's pretty straightforward and boring. He still has that annoying vibrato, but it wasn't as bad on an upbeat song as this was. His guitar solos were good enough & did add a little.
But Let's Be Real: It's hard for me to give a legitimate critique on Casey, because I don't think he's good. I understand that he is likable & that many people love his voice - I respect that. I think, however, that this song might have been just average enough to land him in the bottom three tomorrow.
What It Is: C

Contestant: Lee DeWyze
Lee looked very nervous before he sang his song tonight. He knew there was a lot at stake in terms of keeping himself in the upper tier in America's eyes. He sang "The Boxer," which was a pretty good song choice for him. He took it seriously and tried his best to convey the meaning of the song. It was mostly good, but unfortunately he sounded much too whiny on the chorus ("liee la liee") to allow the song to leave a comfy feeling in America's heart. Once again, Lee fails to embrace the power of dynamics. Everything is too loud and growly.
But Let's Be Real: With these types of performances, Lee isn't really "amazing" us with his voice...much like Crystal. Still, he is definitely a true artist, and he does have the voice in him.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Tim Urban
Tim sang "Better Days" by Goo Goo Dolls - at the surface it seemed that an inspirational alternative rock song would have been a great match for Tim. I think that the song did match his tone, but his voice was uneven throughout. He may have been nervous, or just not properly supporting himself. But instead of soothing the audience, he just kind of left them on edge from the impurities in his voice.
But Let's Be Real: On inspirational night, you have to be make a difference in the audience's hearts. I don't think he really did that.
What It Is: C-

Contestant: Aaron Kelly
Aaron sang "I Believe I Can Fly," and it was my favorite performance from him so far. If he could just get rid of the choppy, irregular vibrato, I think we would really have something with him. As it was though, he had a good build & pulled it off with surprising strength. Aaron is starting to be like what would you would have expected the American Idol from season 1 to be (skinny & young with all pop & no soul). Do not try to twist this statement to describe Kelly Clarkson in any way, shape, or form.
But Let's Be Real: Aaron has an appeal to some part of this country that's been pretty strong so far this season - stronger than Tim's anyway. I think that combined with the fact that he actually laid down a decent performance this week will keep him safe.
What It Is: B+

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus
Siobhan sang "When You Believe," which is an enormous risk for any contestant to take (not just because it was originally done by Mariah & Whitney). I thought it was just OK - I like her soft voice, but I don't love it as much when there isn't the big voice there to counter it. I think the "shriek" is her trademark, and I think it's alright for her to throw it in as long as she has the soft too (as she did last week). I do believe that the song probably affected a lot of Americans though - it was a true performance that created a connection.
But Let's Be Real: Siobhan is talented, but I think she showed tonight that she is still missing major chunks in her journey to become a real artist. She seems to be a little bit shaky & it still seems like she is just arbitrarily picking songs each week, instead of being a stylized talent that chooses songs that will fit into the collective repertoire. I hope that she is safe tonight so that she can continue to figure that out.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Michael Lynche
I think Michael chose a mostly awful song for his voice, "Hero" by Nickelback. This is the song that Casey should have chosen. Mike sounds good singing anything, but I think this was just too random to really mean anything for him or for the audience. He is still the best vocalist here though.
But Let's Be Real: When Mike picks the right songs, he is the best. I don't think he should try to perform a song that lacks soul again, however. It doesn't do anything for anyone.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox
I am starting to seriously wonder why the producers put her at the end so much. I didn't think they were in the business of promoting a contestant so heavily.

Crystal sang "People Get Ready," with no instrument. That in itself was a really good choice. The guitar was starting to seem like a crutch - literally, because it gave her an excuse not to move her hands or body. Tonight, she connected in a serious way, laying down what I would call her greatest vocal ever. It was tender and delicate, with just the right amount of power. The a cappella in the beginning & the freedom she had with her body throughout really allowed her to express the entire story through her voice (instead of losing some of it in the guitar).
But Let's Be Real: The "step up" I've been saying Crystal needs to take in order to stay fresh happened tonight. She may have been the only contestant tonight that really took advantage of inspirational night.
What It Is: A+

My Breakdown:
Crystal Bowersox A+
Aaron Kelly B+
Michael Lynche B
Lee DeWyze B
Siobhan Magnus B
Casey James C
Tim Urban C-

So What? I'm not sure what will happen with the bottom 3 tomorrow - either way one of the "big five" (Crystal, Michael, Lee, Siobhan & Casey) will be in it. I do think Tim will be the one going home.

at 5:03 PM 0 comments

For Real: New Adam Lambert - "If I Had You"

Although the lyrics rival some of the most meaningless babble to hit the radio in 2010, Adam Lambert achieved surprising success with "Whataya Want From Me," the second single from his debut album, For Your Entertainment. Lambert - who is indisputably one of the most talented male singers on the scene today - released a very flamboyant, mostly electronic, made-for-the-dance-floor album in November of last year. Although the album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, it might have been a flop had it not been for the above-mentioned single. Although it really is foolish, the combination of Lambert's trademark power vocals & a tragically catchy chorus slowly pushed the track higher and higher up the charts, right through this week, where the song will almost certainly appear in the top fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100 (granted, from an American Idol results show boost).

Now, RCA is faced with the formidable task of how to adequately follow up with a new single. The biggest hurdle when it comes to marketing Lambert's current project is that he's not interested in "meeting the industry halfway"... he doesn't want to tone down & look mainstream so that all the girls will swoon over him. He would rather wear purple hair and sing about guys. Yeah, it's kind of awkward...and it's probably stealing potential sales away from him because he's no magnet for either gender, but ultimately this will prove to be a great thing for Adam. It will separate him from artists like Nick Lachey - a talented guy who can sell when he has a good song ("What's Left of Me" from 2006), but otherwise won't be remembered as much. By sticking to himself, Adam might not be as marketable as he could be at any point in his career, but he will become his own, unique person that reaches success by "doing it different." Like Prince.

The single RCA has selected (or settled for, maybe), is "If I Had You." It could benefit from a little less synth, but the song gets you moving & absolutely grows on you the more you listen to it. You need to hear it a few times to really pick up on all that is going on in the song...I think the single will take it's time working up the chart because of this, but ultimately it will become a summer anthem for more than a few people. I would describe Adam on the song as Katy Perry meets Queen meets Cascada. It's got an edgy push to its message & melody (like a weaker version of "I Kissed a Girl" or a darker cut of "Hot 'n Cold"), Adam's signature shriek, & a heavy dance beat that's accompanied by a catchy chorus (like Cascada's "Everytime We Touch").

But Let's Be Real: The issue of Adam's fit in the music industry is very interesting...if a girl had recorded this song, it would make perfect sense & would be right at home on your summer playlist. But how does the fact that Adam did it change things? It will be interesting to find out...but if nothing else, I think Adam is doing his part to help the industry grow.

What It Is: Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100

Other hot tracks from Lambert's first album include "Sleepwalker," "Sure Fire Winners," & "Fever." (but not "For Your Entertainment" ... why that song was ever released is a mystery to me)

Listen to "If I Had You" and others here.

at 4:27 PM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Nine...Part Two

After Mike Lynche's dramatic save last week, this week the producers of American Idol had to crush 9 performances into a mere 63 minutes of air time. It was Elvis night on American Idol, & it was also the first time an American Idol contestant was asked to come back to mentor - let alone one from the directly preceding season. Adam Lambert is my second favorite contestant to come out of this show - behind Kelly of COURSE.

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox
Crystal went first, for the first time this season. Thus far, the producers have made a point of putting her towards the end. She sang "Saved," with an electric guitar, per Adam's advice. It was fun & upbeat - more so than usual for her. It was entertaining & mostly original, but to me it wasn't anything special. The visuals were boring as usual - just her in the center with the background vocalists standing much too close to center stage.

But Let's Be Real: Crystal continued her streak tonight with a great performance - but again, I don't think it really made her any better than she already was. It's getting harder for me to really appreciate her when she doesn't actually have the most amazing actual vocal talent in the world.
What It Is: A

Contestant: Andrew Garcia
Andrew...still here...still wasting time.

He sang "Hound Dog," & he tried to change the arrangement up by slowing it down & putting a 70's ballad feel to it (per Adam's advice - he said it was boring). I think it was better than it looked like it would've been based on the intro video, but it still wasn't anything monumental. He ended it well & he took a step up from last week, but there wasn't anything worth listening or watching there.

But Let's Be Real: Unless somebody else fails horribly tonight, it should be Andrew's time to go tonight. He is dragging the show down at this point because he is just incredibly average.
What It Is: C-

Contestant: Tim Urban
Tim sang "Can't Help Falling In Love," probably Elvis' most beautiful ballad. Tim's arrangement, played almost exclusively on his acoustic guitar, was very appropriate & moving. I think Tim's voice is actually unique. It doesn't quite sound like anybody in particular, but I might label it as a mix between Snow Patrol & Michael Buble.

But Let's Be Real: I think it has been there all along for Tim - just muddled behind his immaturity during the first half of the competition. He has a great tone that found its sweet spot on the flowing ballad he performed tonight.
What It Is: A

Contestant: Lee DeWyze
Lee sang "A Little Less Conversation," with an arrangement heavily based off his acoustic guitar. It was dirty & clean at the same time - real down and gritty, with his usual growl, but without a bum note anywhere in the performance - everything was very sharp & precise. The band really played to his advantage on this song. I think he may need to back off the growl a tiny little bit in the future, but it worked well for him tonight.

But Let's Be Real: Lee is looking & sounding better each week - people love him & he loves what he's doing...even if he doesn't smile as much as he should.
What It Is: A-

Contestant: Aaron Kelly
Aaron sang "Blue Suede Shoes." He tried out a new style - kind of like a cool cat swagger going on. I think it was really cool that he tried something new, but you could tell that it wasn't who he really is. There was a really awkward & corny cut to half-time towards the end...a bit too theatrical without the force behind it to carry it through.

But Let's Be Real: I think his voice was smoother tonight. The song brought out more of his natural talent because he wasn't pushing out the nasal tone he's had every week so far. The actual performance was not exactly an artistic success, though.
What It Is: B-

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus
Did everybody know that Siobhan's name is supposed to be pronounced with a 'V'? I thought I was just mishearing it up until tonight.

She sang "Suspicious Minds," which is actually one of Simon's favorite pop songs of all time (or at least it was in 2003). Siobhan appealed to the prettier side of her voice again this week, and it actually helped bring out the diva in her a little more. She reminded me of Celine Dion when she was able to bring out the big notes towards the end, without losing control.

But Let's Be Real: I think this was a really strong performance from Siobhan that had just the right amount of both the soft & loud parts of her voice. I was surprised to see that none of the judges really loved the performance. To me, she is really beginning to iron out the kinks in her personal artistry.
What It Is: A-

Brief Interjection: Ryan's joke that Brian Dunkleman would be hosting part of Idol Gives Back next week didn't even get any laughs...I mean, it's Brian Dunkleman.

Contestant: Michael Lynche
Michael is back after...a really great performance last week.

His performance of "In the Ghetto" was just another solid materialization of his big, soulful, technically sound vocal ability. The song, performed only with his acoustic guitar, was tastefully performed, even with the somewhat indulgent riffing he mixed in.

But Let's Be Real: To me, it was just as good as last week's performance. The difference between mine & Simon's opinion is that I thought last week's was amazing as well. Mike won't be going home tonight - if for no other reason, because everybody who liked him even a little now knows that they have to actually vote for him.
What It Is: A+

Contestant: Katie Stevens
She sang "Baby, What You Want Me To Do," and it was as good as you can get without making anybody care one way or another. There was too much repetition of the same set of high notes - nothing really stood out and the audience wasn't left feeling much of anything at all.

But Let's Be Real: Not as good as last week. There wasn't too much technically wrong with it, but compared to the unique, artistic efforts from most of the other contestants, it doesn't hold itself well.
What It Is: B-

Contestant: Casey James
Casey sang "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," and it was more like "Power of Love" from two weeks ago, and less like whatever slow ballad he did last week. I think at times he has a good tone that will sound good on the radio, but sometimes he just sounds like he has a giant animal stuck in his throat. Also he has this annoying machine-gun vibrato that comes out every now and then, and it kind of hurts to listen to. He really pushes too hard sometimes, but the judges & screaming girls don't seem to mind.

But Let's Be Real: Not the greatest performance in the world, but Casey is in no danger tonight. He's just that one contestant that everybody loves & I hate...
What It Is: B-

My Breakdown:
Michael Lynche A+
Crystal Bowersox A
Siobhan Magnus A
Tim Urban A
Lee DeWyze A-
Aaron Kelly B-
Casey James B-
Katie Stevens B-
Andrew Garcia C-

So What? Aaron should fill out the bottom three, leaving Andrew & Katie to pack their bags.

at 4:59 PM 1 comments

For Real: Matisse

Here is a brand new artist for you...Matisse, who was signed to Jive Records a couple months ago, has begun the long process of "trying to get heard." Although her single, "Better Than Her," is officially available on iTunes, it hasn't impacted radio yet & it won't do so until later this month.

After listening to the single dozens of times over the past two months, I think that Matisse really breaks down to being a less talented version of Lady GaGa, with a touch of Cascada & Enrique Iglesias (if he was completely female) mixed in. It's definitely a dance song, that might or might not have enough pop in it to make mainstream. It's catchy (as in, she repeats the words "better than her" exactly 43 times) but it's also very electronic & has a major Eurodance vibe to it. The strange men and women yelling "hey! hey! hey!" in the refrain make the song a little out of place in 2010 America.

But Let's Be Real: I think that Matisse will find success in the U.S. market (granted, probably not as much as she will internationally), but only if she can dish out a more appropriate sound. Another way of saying this is, get rid of the synthesizer & and the weird backups. She needs a song with a darker push to it, something more gritty & memorable. "Better Than Her" is a little too bright and floaty for Top 40.
What It Is: The first effort from Matisse will probably stay below the top 40 positions on the Billboard Hot 100, but it will chart. Don't expect it to peak until late this year.

Listen to "Better Than Her" here and sound off below!

at 1:46 PM 0 comments