Kris Allen - Kris Allen

One thing that I must admit, is that I was a big fan of American Idol this year, because of the fact that there were a lot of people (three to be exact) that I rooted for. These people, not only they have great vocals, but they also had the vibes that I really looked forward to as what musicians have to offer.

One of them is Kris Allen, who went on to win the whole thing. Kris Allen was not a big contender in the beginning stages of the competition, but a lot of surprises and turns he made during the latter stages of the competition turn him to become a great contender. He had the ability of turning one song that is not suited for him vocally to be perfect for him, as he had proven in such performances like “Heartless”, “She Works Hard For The Money” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

Now we have Kris Allen releasing his sophomore self-titled album, and I must say he pulled it off. The album consists of 13 tracks that I think are solid and ear-catchy, with a lot of messages and meanings behind each songs. Here what I have to say with each songs.

1. Live Like We're Dying. It’s the first single from the album, originally sung by the Script. Kris’ vocals in this song is spot on, and there’s a fast-paced melody in the chorus part, and he nailed that part. I was wondering why he chose a song that is previously recorded by a band, but when I heard this song, I totally got him, the song is full of great messages within the lyrics, and it’s a total Kris style. This one is a great single, and I found it no surprise that a lot of critics have commend this particular first single of his. 9,5/10
2. Before We Come Undone. This song is another solid effort of Kris. The problem is I think that I also have heard this song before, there’s a part towards the chorus that I found pretty familiar with a song I have heard. I think he could’ve done better in the bridge part. However I think this track is going to grow on me, but as for now, I give this track a 6/10
3. Can’t Stay Away. I like the beats on this song, particularly in the beginning, and towards the interlude and chorus, I totally enjoy listening to it. It’s a fresh piece of Kris, it’s another up-tempo, but he’s giving an enormous effort on this one. I like it, the song is definitely catchy. 8/10
4. The Truth. Ok this has to be one of my favorite track in the album. Not only it’s the album’s first ballad, but I enjoy this song more than the others, it’s a enjoyable song, and it’s supported by Kris’ great vocals. Again, there are melodies that are sounded familiar, but I think in the latter part of the song Kris managed to give his marked signature. By the way, the song is also full of great meanings particularly in bridge part. I can totally see this track to be Kris’ second single, hopefully with a great music video. 9/10
5. Written All Over My Face. Ok, first beat of this song reminded me of any piece of Lady Gaga. But after 10 seconds, I heard Kris’ signature vocals and melodies that are changing 180o. I don’t have to press play to this song over and over again to make sure I like this one. The song is incredibly catchy, it is engaging, it’s just one of those songs that would make you nod your head and following the melody. Totally love this, however he could’ve done better in the part towards the end. Well overall, it’s a solid effort. 8/10
6. Bring It Back. This song’s melody totally reminding me of Nick Lachey’s What’s Left of Me. However I don’t have any problem with that, since I like Nick’s piece LOL. I don’t find myself hard to adapt to this song, because of the similarity of Nick Lachey’s. It is a very nice ballad, kudos to Kris on this one. 8/10

7. Red Guitar. This track is the only track that Kris wrote himself even before he won the idol title this year, and it’s not a disappointment at all. This song gives a Ryan Cabrera vibe to Kris, but I think he managed to nail the song. 7/10

8. Is It Over. Wow. This is my first time. I mean, I like the melody of this ballad from Kris, but it’s just one of those songs where you search for the lyrics online and when you read them, and you find the lyrics are cheesy.. I am so sorry for Kris, but I think he definitely could have done better in this one, particularly in the lyrics. 5/10

9. Let It Rain. I must say this is one of tracks that impressed me. I like the aggression part of this song, I particularly enjoy listening to the chorus and bridge part, and I loved the fact that the song does not come off as cheesy, and this track is definitely on the repeat mode of my iPod. 8/10
10. Alright With Me. Sometimes there are songs that you don't have to overanalyze and just sing the lyrics and melody and let loose, this track absolutely proves that. Just sing the "It's all right, all right with me" through the whole song and it just somehow make you feel good LOL. This is a kind of song that you normally enjoy listening with a group of friends and you sing a long with them. 8/10
11. Lifetime. I think I was surprised when I listen to this song. What surprised me is that, I never would've thought that the chorus turned out to be what I listened to, because the verses did not lead me to this particular kind of melody the song had to offer in the chorus. Well I know I don't make much sense now but I like this song, don't know why, I just do. Maybe the song's chorus are so catchy and full of melody I don't know. 8/10
12. I Need To Know. This is a slow ballad, this song remind me of how David Cook put a strong ballad of Permanent in the second to last, and David successfully deliver an element of surprise at the end part of his album, however I don't think this ballad really work for Kris, particularly because, the song comes off as whiny and i don't it fits Kris' voice and style. But I might be wrong on this one, I'll make sure this track grows on me. 6/10
13. Heartless. Ok, This is what's left from American Idol. No coronation song of "No Boundaries" that Kara DioGuardi wrote for Kris, and Kris himself must've thought that the song is so bad, he doesn't even want the song to be in the album, and I agree with him 100%... Anyway, this Heartless version is a different version from the American Idol Studio Version, but it has similarity to Kris' live performance. I find this version of Kris to be ground-breaking, his vocals are impeccable in this song, there are parts of aggression that I think perfectly suited to this song melodically, I totally love this song, Even Kanye West himself had said that Kris nailed this song better than him. Awesome Kris!

Overall, it's a great compilation of what Kris Allen has to offer, and there are some tracks that I don't think he nailed, however, Kris' vocals help the album tremendously. I for sure think that Kris put an amazing effort in this album, and he definitely can go the distance as musician, as well as long-lasted recording artist. Go Kris!