DAUGHTRY
"Daughtry" (19 Recording/RCA;
2006)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
I can honestly say that I have never watched one minute of American Idol, even when they hyped it with more advertisements than the newest car or latest whatever. Unfortunately, I may have inadvertently missed Chris Daughtry singing his heart
out. Well, I believe American Idiot can be a platform even for those who don’t win. Daughtry was so good that Fuel even asked him to front them after Brett Scallions
left. I guess Fuel watches American Idol, who knew?
I really picked up this CD because of the single, “Home.” I heard it on a few stations and I liked
it. I never really knew who Daughtry was because I didn’t see him try to win and then lose to some guy who Daughtry outsold in record sales anyway. I think Daughtry wanted to prove that he wasn’t some pop singer and his voice is strong enough to power his songs so he released his own disc.
As I said before, those shows are platforms; sometimes they can be turned into pedestals.
This disc has as much muscle as anything Fuel, Nickelback or even Live ever produced. The fact that Daughtry didn’t go solo and named his band after him might be a judo kick at the other finalists who will remain nameless, primarily because I don’t know who any of them are. The music here is strong and you’d think this band had been around for a
while. They sound tight and don’t rely on any sappy ballads to guarantee a spot on some compilation album.
Surprisingly, this CD has Slash playing on it so to anyone who thinks that Daughtry wants to stay in the pop arena,
better think twice. Slash rips it up on the song “What I Want.” There are some acoustics throughout the disc but it’s never wrapped in a beach blanket with a promise ring pending. Although the band that Daughtry fronts was picked by the record company it’s still his voice belting out the tunes. I can’t wait for the next loser from one of those singing shows to make another hit record.
The best songs here are “It’s Not Over,” “Home,” “Over You,” “What I Want,” and “Gone.”
Daughtry: Chris Daughtry – vocals, guitar; Josh Steely – lead guitar; Josh Paul – bass, vocals; Joey Barnes – drums, percussion; Jeremy Brady – guitar.
For more information, check out http://www.daughtryofficial.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 09 Oct 2008 22:51:14 -0500.
