Music Reviews
Album Review 2: Katharine McPhee – ‘Katharine McPhee’
By Jeff Swindoll Feb 7, 2007, 18:38 GMT
On the Web
Latest Headlines in Music
- 1. Kevin Costner touring with his Modern West band
- 2. Marilyn Manson hitting the road
- 3. Green Day start new album
- 4. Ronnie Wood's Rolling Stones Olympic admission
- 5. John Lydon announces new PiL album
Older Talkback
page: 1
Katharine's self-titled debut album is much better than some critics give her credit for. It should have been titled 'Breakaway', because out of the AI contestants to put out an album, Kat's veered 180 degrees from her original style. I think that disappointed her fans and gave her enemies fuel for their own personal hate fires.
I, personally committed to buy the CD, being a diehard fan. I thought the CD cover was too provocative (not a good influence on my 17 year old daughter).
Here comes the good news. There are some fantastic songs on that CD and it should be taken seriously. Kat's voice has more versatility than any other idol contestant. There are light-hearted tunes, like 'Open Toes', Love Story,and Over It. There are also some heart-wrenching ballads such as 'Home','Ordinary World', and 'Better Off Alone', which all brought tears to my eyes. These songs all have the stuff to be number one hits!!!
People have tried to burn her at the stake, when it turns out she has a great deal of talent, great emotion, and hopefully a lot of fortitude.
American Idol needs to stand behind the people they martyr, remembering what Randy Jackson said, 'It's all about talent, people.'
And that's the Kat's Meow.
It is sad that the execs pushed McPhee toward making yet another bubblegum crap album. There is nothing here that distinguishes her from the rest of the pack of pop star wannabes. They are trying to go after the younger demographic, but that is sacrificing the potential quality of Kat's voice in order to make a quick buck. As Norah Jones has demonstrated, rhythmic pop -- or whatever it is called, isn't the only thing that sells. If Kat had chosen songs which had more of Norah Jones vibe, it is quite possible she could have set herself within reach of a grammy. As it is, this music will stick around as long as the 14 year olds (and the over 40 men) stay interested. Eventually, a new 'it' girl will come along (and she'll get too old for the over 40 men to drool after) and this fluff will be relegated to the bargain bins at Walmart.
I am probably the last person my friends would expect to like Katharine's CD. I have grandchildren and the closest I am to loving popular music is being a huge Sting and U2 fan. But I love this CD. I love that she has put herself into it instead of sticking with the image the Idol execs wanted her to portray. 'Home', 'Better Off Alone' and 'Ordinary World' are all Grammy-worthy songs. I give her kudos for creating a debut album that has something for everyone, even us old grannies. :)
Scarlet....I am so sorry but my 14 year old daughter and my 17 year old son and 24 year old older son does not know who Nora Jones is much less listen to her cd. Why oh why would they then prefer a Nora Jones style of song than Kat's fun and dancy beat???? Her Home, Ordinary World, Better Off Alone and Neglected shows her strength in ballads...we all know that from AI. I think her cd is a mixture of the true talents of Kat. After all, she is only 22 years old...she has not had a lot of life experiences to be deep and dark into some songs similar to 'My Heart will go on and on' Celine Dion special. So my point is...this cd really reflects who Kat is...young, energetic and pure talent. There is plenty of time to do an all ballad and maybe a christmas album in the future. For now, let's let her be her own age. Congratulations to Kat.
I really enjoy Kat's debut album. I think she did a great job. It's a lot better than other debut albums put out for Idols. I hope it does really well.
Oops, that should be, It's a lot better than other debut albums put out by other Idols.
page: 1
Your Talkback on this Story