It's almost impossible to believe this young woman finished second... at anything ... to anyone... ever. Obviously the voters in the American Idol competition last year couldn't have known what they were doing. I've just played through her first album ... officially released on January 30.
After listening several times through, I think this is a debut album that will sell a zillion copies to people of all ages, even those as old as me. McPhee has what the reviewer at Amazon.com describes as a "cloudless" voice and it shows through even when shes singing in pop rythyms instead of with the classical delivery we heard during the Idols competition.
I'm sure there are some fans of that version of Katharine that are hesitant to buy this new sound, but I feel there's enough there of the strong, lyric soprano we came to know to make the purchse worthwhile. Below are my reactions to her new work, track by track:
Love Story 4/5 A rocking song for today's dance clubs. Kat gets to let it loose several times in the track and carries the song along with a happiness and pert edge in her voice. Good effort.
Over It 5/5 The first single from the disc, it wound up at the bottom of the Top 40 in its first week out. Another pop number and very complex.
Open Toes 5/5 I was thoroughly prepared to hate this as a bubblegum pop waste of time from the online previews, but the full version here is delightful. Listen particularly when the tempo surges after the words "C'mon, c'mon, let's go..." That is the pop diva Kat at her best. And very quick and clear.
Home 5/5 Here is the first ballad on the disc and it's beautiful. And for those remembering the 'innocent' Katharine McPhee, a firm reminder that she's still there. It has a wonderful refrain in it that brought tears to my eyes.
Not Ur Girl 2/5 Not the best effort out here. The song doesn't exactly fit in anywhere.
Each Other 4/5 A peppy, modern love song. Katharine is best on the chorus here. Has a lot of background, but she rises above it and delivers a competent work of art.
Dangerous3/5 First heard on a Wal-Mart special edition that came out around Christmas time, this is a good song with a bluesy base . It's moody and laid back. Pleasant to hear.
Ordinary World 5/5 Ordinary World is the CD's show stopper and what a ballad it is. Dad McPhee said occasionally Katharine would do something that would take his breath away. I know that feeling every time I hear her sing the lyric "Close your eyes and feel me hold you/Can you lead me through this ordinary world..." I begin to weep and can't breathe. I can't wait for this to be released as a single around Grammy nomination time. I think it's going to be one of the best songs released all year.
Do What You Do 2/5 Does what it does. I wasn't particularly in love with anything about it. But there is a nice dance rythym to it, and Katharine's voice gets to predominate.
Better Off Alone 5/5 A really nice, slow blues number. Written for the wonderful middle register of Katharine McPhee's range, she delivers this with great feeling and emotion making you wonder how a woman so young and pretty can know so much about hurting. Wonderful melody and tone to it.
Neglected 5/5 Katharine again brings a proper amount of emotion to a sad song of love gone stale. This number makes one remember the feelings of a love going nowhere. Very well realized.
Everywhere I Go Well selected as a closing number. Katharine moves the song along with great voice and good feeling. Many online discussions see this as the next single to be released, and they could be right.
In all, this rates a 4/5. It is a debut album and has made the best start one could have in a January release, finishing the week at No. 2 on the major charts. The diversity here shows a new side of Katharine McPhee and assures we're goiung to be hearing the very talented young woman for many years to come.
