American Idol's Allison Iraheta surely got the last laugh on the boys this time around. She avenges her third runner-up placing with a debut album superior to those of the male opponents who outshone her all through season eight of the reality show. Just Like You is a female pop-rock lover's dream, containing the calibre of material that heavy hitters in the genre like Kelly Clarkson, P!nk and Katy Perry should be recording but aren't. What makes Iraheta stand out from other more successful female artists in her age group (she's only 17) is that she has the technique and emotional depth to give the material the type of true substance that would appeal to grown-ups like me. Did I mention also that she plays the guitar? Those pictures you see of her in the booklet aren't just playtime.
First single Friday I'll Be Over U (featured here previously) has failed to make a dent in terms of airplay or digital sales, but the Max Martin-produced track stands on its own as a gem. But the goodness doesn't end there. Wait 'til you hear arena-rocking Robot Love, which interpolates Gary Glitter's classic Rock & Roll parts 1 & 2; this is sampling done right. The album's title track, another Martin contribution, pulls things back a notch and has a place on Hot Adult Contemporary radio. Don't Waste The Pretty would have you convinced that you were listening to B-Side off of P!nk's career-changing Missundaztood album, with its message of self-love. She advises young women not to invest their emotional resources on unappreciative guys. Scars is heartfelt and single-worthy, but again Iraheta is bound to be confused for P!nk with the unfamiliar listener. And later in the album, she actually fully becomes P!nk in taking over a track co-written by that one and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, titled No One Else.
Pieces leaves an instant impression with its soaring U2-inspired chorus. D is for Dangerous is a rockin' good time and cannot seem to escape that lasting imprint which '90s rock act Garbage has left on many female artists in this genre today. I could continue to go on, but at this point I think you're beginning to realize how many noteworthy tracks there are here. Yes, Iraheta appears to be finding her own voice still, but at least she is replicating greatness in the process of doing so.
It is a bit of a disappointment that this album's release could not have been delayed a bit more considering how many great albums have surfaced over the past few weeks. This means that it will likely not get the public attention it really deserves despite Jive/BMG Records forecasting first week sales in the 75,000 range for Iraheta. Just Like You will rank among my Top Ten albums of 2009 definitely and trust me, it's been a very competitive year. Grade: A
Preview Allison Iraheta's rumoured second single Don't Waste The Pretty below in full (courtesy of Sony/BMG Records):
Interesting. The first single did nothing for me, but I'll have to check out a few of those tracks if you like them so much. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Mel - yes, the first single isn't for everyone but there is lots to choose from. I am thoroughly impressed with this one. Who were you rooting for last season?
ReplyDeleteI really wasn't paying much attention past auditions last season, as no one really struck my fancy. I thought Kris was the most talented vocally, but I didn't think he was going to win overall.
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