American Idol 11 Top 9 – iTunes Studio Recording Review

by Rickey
March 29, 2012 at 2:26 am

Here is my review of the American Idol 11 Top 9 iTunes Studio Recordings.

Some really bad ones here. I dare Jennifer Lopez to listen to Joshua Ledet non-stop on her iPod. No wonder she didn’t want to stand up for Joshua last night, she must have heard his studio recording early! I’ve heard it — it aint purty.

Download: American Idol Season 11 Top 9

The reviews:

Deandre Brackensick – Sometimes I Cry

This was not good. Deandre just made me hate his falsetto — and I love Deandre. Maybe there’s potential here, but he needs a lot of work and training. There are a few moments that seemed to work — but singing a song in this style needs to be a tour de force from beginning to end. Not just in spots.

Rating: 2/5

Hollie Cavanagh – Jesus Take The Wheel

On one hand, I’ve begun to notice Hollie’s “voice” after three weeks of listening to her tracks. On the other, another plain rendition of this song that doesn’t hold a candle to the original version.

Rating: 3/5

Colton Dixon – Everything

They actually added a few extra production elements here with the added echo. Looks like the show is recognizing Colton’s sales potential on iTunes. Colton earned his master’s degree in the Jonas Brothers School of Music with this one. Even if I fell asleep in the middle, this was a good single.

Rating: 4/5

Download: American Idol Season 11 Top 9

Heejun Han – A Song for You

OMG. You guys should really give me a medal for listening to these tracks every week. How this rendition, live or in the recording got a standing O is beyond me. It only reinforces the idea that American Idol is living in a world of fantasy. The opening of this song is cringe-inducing. And there was no recovery. Please @god, end it please.

Rating: 1/5

Skylar Laine – Gunpowder and Lead

Another solid recording from Skylar! She’s really the best female in the studio in my opinion. The more I listen to her, the more I’m convinced that she will signed after the show win or lose.

Rating: 4/5

Joshua Ledet – Without You

Awful. Awful. Awful. Who wants to listen to someone’s saliva gargles blast through their speakers for 3 full minutes? Not me. Joshua has now perfected torture music. Listening to this will drive you nuts. To hear is to believe.

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/73ebi3a2sh/joshua_cantlive.mp3

Rating: 1/5

Download: American Idol Season 11 Top 9

Phillip Phillips – Still Rainin’

Phillip definitely has a unique sound and his treatment of his recordings are consistent. He’s not the best vocalist, but he’s definitely making music. I love it.

Rating: 4/5

Jessica Sanchez – Sweet Dreams

My favorite recording from Jessica this season. So much better than her live version. There were parts where she reminded me of Taylor Swift’s ‘Safe and Sound’. This song selection worked for her, good job. She just needs to work on her breathing — doesn’t anyone in the studio give them tips? I hate listening to singers gasp for air mid-word.

Rating: 4/5