Customer Reviews

American Idol Season 2: All Time Classic American Love Songs

5 star:		(89)
4 star:		(72)
3 star:		(30)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

Bought this CD hoping that it wouldn't be a cheaply-produced, put-together-in-5-minutes CD, and I was glad to find it was not.

Unsurprisingly, Clay turns in the best performance on the CD, effortlessly bringing a new sound to the classic "On The Wings of Love" .. his voice is just naturally perfect. Good to see he's stopped over-annunciating his words quite a bit.

The surprises on here were the really good quality of performances delivered by Kimberly Caldwell (she sounds great on "Killing Me Softly") and the under-appreciated Charles Grigsby. When he sings "Overjoyed" he actually sounds like he means it - and it sounds great. I hope these two find success outside of the largely-fixed American Idol.

Unimpressive were Julia Damato (she makes the soulful "At Last" sound like a country song sang at a picnic) and the heinous Corey Clark (his vocal cords sound stretched beyond the limit and in danger of snapping through most of "Open Arms"), and Lashundr.....err..... Trenyce sounds OK on "Let's Stay Together" but she DOES have a good voice, and could have chosen a more fitting (though preferably non-Whitney) song to sing.

Kimberly Locke will also put out a great CD, I'm sure, as will Ruben. Overall worth the investment, but skip the cheesy group numbers..

Well this cd in unbelieveable. I am a American Idol fan but I couldn't wait for the cd. Well here is a list of songs and rated

1. What the World Needs Now-(4/5) now the thing in this song is that it is well done but it really wasn't the greatest rendition I have heard but it is definetely good because the different vocals. Kinda cheesy at the end with Julia.

2.Superstar-(4/5) Now I am not a fan of ruben but I must say that his voice is amazing for this song.

3.On the Wings of Love-(5/5) Clay sang this song like no other. He makes any song sound amazing. His vocals are phenomenal.

4.At Last-(2/5) I am not sure but I think Julia was cute but her vocals didn't seem that great on the show and this song was pretty but it doesn't sound like her....vocals are decent.

5.Three Times a Lady-(5/5) This song is awesome for Josh. I can't believe that he sang this song so well. His country tone is heard a little bit but not obvious. This shows that he really can sing. Vocals are good.

6.Let's Stay together-(4/5) Now trenyce has great vocals and I am happy that this song is on there but it is the only upbeat song. Her live version is better. What is Trenyce's last name?

7.Back at One-(4/5) Rickey really surprised me with this song. I can't believe that he pulled off this song so well. His vocals are great his upper register sounded great.

8.Killing me Softly with His Song-(5/5) Now I have to admit that this version of the song is just superb. I can't get over that she sang this song. I have fallen in love with this song and her singing it. Her vocals are ontact. This song shows her upp register very well.

9.Open Arms-(2/5) Corey has a ok voice but it kinda gets on my nerves and I love the song but I didn't like his vocals on this song.

10.How Do I Live (Without You)- (4/5) I think this shows Carmen best singing with her voice. You can her her vibrato a little bit in only certain parts but otherwise she totally got rid of her vibrato.

11.Over the Rainbow-(5/5) Kimberley pulls off this song with ease. I love when she first sang it but better when it was studio recorded.l I can listen to this song over and over again. Her vocals are the best of the girls in the competition and this song proves it.

12. Overjoyed-(4/5) Now I wish Charles went farther in the competition I liked his voice and he makes a great version of this song. Stevie Wonder is hard to pull off and I think he did it well. His vocals are good.

13.God Bless the U.S.A(Proud to be an American)-(3/5) I like them singing the song but it just doens't hit me hard like all of them together but it is a good version vocals are well blended

One thing that I am disappointed with is that Vanessa didn't make it onto the cd because I liked her voice also.

I love this CD, almost all the kids sound great. It could have been better by eliminating What the World Needs Now and letting Vanessa Oliveraz have a song (and why is she NOT on here? the hell?), but its great. Each performer really plays to their strengths.

1. What the World Needs Now-The kids sound great, but I HATE THIS #&^(*^#( SONG! What a sappy piece of junk. The melody is simplistic, the lyrics banal and trite. Pavoratti couldn't sell this one, and neither can the Idols, though they sure try. No stars.

2. Superstar-Rueben. Nice. Very Nice. It's a little too long, but it really shows off Ruben's soulful voice. One thing that annoys me-why does he always say "And your guitar...And you sound so sweet and clear" its "And your guitar-it sounds so sweet and clear." Annoys me every time. I'm petty I know. 4.5 stars.

3. On the Wings of Love-Clay. Outstanding. Perfect or close to it. He hits every note and really shows off that incredible range. 5 stars.

4. At Last-Julia. Hmm, where was this girl on the show? Julia proves she does have a great voice. Anyway who could sing this and not pale in comparison to Etta James would be doing good. Julia does that and more. Impressive. 4.5 stars.

5. 3 Times a Lady-Josh. Another surprising performance-Josh does really well here. No pitch problems, and none of that fake twang he sported on the show. Just pure emotion. Confused by the reviewers who say he's singing for his wife-listen to the words, this is a breakup song-but a great interpretation. 4 stars.

6. Let's Stay Together-Trenyce. Trenyce does something I thought would be impossible, she makes me like this song. Tina Turner, one of my favorite singers, couldn't do that. But Trenyce's interpertation is really great and totally original. On the show, though I loved her voice, I often thought she was just imitating. Here, she makes the song her own, and really shows some style. 4 stars.

7. Back At One-Rickey. Not my favorite song, and not my favorite singer, but its not bad. He has a better voice than I gave him credit for, but this still isn't one of my favorites. 3 stars.

8. Killing Me Softly-Kim C. WOW! Kim C's interpretation is really original and very, very good. If you could imagine a hybrid of Melissa Etheridge's grit and Roberta Flack's soul, that might be what Kim does here. It sounds great and it really shows some unique style. Excellent. 4.5 stars.

9. Open Arms-Corey. ARGH! Hated him on the show. Hate him here. Hate him. He uses that horrible falsetto in full force here, and sounds every minute as if he's just tottering on the edge of a voice crack. Horrid. 1 star.

10. How Do I Live-Carmen. Another great job of playing to her strengths. She's not LeAnn or Trisha and she wisely doesn't try to be. Instead, she just sings the song sweetly and sincerely and its very enjoyable. Totally unique and refreshing. 3.5 stars.

11. Over the Rainbow-Kim L. I love her, and her voice is impressive, no question. I never liked the way she sang this song. She oversings. This is a lullaby-not the showstopper of a Broadway production. Again, sounds great, but just totally inappropriate material. 5 stars for her singing, 1 star for vocal interpertation.

12. Overjoyed-Charles. Not bad, but nothing memorable either. He's got a good voice, but the song is just bland. 2 stars.

13. God Bless the USA-All. Not my favorite song either, but the kids do a great job with it. Good closer. 3 stars.

This years group of American Idol wannabes is a very talented group. All 11 finalasts have their own unique quality that makes them stand out in their own way. However, there is not one of them that has blown me way like Kelly and Tamayra did last year, except for Clay, but thats besides the point. Heres the lowdown:

Superstar-Ruben-Rubens velvet voice is in full effect on this beautiful ballad. Many predict he will win. 9/10

On The Wings of Love-Clay-Clay is the winner in my opinion. His stunning tenor sounds effortless. A cheesy song yes, but Clay makes it his own and he sounds incredible. Its nice to finally have his voice on CD. 10/10

At Last-Julia-What a disappointment. He basically ruins this Etta James classic. She should have done Breathe by Faith Hill and should never ever sing this song again. 1/10

Three Times a Lady-Josh-Josh is a very likeable performer with a nice, rich voice. Perfect song for him, and he sounds great. 8/10

Lets Stay Together-Treynyce-Her sultry powerful pipes are missing on this version. Her live version blew me away, but she still has star quality and I would buy her cd the day it came out. 8/10

Back At One-Ricky-I have to admit I was never a fan of Ricky Smiths, but he sounds wonderful on Brian Mcknights stunning ballad. He basically imitates every note and riff, but thats pretty impressive considering Brian Mcknight is one of todays most gifted vocalists. 8/10

Killing Me Soflty-Kimberly Caldwell-I've always like Kimberly Caldwell. Shes fun and funky with a great voice, but something is not coming across on this recording. Could have done better. 7/10

Open Arms-Corey-Clay sang this for his Top 12 performance and he did it 10 times better. Corey screehces through the whole thing 3/10

How Do I Live-Carmen-Shes sweet and young and got a very likeable quality about her. She may not have the best voice, but we all have to admit shes better than Julia. 7/10

Over The Rainbow-Kimberly Locke-Stunning. Her voice is magnificant when given the right song, and Judy Garland would be proud. 9/10

Overjoyed-Charles-Not Bad. Nothing to exciting. 6/10

God Bless the USA and What the World Needs Now are beautifully sung by the finalists. They dont have the same impact as they did when sung live, but still a great way to end the album.

I admit it...I'm a diehard AI2 fan, so my opinion of this CD may be a bit biased. While it's probably not a CD that will be around in 10 years, AI fans will definitely enjoy it. My only real problem is the sometimes tacky musical arrangement -- sounds too much like Muzak in places. The singing is great and I liked the inclusion of songs that haven't been performed on the show (i.e. Kimberly Caldwell's "Killing Me Softly.") Oh, and for Charles Grigsby fans, contrary to Amazon.com's track list, he DOES have a solo song on the CD: "Overjoyed." All in all, I'm very happy with the CD and think all AI fans will find it's definitely worth the money.

This CD shows that many of the singers (even the weaker ones in the competition) could have singing careers and decent albums.

1. What The World Needs Now- Very nicely done, although it gets boring after awhile. Clay has a strong first verse. Whats up with Julia's one note solo? Very random. (4/5).

2. Superstar- Ruben Studdard: Yes, he can sing. Yes, he has a very talented voice. But he just doesnt always do it for me. He sounds like he's singing the same thing that he always sings. I just get bored with him.(3.5/5).

3. On The Wings Of Love-Clay Aiken: The song is a bit cheesy. But Clay can sing anything and make it sound amazing. He could sing the phone book, and I'd still listen. He really shines on this song. I think he should have won American Idol 2. He's been my favorite since the first episode I saw. (5/5).

4. At Last-Julia Demato: Wow! Why didn't Julia sing this way on the show? I think her rendition is beautiful. My one complaint is that maybe it was the studio making her sound this amazing- if not though, awesome. (4.5/5.)

5. Three Times A Lady- Josh Gracin: This song is helping me block out some downright painful performances of his on the show such as "Celebration", "Bad Blood", and "Jive Talking". He sounds good on the song, but he should lose the twang sometimes. (3/5.).

6. Lets Stay Together- Trenyce: I really like the song, its fun and catchy. Trenyce really does a great job, and her voice is well showcased. She deserved a spot in the final four for sure. (5/5).

7. Back At One- Rickey Smith: Poor Rickey in the fact that he only placed in the top eight. He does a decent rendition of the song and it proves he should have gone further then he did. Very solid singing, just not one of my favorites. (4/5).

8. Killing Me Softly With His Song- Kimberly Caldwell: This is my third favorite song on the CD. She sounds beautiful. I liked her voice on the show just okay, but if she does ever get a contract, I'll think about buying her CD. Because she does an awesome job on this song. (5/5.)

9. Open Arms- Corey Clark: The worst song on the CD. Corey can NOT sing. I hate his voice and his skanky "bad boy" personality. He sounds like an off pitch girl on this song. Clay outsang by so far on the show. Painful. Just painful (As Simon would say, just not good enough. I just try to replace his version with Clay's in my head (0/5).

10. How Do I Live Without You- Carmen: *shrug* I like the song because its how I feel about Clay Aiken ;). Carmen does a good job with it, she sounds nice. Like Josh, it helps me forget some of her painful perfomances. I like it, what can I say. (4.5/5).

11. Overjoyed- Charles Grigsby: I just don't like the song. Charles sings it well enough though. (3.5/5).

12. Somewhere Over The Rainbow- Kimberley Locke: I adore Kim's voice, she is my second favorite Idol. But the song bores me to tears, she could have picked a better one. But she sounds good. (4/5).

13. God Bless The U.S.A- They sound great and I can see why this has been the number one single for weeks in the country. I love it, and this song got me obsessed with the whole show.(5/5)

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE - ALL:
Good song, again...great solos, but the one that stood out the most in that song was Trenyce. Overall...9/10

SUPERSTAR - RUBEN STUDDARD:
The is a fantasic song, but the way Ruben does it is kind of annoying. I was never crazy about his arrangment. 7/10

ON THE WINGS OF LOVE - CLAY AIKEN:
Without a doubt, the best song on the CD. Clay should have taken the title of AI2. He is an amazing talent. His vocals and song choice were spot on! 10/10

AT LAST - JULIA DEMATO:
I am suprised that Julia didn't get further in the competition. She accually has a very good voice, and I would have liked to see her perform this song on American Idol. I've heard about her new single. But I want to hear more! IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WHERE TO LOOK FOR HER SINGLE..... e-mail me at AJR1800PREP@CHARTER.NET SONG...9/10

THREE TIMES A LADY - JOSH GRACIN:
Nah! This guy was born to do country! This style isn't for him. I'd say one of his worst songs on the CD. Honestly. 6/10

LET'S STAY TOGETHER - TRENYCE:
Yes, Yes, Yes! The right song for the right person! I think that Trenyce needs a recording contract badly! She is one of the best singers I've heard in American Idol Seasons 1, 2, and 3! Top 3 on the CD. 9/10

BACK AT ONE- RICKY SMITH:
He sure can sing, but at parts of this song, I cringed, and wished he hadn't have tried to hit the high notes. After I listened to Ricky's arrangment, I went and switched it over to Brian McKnight and got chills. This rendition...7/10

KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HIS SONG - KIMBERLY CALDWELL:
No questions asked, the worst on the CD. I am a fan of Kim, but her song choice is 2/10. Literally! And her vocals are 7/10.

OPEN ARMS - COREY CLARK:
One of the best song choices on the entire thing! His voice is a little too high. But he nailed this song! Props up the wall!
9/10

HOW DO I LIVE (WITHOUT YOU) - CARMEN RASMUSEN:
I happen to find Carmen to be a little bit nasal. She sings out of her nose mostly through this song. Great song choice, but I don't think Carmen is a country girl.
VOCALS: 6/10
SONG CHOICE: 10/10

OVER THE RAINBOW - KIMBERLEY LOCKE:
I voted fo Kimberley throughout the entire competion, but this didn't do it for me. It was sweet and text book. But I think that she could make a living off of her voice. It's unique!
VOCALS: 9/10
SONG CHOICE: 7/10

OVERJOYED - ALL:
Great song and great vocals! Done very well. 9/10

Whole CD - 9/10
I totaly recomend it!

1. What the World Needs Now - American Idol 10 Finalists
I would like to state that this was a great way to start the CD. I was really pleased to hear this on the CD, especially since I missed the version on the show.
2. Superstar - Ruben Studdard
As much as I hate to say it, this was my least favorite song on the entire CD. I thought it was way too slow (And too long!)and had no change in emotion. I didn't feel any of the pain this song sings about. After hearing it the first time, I have skipped this track ever since.
3. On The Wings of Love - Clay Aiken
Really disappointed that Clay didn't sing Open Arms, but I thought this was a nice understated version of the song. Great version, proves why he has made it so far.
4. At Last - Julia DeMato
If I had heard Julia sound like this on TV, I probably would have voted to keep her on the show. This was one of the best tracks on the CD.
5. Three Times A Lady - Joshua Gracin
I don't remember him singing this on the show. I still think his best performance was "I'll Be", but not bad.
6. Let's Stay Together - Trenyce
I liked the TV version much better, Trenyce is a much better performer to watch than to actually listen to. Still a great song.
7. Back at One - Rickey Smith
Wow, this is why I felt Rickey was robbed. What a great rendition.
8. Killing Me Softly With His Song - Kimberly Caldwell
Pretty decent performance, right in her vocal range.
9. Open Arms - Corey Clark
When I first heard this, I had to ask myself which of the women were still left, then I looked at the CD cover and saw Corey's name. Now I understand all of the comments about his upper register. His best performance.
10. How Do I Live - Carmen Rasmusen
Way too low, I could barely hear her, she was ok.
11. Over The Rainbow - Kimberley Locke
Awful, the only other track I skip over.
12. Overjoyed - Charles Grigsby
Excellent rendition. This song shows why Charles was the first person selected to the Top 12.
13. God Bless the USA - American Idol 10 Finalists
Great way to end the CD.
For all that too many of the tracks were a real disappointment. I am so glad I bought this CD, as this is probably the last we will hear from at least half of the singers. I recommend if you love the show, you will really enjoy the CD. Great fun to listen to.

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I love the CD & I think the season 2 finalists were much better than season 1 (Kelly was the only one who really had it in season 1). Some things suprised me on this CD and some were simply awesome as expected.

Here's some highlights according to me...

As expected...Clay is awesome & should've won the competition! It doesn't matter anyhow cuz he's so universally talented & loved among all ages! He'll succeed no doubt!

My favorite song by Ruben on AI was Superstar...I was singing it practially everyday since I first heard him sing it, but this version is much slower. I like the show version better.

Julia DeMato sounds GREAT on this CD! I always liked her best of the gals, but she would've made it further along if she sang all of her other performances like this!

Josh, perfection as expected!

Trenyce, beautiful as expected!

Rickey was never one of my favorites, but I really love his version of the song on this CD!

Couldn't wait for Kimberly Caldwell to be voted off the show, but this is the only time I thought she sounded REALLY GREAT! Possibly my favorite on the CD (aside from Clay since I'm biased & he's the best ever...he's my all time favorite!), but definitely top 2.

Corey & Carmen...I never knew how they made it that far in the competition, and the CD songs didn't make me feel any different.

Kimberley Locke, beautiful as always!

Charles Grigsby, sweet and adorable as always!

On the Wings of Love is such a pretty song! Clay Aiken did an amazing job as always. And I LOVE the song. Nice to have him on a CD. Can't wait for more the others are okay but Clay's song was the best.