Customer Reviews

Canadian Idol: Greatest Moments

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Canadian Idol album is obviously not something one would buy if they were not a fan of the show. I was a huge fan, of course, and therefore bought it. I was somewhat disappointed with some tracks, and others really surprised me. Many of the songs sounded nothing like they did on the show, which can sometimes be a good thing, other times... not so much. I personally think this album shouldn't have come out until after the completion of the show, that way the competitors could have sung their best songs for the entire season, not just the begining. Here's my song-by-song review...

1. REFLECTION (AUDREY DE MONTIGNY): (3/5) The album starts out extremely weak with this song choice. I have no idea what happened in the studio with this one, but Audrey sounded much, much better on the show (I should know, I voted for her that night!). I don't mind her accent (French), but it comes through a bit too stong on this track, and I think the producers may have told her to so, since it didn't shine through nearly as much when she performed 'Reflection' on the show. Needless to say, I was very dissappointed upon hearing this track, seeing as Audrey was one of my favorite competitors.

2. DON'T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME (TYLER HAMILTON): (5/5) This is definitely an amazing track. Tyler has a wonderful voice, and I was very dissappointed to see him go so soon in the show. This was definitely his best performance, and definitely a perfect choice for his contribution to the album.

3. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU (CANDIDA CLAUSERI): (5/5) This was the song that got Candida into the top 11. Unfortunatly, it seems this was the only song she could sing well. Thankfully, we don't have to listen to her sing any other tracks on the album, and this song is so wonderfully sung, it doesn't matter how badly she sings anything else.

4. COME AWAY WITH ME (KAREN LEE BATTEN): (4/5) I'll be honest here, I really don't like this song. I mean, I really can't stand it. Fortunatly Karen Lee has such an excellent voice, I'm willing to put my prejudice for the song aside to rate this track. Karen Lee was one of my favorite competitors, and though I wish they had put her version of 'Black Velvet' on this album, she still sounds so amazing she definitely deserves the four stars.

5. AT THIS MOMENT (GARY BEALS): (4/5) I wasn't a huge fan of Gary, and I really don't think he deserved to come in second place, but I have to give him credit with this song. His voice sounds wonderful, and his emotion really shines through. This was definitely the best choice of song for him.

6. SOMETIMES WHEN WE TOUCH (MIKEY BUSTOS): (1/5) If I could give this song a negative rating I would. Mikey was my least favorite competitor in the entire competition. The only song he ever sounded good singing was the one he sang during his audition. If they had put that song on instead of this, it would have been much better. His voice is too breathey and he sounds as though he is dying. This really is a horrible track.

7. TOWER OF SONG (JENNY GEAR): (4/5) I didn't like Jenny Gear on the show. She seemed nice enough, but I really didn't like her voice, or her... stage presence. This song was quite a happy surprise for me though. I'm not sure what the producers did, but she really sounds quite good on this track. Maybe she sounds better whan you don't have to look at her facial expressions during her performances.

8. SUPERSTAR (BILLY KLIPPERT): (5/5) Billy was probably one of my top two favorites on the show. He has an amazing voice, and he should have made it further than Gary. This song is amazing, but I really wish they would have waited until the show was complete to make this album, then Billy could have sang 'Levon.'

9. YOUR SMILING FACE (RICHIE WILCOX): (2/5) There is something wrong with this song. I don't even know how to describe it. How did Richie make it through to the top 11 singing this? Honestly, this song is horrible, it's painful to listen to. It's not as bad as Mikey's because, whereas Mikey has a bad voice, Richie's song choice was horrible, not so much his voice.

10. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE (RYAN MALCOLM): (4/5) Of course, now we've come to Ryan's song. I would have liked for Ryan to sing 'Believe,' but he couldn't, of course, because of when the album came out. This is still a good track though. I don't much care for the song, but I love Ryan's voice, and am extremely glad that he won the competition.

11. TRY IT ON MY OWN (TOYA ALEXIS): (5/5) Of course, don't they always save the best for last? Toya was arguably the best singer on the show, and deserved to have gone so much further than she did. This song is amazing. I really mean it, this is definitely the best track on the album, and probably one of the best versions I've ever heard of 'Try It On My Own.' I expect big things from Toya, she really deserves it.

After reading cookheadfred's review, I'm not sure there's any point in anyone writing another review of this CD - I could tell you right now to skip mine and look at his and you'd be better off. :) I agree that this is a CD for fans only, and I heartily agree that the "Greatest Moments" name they stuck on the front is a little misleading. There are few shining moments that even non-fans would enjoy, but an equal number of moments where they'd wonder why this CD is on the store shelves. Read on...

1. Reflection (Audrey de Montigny) - Some stunning flashes of brilliance along with moments where you wish she'd just stop singing.

2. Don't Let the Sun go Down on Me (Tyler Hamilton) - Good, reliable rendition of this well-known song. Don't think anyone would be disappointed.

3. I Will Always Love You (Candida Clauseri) - Absolutely wonderful! She sings this challenging song with power and an impressive amount of control. Sounds very professional.

4. Come Away With Me (Karen-Lee Batten) - Great performance, I'd say she does it with a great deal more soul and passion than Norah Jones did.

5. At This Moment (Gary Beals) - Wasn't a big fan of Gary, but I have to admit he does a great job with this song.

6. Sometimes When We Touch (Mikey Bustos) - Oh my. I'm sorry, but this song doesn't belong on any album. I can't listen to it, I just can't.

7. Tower of Song (Jenny Gear) - My favourite song on the album, but not my favourite song by Jenny, so what does that say about this woman's talent? Very soulful and powerful. I cannot wait to hear more from this talent.

8. Superstar (Billy Klippert) - Again, I think Billy sang better songs on the show, but I still love listening to this one. He lifts your spirits with his energy.

9. Your Smiling Face (Richie Wilcox) - Say what you will about Richie, but I CANNOT hear this song without picturing Richie himself, and well... the song says it all. This guy is human prozac, I love him.

10. Just the Way you Are (Ryan Malcolm) - Ryan could sing *anything* to me and I'd listen. Great voice. Great voice.

11. Try it on My Own (Toya Alexis) - Definitely one of the "greatest moments" they're referring to on the cd cover. I can't imagine we won't see a CD full of Toya Alexis soon.

This is a really good CD if you liked the Canadian Idol show. If you didn't, I don't even know why you're at this page, or why you're writing reviews. Almost all of the contestants were really good singers, and this CD really showcases their great singing voices. Buy this album if you like Canadian Idol.

Canadians can be proud of the talent showcased on this first Canadian Idol CD. Of the Top 11, two artists are outstanding, making this album well worth the purchase. Tyler Hamilton's rich, powerful voice and delivery is unbeatable! He has a great range, tackles a difficult song, and pulls it off masterfully in a way that would make even Elton John proud. This, coupled with his passionate edge and amazing ability to connect with his audience, make him one of the best vocally to hit our airwaves in a long time. By the judges own evaluation, Tyler Hamilton is the real deal! Billy Klippert is another who ignites his audience with his haunting, unique voice and passion. His hot good looks, charismatic delivery and rock edge sound, make him a total package deal. Both are professional, both have the makings of great artists and both make this a #1 album to buy.

I watched most of Canadian Idol, and my first impression was that it was much worse than AI. That's still my impression but this CD is not all bad. I like Ryan and Tyler on this CD but I think that Gary, Jenny and Richie are pretty horrible. Those were also the ones that I didn't like on the show. I have to skip alot of the songs on this CD. Could have been worse though.

This is a great cd. most of the songs are great and especially Billy Klippert. his version of Superstar is unreal and his song is worth the money alone. I cant wait for this guy to come out with an album of his own. he didnt win the competition but he should have.

As far as I'm concerned (and this isn't coming from some teeny bopper bubble gum manufactured band/pop idol lover) Billy Clippert alone is worth the purchase of this album. I want more! He has this incredible voice that makes you feel something. When all the rest of these people are long forgotten - Billy will be remembered & still selling records. His unique voice has depth, soul, passion - he is amazing. We need more Billy's in today's music industry. Good luck to him - I can't wait to buy his albums.

Overall I thought that Billy, Ryan and Toya were the best. I didn't watch American Idol therefore I don't know if there were many people that felt the same way I did about this album. Although Billy has a very light, soothing voice while he speaks, it's like he has an uproar as he sings. He's amazing. The worst performance on the cd would have to be Ritchie's. I'm surprised he made it as far as he did because there were many people that should've replaced him. You've got to love Canada. We like our diverse people! Go Billy!!! I can't wait for Canadian Idol 2!

This cd is worth every penny for Billy Klippert's track alone. His version of Superstar truly rocks, it's becoming apparent who the star of Canadian Idol is. The other tracks that stand out on the cd are by Ryan Malcolm and Tyler Hamilton. If you love the show, this cd is a must have.

The Canadian Idol Greatest Moments CD, (although not comprised of the actual greatest moments from the show but rather the songs that got them into the top 11), is an acurate representation of most of the artists featured on the show. One thing missing that was on both the American Idol compilations is a group performance, which would have been a great finish to the record. The accompaniment on a majority of the tracks sounds cheezy and second-rate, but the contestants' amazing voices make the CD worth buying.

/ Audrey de Montigny - Reflection: She's a great singer, but some of the notes in this song sound a bit off. Something jazzy that suited her voice would have been better.
/ Tyler Hamilton - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me: This is one of the songs that suffers from a terrible arrangement, but Tyler's voice is amazing, and he brings the song to life.
/ Candida Clauseri - I Will Always Love You: Good version of the song, and it showcases her great vocal range.
/ Karen-Lee Batten - Come Away With Me: I wasn't a big fan of her on the show, but this is one of the stronger tracks on the album. Her voice is more raw and forceful than Norah Jones', but it's a solid rendition of the song.
/ Gary Beals - At This Moment: Gary has a great vocal range, but for some reason, it sounds like he's singing ten feet away from the microphone on this track. It's a good song, it just sounds a little funny.
/ Mikey Bustos - Sometimes When We Touch: He was a bit of a dork on the show, but his vocals are great on this track. It's another cheezey arrangement with a vocalist that saves it.
/ Jenny Gear - Tower Of Song: They said on the show that 50% of people get Jenny Gear, and 50% don't. I'll admit I was in the 50% that don't, but after hearing her on CD, she's actually pretty cool. The song lets her unique style shine through, and it's a simple but good arrangement.
/ Billy Klippert - Superstar: A heavier version of the original. Very well done, although Billy sometimes gets drowned out by the music/backup vocals.
/ Richie Wilcox - Your Smiling Face: In my opinion, the weakest competitor on the show, and the weakest song on the CD. It sounds like bad karaoke. He goes into falsetto and it sounds goofy.
/ Ryan Malcolm - Just The Way You Are: Good performance, again a cheezy version of a song, but Ryan does a solid job singing it.
/ Toya Alexis - Try It On My Own: Toya could probably sing anything and make it sound good. Something that showed off her vocal range a bit more would have been a better choice, though.

Overall, it's a good CD with some flaws, but it shows each contestant's individual personality and voice. Any fan of the show would love this album.