Customer Reviews

Jason Castro [+Digital Booklet]

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

 

 

It isn't surprising to me I lost track of Jason Castro after American Idol's seventh season, even though I'd always thought he had an interesting, unique tone to his voice. I, like many others I'm sure, got so caught up in the battle of the Davids that the other contestants fell by the wayside. Besides, I didn't feel he was right for Idol's format, and I sensed his frustration and an "I don't really care" attitude about his music and his future.

Boy, was I ever wrong! Judging from what I'm hearing on his official debut, Jason not only cares about his music, he sings with such honesty and passion that listeners can't help but feel it as well.

I'm glad I didn't judge Jason's album solely on the light and fun first track, "Let's Just Fall In Love Again". While it does capture Jason's laid-back, carefree personality, it doesn't hint at the depth and quality of the songs that follow. I love that the producers have allowed Jason to be himself by keeping the overall vibe very loose and not weighing down these well-written songs with a lot of unnecessary instrumentation or special effects. Backing vocals and musical arrangements never get in the way of the acoustic guitar and Jason's intimate delivery of the mainly love/relationship-based lyrics. The record sounds natural and presents Jason as a folk pop singer-songwriter in the same vein as artists like Matt Nathanson, Jason Mraz and Gavin DeGraw.

This is truly one of those rare albums where I don't feel the need to skip over any of the tracks. However, there are four songs that move me the most. "This Heart Of Mine" is a high-energy ballad that showcases Jason's vocal range. "That's What I'm Here For" has an exquisite melody with a catchy chorus and a fantastic string arrangement. "You Can Always Come Home" is a duet where the female vocalist (Serena Ryder) sings a very complimentary harmony...everything sounds absolutely beautiful and you can really feel their connection. My personal favorite, "It Matters To Me", is a poignant, introspective ballad where the musical arrangement reminds me of some of my favorite, older Lifehouse songs...the use of delay effects creates an amazing atmosphere...simply stunning. Also, the recorded version of Jason's shining moment on American Idol ("Hallelujah") is incredible...most who felt it then should feel it now. Almost every song is fantasically melodic. It's one of those records where everything just seems to work.

Jason, you've got my attention now... A+

The popular concept is that young Jason castro was a "loser" on American Idol. Let's wait and see. How many "losers" of talent competitions have gone on to greater success than their competitors, the so called winners? It's quite a list1
Jason is young. time is his friend. He has a clear compelling voice. He uses it well. as time goes by, he will perfect his style. I may be a dreamer, and a foolish optimist but I believe we will be hearing more from him. Someday, in the not too distant future, we will see him picking up a grammy, appearing nationwide, and internationally in concert tours.
I love his CD. I predict there will be many others. He dedinitely has "IT.' And he has the rest of his life to achieve his
goals and, be an inspiration for other young performers who will follow in his footsteps. Then, our only worry will be
that he does not give in to the "evils" and temptations of success. He appears well grounded however. I hope he keeps singing, recording and performing .... how does one get to Carnegie Hall? Practice .... right?
I purchased his CD at Amazon Marketplace.

Jason Castro (from season 7 of American Idol) has released his debut album. It's acoustic pop in the vein of Jason Mraz or Jack Johnson. I love the laid-back, feel-good vibe of the songs.