Jason Castro

Jason Castro | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 13, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic
• ASIN: B0018AOAWK
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,831 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With his rich tenor voice, distinctive looks, and endearingly innocent charm, Jason Castro won over millions of viewers as a contestant on the seventh season of American Idol, parlaying his substantial singer-songwriter appeal into a third-place
runner-up finish. He may not have won the competition, but the 22-year-old Texan earned himself a devoted fan base eager to hear what he would do once freed to perform his own songs. Those folks will get their chance with the release of Castro's self-titled debut album on Atlantic Records.
Though rooted in the classic, melody-minded singer-songwriter tradition, with heart-on-sleeve lyrics and acoustic
guitar-driven arrangements, the album brims with toe-tapping pop (first single 'Let's Just Fall In Love Again,' 'This Heart Of Mine'), strummy folk ('That's What I'm Here For,' the lilting 'If I Were You'), and electrifying rock ('Closer,' 'Heart of Stone') - all cleverly balanced with unabashedly emotional tunes like 'Love Uncompromised,' 'It Matters To Me,' 'You Can Always Come Home,' and a stunning version of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' (which Castro performed on Idol, citing Jeff Buckley's version as a huge inspiration to him as an artist).
To capture the moods he wanted, Castro collaborated with producer Eric Rosse (Sara Bareilles, Tori Amos) and a host of top-notch songwriters - including Marc Roberge of O.A.R., Gregg Wattenberg (Five For Fighting), Zac Maloy (David Cook), and Espionage (Train) - all of whom helped Castro create an earthy showcase for his considerable gifts as a vocalist,
songwriter, and musician, not to mention the warmth and sincerity that shines through everything he does. 'I feel like the album really captures my personality,' Castro says. 'People got to know me a bit on the show, so I wanted to build on that by including all these songs I've written about my life. I wanted to share with people the things that are meaningful to me.'

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Matters To Me, Too, April 13, 2010

By	Lance G. Augustine (The Midwest, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Jason Castro (Audio CD)

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+

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Home run - fresh, sweet and likeable, April 19, 2010

By	Deanna in Cali "DJ" (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jason Castro (Audio CD)

Out of all the Idol contestants debut albums, I dare say this is arguably the best. It proves the best perk of NOT winning American Idol is that you really have the opportunity to put out work that represents you as an artist as opposed to being forced to make a cookie-cutter pop cd thrown together in a few months by a mish-mosh of writers and producers paid to cash in on a contestants fame as quickly as possible before they fade from the public's mind after the season ends.

I must admit I wasn't particularly wowed by Castro on the show - thought he had a pleasant voice and different style, but that's about it (though his performance of his "Hallelujah" was memorable). After listeing to samples of this album out of curiosity, I thought it sounded great and placed my order. Anyway, there's no "breaking in" period for this album. It's filled with catchy songs that I liked instantly - the first 3 tracks in particular would be PERFECT on the sountrack/in the background of a romantic comedy. In fact, I wouldn't be suprised if I start hearing these songs in movies soon.

This is one of the very few albums I own that I can listen to straight through because I like all the songs on it (some more than others). Two favorites that stick out are "That's What I'm here For" [sweet, genuine, mid-tempo with nice string arrangement] and "Closer" [also mid-tempo; more upbeat].

My only gripe is that I pre-ordered my copy on Amazon months ago, and I wish they would have sent me a notice saying a longer version was also going to be released because I sure would have loved to have those 3 extra tracks which I'll now have to buy separately. :( Do yourself a favor and get the extended edition.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Just Love it, April 13, 2010

By	S. Florian - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Jason Castro (Audio CD)

I am so glad that I purchased this Album. It is fantastic!!! His voice is so pure and sensual. You can really feel the emotion behind the words. Great Job with this Jason.