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Editorial Reviews
Produced by Grammy nominated Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, Three Doors Down), Memories of a Beautiful Disaster, the debut album from American Idol finalist James Durbin reveals why he was such a fan favorite on the hit show. Known for his live performances, the 11 tracks demonstrate Durbin's vocal prowess and hard-charging musical style.
"I tried to make the album as much like a real, live experience as possible," Durbin says. "You can't get everything from a live show onto an album, so I want people to enjoy the album and then come see the show.
Durbin's powerful vocals are best heard on the opening song, "Higher Than Heaven" and "Love Me Bad," both showcasing his reach and lyrical sensitivity. Durbin recorded the track, "Stand Up" for the NFL and it has been used in team promotions for the 2011 season. In addition, the U.S. Army has licensed "Right Behind You."
Adding in Durbin's strength to overcome both Tourette's Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome, it's no surprise that over 30 million viewers of American Idol felt impassioned by his performance and helped led the way in discovering this breakout star. Memories of a Beautiful Disaster is full of varying moods, tempos, and tones. As he says, "It's my take on rock, which is all about having a good time. It's who I am and what I listen to."
"I tried to make the album as much like a real, live experience as possible," Durbin says. "You can't get everything from a live show onto an album, so I want people to enjoy the album and then come see the show.
Durbin's powerful vocals are best heard on the opening song, "Higher Than Heaven" and "Love Me Bad," both showcasing his reach and lyrical sensitivity. Durbin recorded the track, "Stand Up" for the NFL and it has been used in team promotions for the 2011 season. In addition, the U.S. Army has licensed "Right Behind You."
Adding in Durbin's strength to overcome both Tourette's Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome, it's no surprise that over 30 million viewers of American Idol felt impassioned by his performance and helped led the way in discovering this breakout star. Memories of a Beautiful Disaster is full of varying moods, tempos, and tones. As he says, "It's my take on rock, which is all about having a good time. It's who I am and what I listen to."
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
While Haley Reinhart slowly grew on my during Idol's latest season, I was a James Durbin fan from the early auditions. With just the right mix of charm, humility, swagger and power, this kid was likely born to a chorus of deafening stage pyrotechnics. As the episodes played out, I secretly hoped James would eventually deliver the hurricane rocking, arena leveling, metal album that Adam Lambert could have, but didn't. I just picked up James' debut and I am loving every blistering note.
The early reviews made me fear James played it safe with a bunch of over-produced, middle of the road, Daughtry-esque cow pies - but he didn't - this album ROCKS! I can see how those hoping he would deliver a true metal album along the likes of Anvil, Slayer or Metallica would be disappointed. But my favorite metal albums of all time are Appetite For Destruction (G&R), Dr. Feelgood (Motley Crue), Mechanical Resonance (Tesla), Big Game (White Lion), Long Cold Winter (Cinderella), and Extreme (Extreme) - and if you like those albums, you will likely love this. Big guitars - monster choruses - great vocals - and a groupie-filled busload of just plain fun. James is not the Prince of Freaking Darkness - he's just a kid who loves to rock and his enthusiasm resonates on each track. This is an album for aging metalheads and their kids. The Crue's Mick Mars shows up on one of the album's hardest rocking numbers and sounds more shockingly-still-alive than ever.
My only beef - that some other platforms were given bonus tracks - and that you would have to patronize said evil platforms to get them. To make things worse, one of these bonus tracks is already out of print. Here's my solution - buy the album here (you won't find a better price anywhere else) - help James get a much-deserved hit record - go see him when he tours - and then use your search engine to find the missing tracks elsewhere by however means you see fit (its no Occupy Wall Street, but every protest helps discourage labels from doing this).
The early reviews made me fear James played it safe with a bunch of over-produced, middle of the road, Daughtry-esque cow pies - but he didn't - this album ROCKS! I can see how those hoping he would deliver a true metal album along the likes of Anvil, Slayer or Metallica would be disappointed. But my favorite metal albums of all time are Appetite For Destruction (G&R), Dr. Feelgood (Motley Crue), Mechanical Resonance (Tesla), Big Game (White Lion), Long Cold Winter (Cinderella), and Extreme (Extreme) - and if you like those albums, you will likely love this. Big guitars - monster choruses - great vocals - and a groupie-filled busload of just plain fun. James is not the Prince of Freaking Darkness - he's just a kid who loves to rock and his enthusiasm resonates on each track. This is an album for aging metalheads and their kids. The Crue's Mick Mars shows up on one of the album's hardest rocking numbers and sounds more shockingly-still-alive than ever.
My only beef - that some other platforms were given bonus tracks - and that you would have to patronize said evil platforms to get them. To make things worse, one of these bonus tracks is already out of print. Here's my solution - buy the album here (you won't find a better price anywhere else) - help James get a much-deserved hit record - go see him when he tours - and then use your search engine to find the missing tracks elsewhere by however means you see fit (its no Occupy Wall Street, but every protest helps discourage labels from doing this).
37 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This album is way, way, underrated. Don't be thrown off by negative reviews by the fans of other contestants that James competed against in that silly thing called American Idol. This album is legit, James is legit, this is an outstanding first effort. Every song on here exhibits James's versatility in some way, hard rocking songs like 'Deeper', 'Outcast','Higher Than Heaven','Stand Up', mid-tempo melodic songs like 'Love in Ruins', 'Love Me Bad', down to a touching pure ballad called 'May', it's all there for his fans to enjoy and they are all good. Download his bonus songs off of itunes, 'Crawling Home',the anthemic 'Liberate', and 'Back for More' - I have know idea why these were not regular songs because they are among his best.
I've re-written this review because since I purchased the CD in November it is still my favorite one to play, I never tire of it. Highly recommend.
I've re-written this review because since I purchased the CD in November it is still my favorite one to play, I never tire of it. Highly recommend.
15 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Holy Cow! I've been waiting for this album since last spring and . . . IT IS AWESOME!! His pipes - his range - and his musicality are unbelievable. His music comes from where all truly good music comes from - deep inside a heart that's had life experience and wants to share the beauty of that experience. His unbridled enthusiasm in "Stand Up" as well as the pureness of emotion that is oozing and tangible in songs like "May" are true art. He has an impressive range in his voice and his emotions. This is the beginning of a long and successful career for James Durbin!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
fabulous first effort!
I watched James Durbin on Idol and was pretty impressed with his talent. I'm glad I picked up his album and believe that James may, in fact, be a new force to be reckoned with in... Read more
Published 4 days ago by Brian Conklin-Powers
James Durbin is a "Rainbow in the Dark"
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about "James Dubin's" debut album after he left Idol, and especially after hearing his cover of Green Day's "Good Riddance". Read more
Published 4 days ago by The Outcast
outstanding
i have not put this album down since i received it... every song is true to james durbin!! this is a must buy
Published 14 days ago by Suzanne O. Farrell
Just what I wanted
This is just the kind of album I had hoped James would make. If you liked James before, this album will not disappoint .
Published 1 month ago by Rob
Definitely Not Metal
This will not be a review that knocks James. The talent is there because I saw it on Idol and I was a huge fan. Maybe I still am ? I'll have to wait for another CD. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Bill Thomson
James
What can I say about James, I hope he is around for the rest of my life. I loved watching him on American Idol and I purposely went to the American Idol concert to see if he was as... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Varity
Keep it up!
James is an amazing artist, but the album didn't have the quality of a top rated or TOP PRODUCED C/D that we all expect. Connect with the right people. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Krystle
Great music
After hearing James on American Idol my expectations were high and I have to say the album did not disappoint. Read more
Published 2 months ago by lb1569
Nice first album
Nice first album. My favorite song is "Love in Ruin". I admire the charity work James Durbin is doing in the community also.
Published 2 months ago by Julie Wilmes
Great Album!
I watched James Durbin all Season 10 of American Idol. I downloaded all his songs...let's say, I am a fan!! This album is great!! He is definitely a great rock artist!! Read more
Published 2 months ago by SuzieW
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