Customer Reviews

My Destiny / Somewhere Over the Rainbow

5 star:		(367)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(27)

 

 

Ok, when she sang My Destiny on the show, I was extremely dissapointed at the level of cheesiness of the song. The recorded version here on the other hand, is far from that. The song is beautiful, especially the beginning. I did not expect My Destiny to be so good. Somewhere Over the Rainbow I think we all know she can sing. This recorded version is my favorite version right now, it is just phenomonal. Both singles in my opinion are very beautifully sung, a steal for sure!

..and please do not listen to the haters. I doubt they have even bought the single, or listened to them for that matter. Buy it or listen to the iTunes clip, judge for yourself. I have and right now I am just very impressed with this result.

While it's gratifying to see reviews here with constructive criticism for Katharine's amazing debut singles, it hadn't been that way until Amazon (thanks to them) took care of some problems. But I think most smart shoppers want to deal in reality and seek out the truth of what makes these outstanding performances worth buying. And those truths are:

First, are these two singles "My Destiny" and "(Somewhere) Over the Rainbow" really made for pop radio? Yes, they are. If you listen very carefully, you'll see that both songs were re-arranged so they fit in just fine with modern-day radio...whether that be Top 40 for "MD"--or Adult Contemporary for "OTR." Don't let anybody tell you that these songs can't resonate with a modern audience. "Over the Rainbow" may be a song written in 1939, but Katharine takes the song to another place. Also, the lyrics of "My Destiny" now have a powerful meaning if you bother to know a little about Katharine's life. And that brings me to...

Second, does Katharine make these songs all her own as well as making them sound like she's singing them just for you? Absolutely! Perhaps those who followed her journey a little closer on "American Idol" would understand better, but there's a lot of strong emotion in these songs that will really take you on a satisfying ride of longing, pain, hope and redemption. Katharine managed to turn "OTR" into something fresh from a different perspective...both on "AI" and on this recording. With recent reports that Katharine's had a lot more pain and struggle in her life than people ever knew, the lyrics to "MD" are put in a different context that becomes hauntingly poignant, yet life-affirming. And for those who voted for Katharine every week on "AI", Kat is singing right to you in these songs. She has that power to draw you in as if she's singing her thoughts to you in your own living room. Just watch her past performances on "AI" and her use of the camera to witness that. It also translates just as well with only her voice and personality on this CD.

Third, does Kat's voice compete with all the other great voices in the music marketplace? Beyond words, yes. Now, understand that perhaps pop divas like Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey may have slightly better technical ability. Even that's arguable when Katharine is in perfect vocal health and not suffering from nerves and illness as she did toward the end of "AI." But there's something magical in a voice called vocal timbre that can get into your mind and heart and make you feel euphoric when you hear one that's special. Kat's voice stands out and haunts you when you hear it on certain phrases of just about any song she sings. Her vocal purity is very rare and can only be compared to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, Karen Carpenter and perhaps Jane Monheit (who Kat recently cited as a vocal influence).

Fourth, does Kat's pure voice maybe supercede the material on this CD single? Well, yes and no. Many Kat fans initially thought "My Destiny" wasn't the greatest song in the world for her to sing as her debut single. "Over the Rainbow" has been covered more times than some can count. But while the arrangements of these songs still work--they only provide the backdrop to Kat's ease of original styling and my aforementioned vocal purity.

When you add these four truths together, and give them all a chance to settle in your mind, this debut single by Katharine McPhee will make you feel powerful emotions you don't always get in pop music. While I believe Katharine is too good for the pop category itself, be glad she's there at the moment, because it's the most enriching pop music you'll probably hear in a long time.

These singles deserve a deep and respectable analysis, because some are obviously out to discredit high art just for no particular reason.

Above everything, we're witnessing one of the great voices of our time making her debut with this CD. Those looking for real voices that stay with you and meaning in music, buy this and savor it as a stunning preview of what's to come for this brilliant artist...

I was waiting until this day to listen to the singles because I didnt want to ruin the surprise, and oh my god - it was so worth the wait!

These songs are incredible!

I can't stop listening to them. They gave me the chills, and I still have them.

Watch out world - Katharine McPhee has arrived.

I have been involved in the Performing Arts for over 40 years. (I am currently in rehearsal for a production of West Side Story) During that time I have heard and encountered countless singers: Operatic, Pop, Jazz, Broadway, you name it. Some good, some bad, some destined for Legendary Stardom because of their ability.

Katharine McPhee is in that final category. When I draw comparisons, the names Streisand, Houston and Dion come to mind. Then I think about the fact that she is only 22. As her career progresses, it boggles my ming to think of the level of artistry she has the potential to reach, across performance genres.

Combine that with the outstanding production on this recording, it's a sure hit! It will probably become a collector's item.

BUY IT!!

The first time I heard Katharine sing was when she sang "Someone To Watch Over Me". I knew then she is a star and "the american idol". Not only was I impressed, I melted away. In my opinion, she is the best vocalist in all AI seasons and one of the most talented. It should have been a realistic and fair contest, if that which is so obvious (talent) would only matter, but incidentally, it had seemed more of a tragedy to me, as predetermined by those that declare the outcome, than true destiny, with what happened in this season's AI. Katharine was the most "criticized" contestant, and the most "praised" as well, and perhaps the most taken for granted too. She had most of the intense situations where fans had to write the producers complaints about unfairness to which the judges had to apologize for their admittance of it. She had the most memorable performances a fan could ever wish for, and she also had the most surprising turn of event that fans had never been able to deal with, of which she had no fault but which we (fans) all know she would have to painfully endure in the end. "Oh, the fangs and stings of life, could only make you more alive!"

"Over The Rainbow" version of Katharine McPhee is a sure HIT and a new CLASSIC! Its new sophisticated tone gives the song almost a new meaning to it, but only more PROFOUND, to say the least. I actually preferred this version to the other arrangements Katharine did before on AI. Her pure and lovely voice creates the most perfect emotional feeling that this song dares to provide. Brilliant rendition! I thought this version will have much new appeal with both the old and the younger generation.

"My Destiny" has a beautiful nostalgic-melancholic element, and I could cry listening to it but I listen to it over and over again. Contrary to some negative reviews, the melody of the song, actually, has an inherent spontaneity to be liked that could easily grow on you, and where the predictability is an intended part of its strength and value. It is a great, respectable ballad with a touching story of Katharine's journey in AI and her fate, sung in the tune of a grateful heart.

I highly recommend this CD single to anyone who loves music. I bought 5 of her CD single today and will buy more to give as gifts and keep some for my collection. This record is just a taste of what is yet to come. With Katharine's natural talent and versatility, expect similar and other genres and styles when her album arrives later this year, which makes the wait more excitable, indeed. Be an integral part of a great artist's career. Buy this CD today and experience a taste of McFEEVER. I did and I got it, including the chills. The CD is A super HIT, a new classic, a great debut single, a MUST-HAVE, a valuable collector item! Congratulations, Katharine, and all the very best to you for a great successful career ahead!

This singles album is truly mesmerizing. If you just close your eyes and listen to "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" you will understand what I mean. I think Katharine is under estimated by people. Yes, I know some people acknowledge the fact that she has sheer talent, but I think she has the potential to be an even more incredible vocalist than what she already is. She will grow and become wiser and eventually become an Etta, or Whitney, or a Barbara.

[...]

Kat has an absolutely fantastic voice and this single proves that. She's made "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in to a song that I can listen to over and over again! Can't wait for her full, upcoming release! Best voice I've heard in ages!

...Katharine somehow translated the raw, hopeful, and melancholy sound of her AI star-making performance of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" onto the CD...it is one of those songs that you must be in a room of complete silence and you just have to listen to the passion and grace in her voice. The slight touches and additions to this song only make it stronger. Sounds amazing.

And just like reports have said, "My Destiny" sounds a billion times better on here than it did during her performance of it on the finale (where she sang it in a lower key due to being on bed rest)...and it also sparkles. She turns what could be another unruly Idol song into something of a lovely quality.

Katharine McPhee really has a gift and hopefully this is just a prelude of many wonderful melodies from Kat to come.

Katharine McPhee is the real deal. Her new single "My Destiny" is far and away much better than what we heard in the American Idol final. With her dynamic range and emotional singing, McPhee takes My Destiny to a level that few new artists can. If you sit and really listen to her vocals on this song, you will truly hear a star on the rise. She sings with passion and intention, and it is ironic but the lyrics in My Destiny are perfect for McPhee given her recent disclosure with her bout with bulimia. The emotion with which she sings this song must have been inspired with her own personal issues that she has so impressively conquered. We can all relate to My Destiny on many levels, and though some would say the lyrics are contrived and the song itself is only average, it has a simplicity about it that does ring true for many of us, and McPhee treats it with both sensitivity and a sense of power that will send shivers up your spine...McPhee's rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is a rarity. This song has been recorded by numerous artists and McPhee gives it her own unique feel that sets it apart from most versions. Yes, you have heard the song many times, but it is refreshing to hear a new artist with such a bright future sing it with a passion only her own. On "Somewhere" she demonstrates that she can sound great in both the low and high registers, proving that she has the ability to tackle a diverse range of songs. With this we can expect a wide range of tunes from her in the future. From pop and ballads to jazz and the standards, McPhee will garner a wide and diverse audience throughout her career, that much is clear. Does she have room to grow? - most definitely. She is a young artist with some rough edges but with amazing potential, and she will only improve as she continues to bring us terrific music. Give her the opportunity that she really deserves, and make these two tunes a part of your collection, you won't be disappointed. And in doing so, you will help guarantee that we will all have the chance to watch this young talent blossom and continue to make great music for years to come!

Although I am more of a Taylor Hicks fan than Katharine McPhee, I am delighted with her first single release and would recommend it as a great alternative to some of the "trashier" songs available today from other top female singers. McPhee has a great voice and I'm looking forward to even more from her in the future. The AI competition is OVER, but these people's careers have just begun!!!