Real Life

RJ Helton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 23, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Gospocentric
• ASIN: B0001JXP34
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (191 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #248,478 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Even If

2. My Devotion

3. Love Song

4. All We Need To Know

5. Freedom

6. Tell Me

7. Why Don't We Pray

8. Delicate Child

9. Forgive

10. Crazy

11. Missing Me

12. Canto De Amor

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Few artists ever reach a level of success that affords them the opportunity to appear on television in front of over 25 million music lovers weekly or tour arenas nationwide in fron of throngs of screaming fans. But thanks to the wildly successful "American Idol" TV program on FOX, those dreams became reality for RJ Helton even before he signed a deal with B-Rite Music earlier this year to record his debut album. After finishing in the Top 5 on AI’s first season (along with the now-platinum Kelly Clarkson), RJ relishes the chance to flex his pop panache on REAL LIFE.

Product Description

Demonstrating a command of urban/pop/Latin vocal stylings only hinted at on American Idol, Helton moves effortlessly through the funky beats of "Tell Me" to the smooth licks of "Love Song" and "All We Need To Know."

Filled with pop, urban/hip-hop grooves, searing, scorching ballads, and Latin strings, this impressive album will give the world a glimpse into RJ the songwriter and artist. REAL LIFE is sure to please RJ’s scores of fans while at the same time winning over new ones everywhere!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm FLOORED., June 26, 2005

By 

Lubug "Lu" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real Life (Audio CD)

Who'd have EVER thought this kid would've made such a GREAT album? I certainly didn't, and he certainly proved me wrong. I was never a fan of him on American Idol. I rooted for him to get voted off along with Jim Verraros and A.J. whateverhislastnameis since the very beginning. His stage presence wasn't very good, and his voice rarely complimented the songs he chose, though he did have a good voice. After hearing this CD, though, my opinion has totally changed-and I find RJ to have more potential than other contestants who placed even higher than him in other seasons of AI.

I heard "Even If" on LAUNCHcast Radio (Yahoo) a while back and came over to Amazon to listen to the samples. Surprisingly enough I enjoyed the majority of them, so I went out and bought the CD (which I enventually rebought when it cracked in half.) Not knowing this was a Christian CD I went into it with an open mind-Now, having found out a few months later, I'm still amazed at how mellow it is. I usually stray away from 'preachy' music...after all if I wanted to be recruited I'd have gone to church last Sunday but this CD is definately one of the exceptions.

RJs R&B vibe took me aback at first. 'Even If' has become one of my favorite songs of his, with a catchy chorus and great vocals. The song tells of his relationship with God and I allows me to strenghten my religious relationship with the Lord as well, in the privacy of my own home without people judging me. I was also surprised with "My Devotion", "Freedom", and "Why don't we pray?", all three venturing out for a hip hop sound, even including some good old religious rappers. The vibe of the overall CD remains fun and unique-even with slower songs such as "Even If", "Delicate Child" and "Missing Me" (an almost more gospel sounding song). "Canto de Amor" ("Love Song" in Spanish AKA: Track 3) proves to be an added bonus, and gives way to RJ's latin vibe, adding to the diversity of the CD.

This is a great CD for many reasons, but I'd recommend this CD to anyone despite hesitance over religion or even RJs previous American Idol experiences. The vocals, mainly R&B sounding, are perfect for this style of music and the song choices were brilliant. This CD is truly a delight and I hope he releases a sophomore album in the near future.

6/5 for Helton, if only the ratings would let me give higher.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine album...great vocals and songs with meaning!, April 9, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Real Life (Audio CD)

A first class product here. The vocal stylings and the interpretation are just right on...track after track. And the songs...such variety....from message songs...to love songs....to dance songs....all handled so amazingly well. A great album!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well well well!, April 8, 2004

By 

Kevin Fox (Big Stone Gap, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real Life (Audio CD)

During American Idol-Season 1, he didn't really impress me, but listening to his CD changed that! I have a new found respect for the guy, spreading his love of God through his music. God will bless him.