Customer Reviews

Real Life

5 star:		(155)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

He touches every aspect of music that is good. Pop, urban, street, dance, ballads... who could ask for anything more as far as pure TALENT goes??? Someone with this kind of a voice doesn't come around too often. We are very lucky to have been here to experience this phenomenon. Clay and Justin even Ruben have nothing on RJ. RJ tops them all.... and then some. So if you're looking for a cd that shows pure genuine raw hardcore talent then 'Real Life' better be the very next thing you purchase in your life. Hell even if it's your last it will be worth it!

Helton shows himself to be a passionate and versatile vocalist on REAL LIFE. I was impressed with the superb songs on this album...and so much variety...from fun and funky....to heartbreakingly lovely...great songs and a great new artist, equal a great CD!

This is by far one of the greatest CDs ever. You don't have to be an American Idol fan to enjoy it either. It has a variety songs, from upbeat tunes to get you dancing, to slower songs that touch your heart. It is so diverse, that everybody can enjoy all of the songs. It is so good, that it made me become an official RJAholic!! (well, and the fact that's he's super hot and can dance!!)

I can honestly say that this CD is the best CD I have ever owned. I think a very fitting word to describe it would be "real" as in genuine. Every song has such a deep and personal meaning and RJ sings them with so much EMOTION. His voice is so amazing and so soothing. I cannot get enough of it! Ever since I've had this CD in my possession (after going through some lengths) it has been spinning NON-STOP. I love it! I love every second of it! The more spiritual and deep songs are so touching and makes me tear up every time and the love songs are so sweet and beautiful. Not to mention his heart-wrenching song "Delicate Child", so truthful and so real. I recommend that you go buy this CD. You will not regret it.

The fact that SOME people call the lyrics pedestrian and one dimensional only demonstrates that they either 1. didn't listen to the CD before reviewing it or 2. Have no idea what GOOD lyrics are...how can a song like "Delicate Child" be called one dimensional?

Seems like some "opposing fan bases" have an agenda when it comes to reviewing this particular CD which is shameful IMO...clearly RJ poured his heart and soul into this CD, co-writing 8 of the tracks, a huge accomplishment for ANY debut artist.

if you want to be moved, both emotionally and lyrically, this CD is a must have! It's got something for everyone...it's dance track "freedom" is sure to have you bopping along, but then he touches on the heartbreak of lost love with "Missing Me" and "tell me" He sings of never ending love with "crazy" and pours his heart out in "love song"

the spirit soars with the emotion of "Even If", "all we need to know" and "why don't we pray" then he adds some spice to his mix with "My Devotion" with a lil "rap" beat...

Clearly this album is an amazing accomplishment for ANY debut artist but it's so much more because RJ did it his way in his style and with his values and dreams still in tact.

The songs are I guess meant to be religious which is why this CD didn't get any airplay or really any notice at all, but my mother loved it because she said majority of the songs it sounded like he could be talking about a girl. I heard a little of it and I think he has a great voice and a cute look. Besides Nick Lachey can you honestly think of ONE cute singer in music that isn't alternative/rock? I didn't think so!! Certainly better than justin Timberlake which is the closest you could compare him to. R.J doesn't try too hard or do a lot of posing or reaching out for styles that make him look stupid vocally and physically. If he should ever go mainstream, I'd definitly cheer for him to win the awards over timberlake and usher. And BONUS -he's Spanish so he can rightfully do songs in Spanish, and really, who doesn't love a Hispanic guy?

I bought this album for who knows what reason. I had not heard a single for the album and I never heard RJ Helton sing on American Idle. Something about it lept out to me when I saw the album in the store. Something powerful reeled me to it and as I picked it up I figured out what it was. The kid had emotion all over his face and it was just an album cover.
The album is like the picture. Except, you can say this is just a religious album but it is actually so much more. Sure, there are some songs for the Christian crowd, but you can see how the diversity of American Idle affected him with other songs like "Freedom" and "Crazy". Both of those songs are easy to sing along with and bouncy enough to want to dance to. Even with all the songs about God and love, his most powerful moment comes in a song about domestic violence and youthful despair. "Delicate Child" is an achingly beautiful song and as RJ sings his heart out on the track, I felt every once of what he was trying to convey. I sensed a little anger, a little sorrow, but also a decent amount of hope to ballance the song effectively.
'Real Life' is beautiful. RJ Helton has awesome pipes. This is a great debut and I look forward to him coming out with another release...