You Can Always Come Home [feat. Serena Ryder] (Album Version)
Love Uncompromised (Album Version)
Closer (Album Version)
All Wrapped Up (Album Version)
It Matters To Me (Album Version)
Hallelujah (Album Version)
Let's Just Fall In Love Again (Acoustic Version)
Sweet Medicine (Album Version)
Over The Rainbow (Album Version)
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 ap... more »peal 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.'« less
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.'
CD Reviews
An amazingly accomplished debut!
M. Jensen | St. George, Utah | 04/16/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Unlike many, before the release of Jason Castro's self-titled debut, I'd never heard of him. On the other hand, I'm a huge music fan and have been a DJ and collector since the mid 1970s. That said, Jason Castro, to me was a surprise... a very big surprise.
I looked at his boyish good looks, his trendy dreadlocks and association with American Idol and was predisposed to brushing off this music altogether. Glad I took a listen first.
The main selling point of this album and artist is this guy's voice. He's got chops where it matters. Silky smooth vocals ala Maxi Priest with just the right rock singer raspyness. Bottom line is this guy's voice is amazing. Throw in his ability to play guitar and write most of his own music, and I think it's fair to say, the combination has future superstar written all over it.
The 4 star rating vs. 5 stars is only because not every song knocks it out of the park. There are no bad songs here, just a few that are not on par with the best of the album. I may be late to the party in saying that "Hallelujah" and "That's What I'm Here For" are flat out fantastic folk-pop tunes! (I know they were huge hits on iTunes back during the 2007 American Idol season -- but I don't watch American Idol.) "Let's Fall In Love" and "Closer" are also standouts.
Clearly being signed to Sony Music a full 2 years after being on American Idol is no fluke. I'm sure this is the first of many great albums from a very talented young singer-songwriter."
Make You Feel Good CD
Lori Lauten | Ca | 04/13/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a Make You Feel Good Cd, from start to finish.
I really like the duet with Serena Ryder, "You Can Always Come Home", and the second single from the album "That's What I'm Here For". But they are all good songs. Not a bad one in the bunch."
Wish it was longer....
Leigh A. Yocum | NORRISTOWN, PA United States | 04/14/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love most of the songs...just wish the cd had a few more tracks....jason continues to show us how amazing his bluesy voice is...hope his next cd doesn't take another 2 years!!! Love Jason!!"
Exactly the record you wanted to hear from Jason Castro.
Daimion | 04/21/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After Castro made the Top 4 on American Idol in 2008, I lost track of him. I enjoyed his stint on the show, but was much more invested in eventual winner David Cook, than I was in Castro. Now, 2 years later, we have Castro's self titled debut release. After hearing the single, I was intrigued and picked up the full album. What a pleasant surprise! Castro delivers a very strong record that fully delivers on the promise he showed on the show with "Over the Rainbow" and "Hallelujah" (both of which are included on this album).
This is one of the stronger post-Idol releases that I have heard. I've already found myself humming a few of the tracks as I go through my day. You can't ask for more than that. I highly recommend this album - you won't be disappointed. If you are interested in my thoughts on each of the songs, check out - thewordzombie.
"
Wow, first CD!!!
violet | 04/13/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm really impressed!!!! Beautiful music!! my favorites are "Sweet Medicine" and "You Can Always Come Home"...I've listened to the cd all day at work, and love it!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1