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Awesome debut from the reigning Idol champion

David P. | Malibu, CA | 11/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first heard the snippets I wasn't so sure how much I was going to like the album. After listening to the whole album, I have to tell you just how impressed I am with this record. Provided the time constraints, it can be hard to come up with a solid debut album in time for the holiday release date. Nevertheless, Kris manages to do just that and more. Having 9 of the tracks co-written by Kris himself, this album is a great depiction of who Kris is as an artist and the types of themes he chooses to express though his music.



Here are some impressions of my favorite songs:



1. Live Like We're Dying - The first single off the album and a really cool and unique track that gets stuck in your head. I consider this to be a great choice as a first single as it is a fun song to attempt to sing along too (it can be difficult at times since it's a wordy song, haha).



2. Can't Stay Away - I love the funky feel to this song. The energy pumping throughout the track really gives it something special. Check this out for sure.



3. Before We Come Undone - Probably my favorite track on the album! I really think this should be the second single. It feels like the most radio ready song to me.



4. Bring It Back - A complete contrast to the three aforementioned tracks, this slow ballad proves how efficient Kris's voice can be in evoking emotion in the listener. Kris's ability to connect so profoundly to the lyrics makes this track particularly poignant.



5. Alright With Me - A really unique, upbeat track co-written by Joe King of the Fray. It's just a fun, lighthearted song that would be perfect to cheer you up if you're ever feeling the blues.



-Other favorites of mine on the album include Let It Rain, Red Guitar, and Written All Over My Face.



-Two other ballads on the album, The Truth and I Need To Know, also show off Kris's sensitive side and suit the flow of the album quite well.



-My least favorite songs are Is It Over and Lifetime. Nevertheless, I still consider them solid tracks that don't detract from the overall quality of the record.



Last but not least, there's the final track Heartless. Kris became well-known for his acoustic take on the Kanye West hit on Idol, but the version of Heartless on the album is quite different. With a cool, urban vibe instilled in the track thanks to hip hop producer Salaam Remi, Heartless sounds completely retooled from how we last heard it. Nevertheless, the fact that song throws you off guard while also revealing a new side to Kris is what I find most appealing about this track. Not the Heartless I grew to love, but I like it all the same.



All in all, if you're looking for a great pop rock record, then Kris is your guy. With a bit of practically everything, ranging from slow, heart-wrenching ballads to rocking, upbeat tracks, you're sure to find something you'll like on this album. Highly recommended!"

Infectious Tunes + Heartfelt Delivery

Aphra Behn | Chicago | 11/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've listened to this album a few times since I downloaded it, and I'm happy to say, it keeps sounding better and better. The music is very pop, with good hooks and infectious tunes, and the lyrics are engaging and involving. I find Allen's performance the best part of the album, since he seems to be able to inject emotion and honesty into every song. It seems as if this album and these songs mean a lot to him, and as a consequence, they play well to my ear, as well."

WOW

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 11/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kris Allen has released an awesome album; and with his type of talent he's sure to be around for quite some while to come! Kris performs wonderfully on this CD; and there's not a dud in the bunch. Every song is very well done and the fact that Kris co-wrote quite a few of these songs impresses me all the more. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is very well done.



My favorite songs include "Live Like We're Dying," which starts the album with a dynamic track that has Kris squarely front and center--right where he belongs! The beat is catchy and the music fits perfectly with Kris' vocals. The guitars help the tune as well. "Before We Come Undone" is full of energy and again the guitars and percussion help to carry the melody while Kris sings his heart out. Other strong songs include the incredible "Can't Stay Away;" "Red Guitar;" "Is It Over" with its excellent shifting between major and minor keys and "Heartless," a cover of a song by Kanye West that has a mighty fine beat to it.



Of course, there are other songs that also rate quite highly in my book. These songs include the wonderful "The Truth" with those guitars--and how's about Kris' faultless delivery of this number? I also like the thoughtful "Written All over My Face" which also manages to rock really well; and there's the stunning "Bring It Back" with its poignant theme of a love a man wants to preserve with his woman. "Let It Rain" is another stunner; and "Alright With Me" has terrific key and tempo changes, all of which Kris handles like the pro that he is! "Lifetime" is poignant and meaningful; and there's another gem in "I Need to Know" that gets a most sensitive treatment by Kris.



Kris Allen blasted onto the scene on American Idol; and with this incredible pop/rock album his standing as a fine young artist is firmly cemented. If we're lucky, he'll be performing and entertaining us for many years to come. Kris possesses a rare and precious type of genius; and this is a must-have for his fans."