As Randy, Paula, and Simon might put it, it's a little pitchy in places, but not bad overall. On Pray for the Soul of Betty, the debut disc from the New York-based band fronted by American Idol reject Constantine Maroulis,... more » we get a taste of the kind of music the vainglorious but inarguably good-looking singer cooked up prior to his primetime TV turn. As it happens, the company Constantine kept (and still keeps--we can expect to hear more from Pray for the Soul of Betty) is a whole lot less friendly than the bright-smiled, starry-eyed cast of characters he shared a stage with in the spring of 2005. Essentially, Pray for the Soul of Betty is hardcore rock 101: It's loud, angry, and delivered with a snarl, not to mention a few choice curse words (check "Rich ****"). The bass thunders ominously, the drums explode, and the singer--our star--tramps insouciantly across it all, coming off as more of a theatrical presence than an interpreter of anything meaningful. Which is not to say the disc doesn't have its moments; a couple of well timed vocal turns on "SomeofMy*****UpWorld" reinforce why Constantine had a run at the Idol title, and "Truck Stop Sally" tells a compelling if vapid story. Best reason to buy it: The easy-on-the-eyes cover art. -Tammy La Gorce« less
As Randy, Paula, and Simon might put it, it's a little pitchy in places, but not bad overall. On Pray for the Soul of Betty, the debut disc from the New York-based band fronted by American Idol reject Constantine Maroulis, we get a taste of the kind of music the vainglorious but inarguably good-looking singer cooked up prior to his primetime TV turn. As it happens, the company Constantine kept (and still keeps--we can expect to hear more from Pray for the Soul of Betty) is a whole lot less friendly than the bright-smiled, starry-eyed cast of characters he shared a stage with in the spring of 2005. Essentially, Pray for the Soul of Betty is hardcore rock 101: It's loud, angry, and delivered with a snarl, not to mention a few choice curse words (check "Rich ****"). The bass thunders ominously, the drums explode, and the singer--our star--tramps insouciantly across it all, coming off as more of a theatrical presence than an interpreter of anything meaningful. Which is not to say the disc doesn't have its moments; a couple of well timed vocal turns on "SomeofMy*****UpWorld" reinforce why Constantine had a run at the Idol title, and "Truck Stop Sally" tells a compelling if vapid story. Best reason to buy it: The easy-on-the-eyes cover art. -Tammy La Gorce
"I was so impressed with Constantine Maroulis on American Idol that I had to buy this CD. I am not normally a fan of hard rock, but this CD is awesome. I can't believe this is the band's first CD. They sound like they've been around for a long time. My favorite tracks are "Cry" and "Truck Stop Sally" but they are all really good. I highly recommend this CD. I guarantee you won' be disappointed."
SIZZLING HOT! Constantine "Rocks" My World..
Joyce Miller | New Jersey | 05/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"OMG! If you thought Constantine was sensual and sexy on idol, this cd is going to make you sweat--if you're human, that is). Constantines vocals on this CD are as sensual and hynotic as his patented stares. This is a moody and sensual ride. It ain't for the faint of heart.
My favorite so far is "Cry." Con takes us on a sensual up and down...up and down (catch my drift - tee hee) roller coaster ride.
If you are not a hard rock fan, fear not. While the themes of some of these songs are dark and moody, I wouldn't call it hard rock. I don't like hard rock. Never have. But I luuuuv this cd. Enjoy!"
I was ready to hate it... but it's surprisingly good!
KDM | LA | 05/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was all set to hate this CD, not being a fan of hard rock. But surprise, surprise, it was actually good. The best way I can describe it is that it sounds very Generation-X... like a soundtrack to REALITY BITES.
Cry and Truck Stop Sally are my favorites.
"
Surprisingly Very Good!
JB | san diego, ca United States | 05/11/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My Constantine! What have you been doing before American Idol?
Obviously being more creative than 19 Entertainment has ever been!
Surprisingly very good!
I never give 5 stars, there is very little perfection in the world!
This CD had every reason for me to listen to it a couple times and for me to dump it into one of my CD storage cases! That will not be the case!
I thought that with the production probably being less than $1000 that I would think it was too rough. That was not the case, and where it is rough around the edges, I like! If this is what they can put out at low budget, I can't wait to hear a high budget one!
I thought I would hate Con's voice because I was used to AI! Not the case, what made him famous on AI was his many voices. This CD is loaded with many more voices of the Con Man with tracks that highlight what people had heard on AI! I was wondering if there were more than one vocalists in the band! Ai fans will love his vocals in Cry and Some Of My F*ckd Up World!
Songs that are easily musically to digest and geared for airplay are Drift, Cry and Truck Stop Sally! Surprisingly these are not my favorite tracks! I am awed by Rich B*tch, Some of My F*ckd Up World & Suicide!
Strengths: Very creative Rock with searing guitar and bass and powerful drums! Very strong and diverse vocals!