Dressed in thigh-high leather boots and big hair, American Idol runner-up, Katharine McPhee sits with her legs spread on her first album cover.
McPhee's self-titled debut album is confusing and immature. The 22-year-old has a lot of growing up to do before she can become the next Kelly Clarkson.
The album definitely shows she is struggling between being a fun and sassy college girl and an adult. Some tracks are mature ballads, while others are girlie-club hits.
While an album should have variety, it should not sound like a homemade mix. It was like listening to Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson and even Britney Spears all in one album.
The worst is the silly, unnecessary track, "Open Toes." Yes, we all know that the four-inch heel Steve Madden open toe shoes were very "in" this season, but there is no need for a song about it.
The lyrics, "too cute in my open toes, never too many open toes, a girl needs plenty open toes," are redundant and ridiculous. Maybe it would be acceptable on a Hilary Duff album, but not for someone who is clearly out of high school.
This song seemed as if McPhee's attempt to produce a club hit - one that all the girls can get ready to. Instead, it sounded like a Payless commercial, advertising a special on open-toe shoes.
Another girlie anthem, "Over It," McPhee's first single off the album, is mediocre. The song lacks the truth found in the songs of more established artists, such as Christina Aguilera. There is no punch, and it is a weak attempt to get back at boys.
Managers should have advised McPhee to release one of her stronger ballads first. As veteran Jessica Simpson showed, releasing a song with sex appeal over one with impressive vocals does not work. When Simpson released "Irresistible" as the first single off her second album, the result was tragic.
McPhee should have sent out "Home" as her first single. It shows real emotion and showcases her voice. With a more mature sound, it is age-appropriate and could have shown fans that this Idol is here to stay.
"Ordinary World" and "Better Off Alone" are also two more mature tracks. Clearly, there were other options McPhee could have chosen.
There is hope for the album, and listeners will see that she has promise; however, McPhee needs to get rid of the 41-year-old boyfriend, accept that she is 22, and mature on her own time.
Erika Gee can be reached at gee.37@osu.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
Bob
posted 2/15/07 @ 2:34 PM EST
I loved the variety of this album. I loved the ballads on the CD, Better Off Alone is my favorite, but Home is good too. However, Katharine is only 22 and I understand her desire to sing her generation's music. (Continued…)
Rochester Chronicle
posted 2/15/07 @ 4:31 PM EST
I think you are being way to hard on Mcphee. You are clearly saying it all. She is 22, therefore those ballads like Home are more to show vocals but not for a pop star. (Continued…)
keiko halau
posted 2/15/07 @ 4:38 PM EST
i love every song on the album and love the variety...i wish more artists could do it...but i guess differents strokes for different folks...though you shouldn't have mentioned the boyfriend at the end. (Continued…)
Karen Walsh
posted 2/15/07 @ 5:48 PM EST
I agree I think you are being way to harsh on Kat, I have to disagree, with you, I believe this album shows her versitility, absolutely, and as far as your comment about her boyfriend, that's her personal business and your comment was totally unprofessional of you, just stick to the reviews please! Katharine Mcphee has an awesome future ahead of her, I support her all the way! She's an amazing talent at her age!
michael
posted 2/18/07 @ 7:06 PM EST
Your review couldn't be more off the mark. The album does show off Katharine's diversity and talent as a singer and performer. Shame on her for not sliding into whatever "mold" you had her predestined to fill. (Continued…)
Keenan P
posted 2/22/07 @ 6:25 PM EST
This cd is stupid, stupid, stupid. Mcphee is pretty and talented enough to make it in Hollywood as a tv star or serious actress. She is not a pop singer. (Continued…)
xenobia
xenobia
posted 4/17/07 @ 6:14 PM EST
Erika, you are absolutely right! Album sales so far speaks itself obviously. RCA entirely is silly and stupid. They should do away with Steve Ferrero (person in charge for her). (Continued…)
xenobia
xenobia
posted 4/17/07 @ 7:11 PM EST
Keenan, you are right! What Kat should do is to challenge such great singers as Berbra Streisand and Linda Eder not that low key singers such as Britney or Paris Hilton. (Continued…)
Post a Comment