I love countdowns. 17 days until Christmas, 117 until my 22nd birthday (frightening), and finally and most importantly, 38 days until Ryan Seacrest inaugurates season 7 of American Idol.
It’s hard to believe 6 months have already passed since Jordin Sparks swept past Blake Lewis to take the crown in America’s most popular reality program. Every week Jordin sparkled with huge talent and tremendous height. Literally. Next to her, Ryan looks like a white Gary Coleman, with a much less funny catch phrase.
Jordin’s self-title debut hit shelves on November 20th. I’m a HUGE fan of “No Air” featuring Chris Brown, and her single “Tattoo” which impressively hit #11 on Billboard Thursday. She debuted in 10th place her first week, and although that’s much lower than past idols, the quality of her singles point toward tremendous staying power.
Jordin is fabulous, but let’s be honest, I’ve been a proud Blaker Girl since week two of last years competition. That week Bothell native Blake Lewis raced off the starting line with Keane’s “Somewhere only we know,” and America’s hearts collectively melted. Exhibit A. my heart. Exhibit B. the popular facebook group “Blake Lewis Makes Me Melt.”
I’ve always believed that he has the ability to make music like nothing on the radio and create a whole new Blakealicoius genre. On December 4th he proved this destiny through “Audio Day Dream.” My first impression, “umm, this is pop music…..” My second thought, “oh yeah, I love pop music!!!”
Blake’s debut is wonderful, however it’s not “like nothing on the radio,” in fact it’s like a lot of things on the radio. On some tracks I would call it Switchfoot meets Savage Garden, on others it’s Prince meets OTown. I even occasionally hear a little spurt of early ‘Nsync and feel some modern vibes from the likes of Hellogoodbye and Snow Patrol. It’s a hodge podge album, a “mixed tape,” as he calls it, with influences from those current stars as well as old timers. In fact, 1929’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” inspired the dancetastic “Gots to get ‘em.” Wrap your mind around all those musicians and genres, throw in some Beat-boxing, and you’ve got “Audio Day Dream” in a nutshell.
I thought A.D.D would change pop music, much like Timbaland and Timerlake have done in the last year with electronic influences, but it does not. Instead it gives a new spin on whats already been done. Blake certainly proves his musical finesse and delivers on some amazing tracks that have hit potential. Check out “Know my Name” featuring Lupe Fiasco, “How Many Words,” or the anthem of the season, “I Got U.”
iPod showdown:
Blake Lewis: 32 plays
Jordin Sparks: 25 plays
Winner: Me
This idol-addict is satisfied with 2007 but can’t wait for 2008. Who isn’t pumped to watch Paula on qualudes, Randy say “Yo, Dawg,” and Simon and Ryan overtly flirt for the cameras???? Tuesday January 15th will be a great day. A great great day. Just 38 more and counting….
Note to Ryan: “Whatcha talkin bout Willis??????” beats “And this is American Idol” everytime.
