by: Charley (@ruperto2106)
Phillip Phillips, the latest winner from American Idol, releases his debut album today. Question now becomes, will he become the next Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, or does he become the next in the long line of no names and forgotten winners (Hey, does anyone remember Taylor Hicks or Lee DeWyze)? At times it was better to lose than to win (See Chris Daughtry).After listening to this album, I must say there is a lot of promise and hope as Phillips delivers a standout debut. Long compared to Dave Matthews with his vocal style and guitar work, Phillips does a great job of holding his own and paving his own path towards success. The album honestly feels the work of a true artist, not one that was mass produce by the American Idol machine. I mean this is seriously a contender for Album of The Year. There is not a single bad, over produced, over hyped or over mixed song.With the opening track “Man On The Moon” starts with a funky beat while showcasing Phillips’ vocals which shows great promise for the rest of the album. Lead single “Home’ has already brought Phillips to multi-platinum status. The vocals are as clean and pure as they get. The simplicity of the guitar work is haunting yet beautiful. The lyrics are nothing short of emotional and motivating. “Gone, Gone, Gone” and “Hold On” continues to show off the great backing arrangements/mixing, and vocals. “Get Up and Down” is one of my favorites on the album as it’s a great upbeat song that will get your foot tapping and singing along. “Wanted Is Love” is a beautiful love balled and will gain Phillips’ with many additional admirers.Phillips writes or co-writes 9 out of the 12 songs on The World From The Side of The Moon yet none of them so eloquently as “A Fools Dance”. “Like life, I climb, I fall just to step once more. You tricked me, fooled me, I was yours, only to act out a game that I did not know.”The album closes out with “So Easy”. I think this song reminds me more of Mat Kearney and that’s not a bad thing. The soft vocals works well to close out the album. If you want great music, with passion, soul, and showcases pure talent, this album is for you. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Phillip Phillips. I easily give this album 5/5!If you haven’t done so or would like to do it again, check out the video for “Home” below.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRkntoHkIE