Music Is... Daughtry (Self titled)

Besides those who were and are closest to him, besides those who knew of him and the band before they garnered huge success, most of us recognize him as an American Idol contestant. I wonder if I'm the only one noticing a strange pattern. It seems like those competitors who truly have "it" eliminated earlier in the competition, are in the limelight a little more than some season winners. I don't know, just something I noticed. Chris, as well as the band members had been musically inclined for quite sometime before the competition.  Focusing on this album, released November 21, 2006, "Daughtry" is a very impressive debut. As a matter of fact, the first time I listened to it, I almost forgot that this was the first record. The members consist of Chris Daughtry, Josh Paul, Josh Steely, Brian Craddock, and Robin Diaz; an excellent collection of five men who create solid music.

Every track contains an essential, hard hitting rock core that enables them to bring it home. I love track 1, the first single "It's Not Over". A sort of dreary yet optimistic song about recognizing the wrongdoing, reflecting on that and then trying to get things right. "Home",a very heartwarming track that I think any of us could connect with. The title is very self explanatory. For many people, home is where we can always run back to when things seem to be more than we can handle at the time. Two other well known hits are "Feels Like Tonight" and "What About Now". Both offer their take on the possibility of rekindling love between each other, even after things were said that weren't meant to be. Track 7, "What I Want", featuring amazing guitarist Slash, is a stone hitter and a little underrated in a way. This one gets a little grittier than the others as far as pure rock but that's what makes it awesome. A silent anthem to me.

This album contains songs with many different moods and feelings. Some show a more aggressive side, others reveal someone more vulnerable. Regardless of which side is unshielded, it derives from a very truthful place that would draw anyone in and keep them engaged. 

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Music Is... Mariah Carey (Self titled)

Mariah Carey was born March 27, 1970 or 69' in Huntington, Long Island NY. The youngest and third child of her family, the girl has a voice range like no other. The octave that she can hit is just incredible. The only other artist that comes to mind is Minnie Riperton, and that was roughly 15-20 years before. By the way, for those of you who read this, let me know if there's anyone else who can hit that range clearly like those two.

January 12, 1990 was its debut release in the states. I don't think anyone knew that she would burst onto the scene showcasing her powerhouse voice in the fashion she did. Though the album sales did amazing, very commercially successful, you have to listen to the songs yourself to get the full effect. "Vision Of Love", the first track and single, was the initial introduction we had, and what a first impression. The song marinates in the beginning, she really takes her time with it and then she truly lets loose during the middle and end. Honestly she smashes the whole song but those are parts that stand out to me the most. Then there's the third track "I Don't Wanna Cry". This one tells of a relationship between two people who know they're over, the writing's on the wall. A somber song but one that indicates it's time to move on. Her vocals here, although toned down a bit show that she can rock it anyway she wants. Another favorite of mine is "Someday", the forth track and third single. A relatable subject about how the one you thought was your significant other leaves you for someone else, only to come running back to you when that rendezvous doesn't work. I love the arrangement of this one on her live CD "Mariah Carey: Unplugged". I could ramble on and on about that one but I'll try and save it for another post.

An exceedingly impactful debut. Just as many other longstanding female artists, she has solidified herself as a major benchmark. "Mariah Carey" is one you can always go back to when you want to see how it should be done.

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