Before I get to talking about the lovely Katharine McPhee, I have a question; would you guys that are following my list like me to add or subtract anything from these posts? I could add a song or two, or something like that. Just give me some feedback! We are a few entries in, and I want to see what people think; good or bad, let me know!
Alright, now to Katharine’s self titled CD, which comes in at number 28 on my best of 2007 list!
Like many other Americans, I have always found myself somehow sucked into the spectacle that is American Idol, and every year, I say that I won’t do it again; either because of the results, or the sheer absurdity of the competition itself. However, the year that Katharine McPhee
Even though Katharine didn’t win AI, which I think may have been a benefit for her, she still hit the top two spots, which guarantees a record contract. However, after listening to her debut album, I have to think that since she came in second, she wasn’t obligated to make that “AI-winner record”. This is substantiated again, by what she released, and I must say, that I am glad she didn’t win; it is a great record. The songs are catchy, well written, and clearly showcase her beautiful voice and great singing ability. If you like pop music, you will really like this CD, because not only does she have a voice for pop, but they teamed her up with great producers and writers that were able to capture her talent.
There are many songs on the record that have a great upbeat feel, which is refreshing, since they tend to force these idols to sing ballad after sappy ballad. While there are definitely some ballads there, I am glad to see that they let her have a little fun. Some of the songs are just down right silly (Open Toes), but they work for Katharine, because she really convinces you that she is just a girl out to have some fun during a night out; mostly because she IS a girl that wants to have fun on a night out! There’s a reason many of these more uptempo songs work; they snagged great producers, such as Timbaland’s amazing protege Danja to work on them. As a friend of mine said about a few of those songs, “you don’t want to like them, but you can’t help it, because dammit, they ARE fun, and they do get you moving!”. It is so true, and it really is pretty consistent throughout her entire debut. Given what is going on throughout the rest of the world with regards to pop music, I have to say it: America doesn’t have a great track record for doing proper pop. Fortunately for us, Katharine McPhee’s debut is a huge check in the plus column of what good pop should be.
Finally, I must say again, that Katharine’s debut record really speaks highly of coming in second on AI; because (as evidenced by her record) you may not be trapped by that “tried and true” formula that they force on every idol winner. With her release, she has a record that is filled to the brim with radio ready singles, and even a few truly great songs that are ready for the club. I have loved her voice from the moment I heard her sing, and thanks to a brilliant album, I can enjoy it over and over again on my ipod. It is great to see a truly talented singer utilized for her ability; this truly is a great pop record, and I am very happy to have found it.
Favorite songs from Katharine McPhee’s self titled debut:
Love Story (one of the best singles of the year IMHO), Not UR Girl, Open Toes, Over It, and Home. (clicky-clicky linky-linky for youtube videos)
Rating: 
To say that I had a little crush on Katharine would be like saying that you’re only a little homosexual. Don’t tell my wife.
LOL, I’ll keep it under wraps!
I agree, loved her album … actually was pleasantly surprised by it. It kind of recalls old school Whitney/Mariah for me, back in the 90s, when it was all still fun and R&B/pop.
Anyway, just wanted to throw it out there that I love this album-a-day December! And as far as feedback for it, I love how you’re doing it already, but adding an mp3 here and there would be sweet as well. =)
Jess, thanks for the great feedback! I appreciate it that you are enjoying it; expect more great stuff to come! I will try to include a song or two here and there in future posts; cool?!
I love Kat’s album. Every song puts a lot of the stuff on the Billboard charts to shame. Im waiting for Disney to discover “Home” or “Ordinary World” and use it in one of their animated films. The album is way underrated.
As a 69 yr old, I want to make a statement to you younger people, that in my many years of enjoying music and following the Hollywood scene, I must say that Katharine McPhee is undoubtedly the best I have ever heard and seen. She has a voice of an angel, she has the body of a goddess, she is also talented in acting, and this young lady will become someday a “HOLLYWOOD LEGEND”. Enjoy her people, she is ONE IN A MILLION.
Verener, I couldn’t agree more! Every time I hear Home, I expect to see some sort of Disney-esque scene to accompany it! I am surprised it hasn’t been snatched up by them already.
Robert, thanks for the comment! Katharine truly is a talent, and I hope she gets the credit she deserves.
Robert&69 is from my Generation.I’m 67 and the both of us
know a Super-Star when we see one.If Katharine records an
album of baby boomer standards,they won’t be able to print
them fast enough to supply the Demand.We older generation
fans remember the Great Ones.Katharine is all Natural,
Top of the world -CLASS-Beautiful,and a heart that reaches
to help charitable causes.Top of the World-Class-Grace
and Humility.
I firmly believe Katharine is being groomed for greatness
under the guiding light of one of the worlds female singing
recording Super Stars-
I will leave you all guessing on who that Super Star Is
I’m loving the series, Duane… Even though we don’t have the same taste in music, I’ve already starred a few of your posts to go back and check out the CDs in their entirety. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Garrett! I really like what you said:
It is REALLY essential to me to check out what other people suggest and why, because you never really know what your style of music may be. My tastes in music range from bluegrass to trip-hop; I like something in everything! Granted, pop represents a majority of what I really love, but that isn’t to say that other more obscure things don’t have a special place in my heart.
I am really glad that you are enjoying the series. As we keep going, you will notice that my music taste, while again, is definitely peppered with a lot of pop music, is varied, and multi-faceted; and I can’t wait to share it!
Let me know if there is anything about the series you would like to see improved too!
I listend to this one, it just didn’t grab me.