Justin Shines, But Album Uninspired
Stephanie Lowery
Rufus King High School
JSOnline.com (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal), June 29, 2003
www.jsonline.com/lifestyle/jump/jun03/151735.asp
When I popped Justin Guarini's self-titled debut album in my CD player, I
expected a little more.
The runner-up on last
year's "American Idol" definitely has what it takes to make it; he's young,
gorgeous and has a set of killer pipes. When you
hear the album, though, you can clearly tell that he's being molded into what
his management team wants him to be.
Report Card
Lyrics: C
Vocals: A+
Overall: C+
The album seems to lack originality. I wish I could say I haven't heard anything
like it before, but I have - and many times over. It is your typical
produced-pop/nearly R&B album. Of course, it is soulful in parts and enjoyable,
but I wouldn't go so far as to dub it as original.
Guarini's vocals can be compared to the sultry
sound of Brian McKnight or even the smooth crooning of Luther Vandross.
Unfortunately, it's not just his voice that sounds like other artists. The album
itself also lends itself to comparisons.
The lack of originality probably stems from his "Idol" roots. Guarini is
definitely taking a joy ride on the train of fame he hopped during the first
season of the wildly popular show. Because of his past, and his choice not to
branch off from his management team (led by Simon Fuller of "Idol"), Guarini's
creativity on the album seems limited.
All of the songs are similar: slow- to mid-tempo, seeming to have the same
"flow" as far as composure and lyrics go. They even sound similar to those he
performed as a contestant on "Idol." With the exception of "If You Wanna,"
Guarini does not write his own lyrics.
However cookie-cutter the album may be, one
thing is clear: Guarini has talent and potential.
He performs a remarkable cover of Brenda Russell's "Get Here," which is
considered his trademark song from "Idol."
"Timeless," a duet with "Idol"-winner and movie co-star Kelly Clarkson, is a
soulful song that should be well-received. Guarini and Clarkson's voices
complement one another perfectly, making for a great love song.
The album's fourth track, a rendition of the Righteous Brothers' 1965 malt-shop
classic "Unchained Melody," shows off Guarini's smooth voice and ability to
perfectly cover such a great song.
Just listening to that song - my personal favorite - makes you wonder why you
voted for Kelly instead.