JESSIE REIMER
Staff Writer
Steadfast “American Idol” fans have long anticipated the debut album of Season 5 “Idol” runner-up, Katharine McPhee. Under RCA Records, McPhee released her 12-track, self-titled album on Jan. 30. Considering the recent success of fellow “Idol” contestant Chris Daughtry’s Band “Daughtry,” McPhee had the potential for insta-success among her loyal TV target audience, but her lukewarm debut album may have missed its mark.
McPhee transforms from her trademark fun-loving and wholesome girl image into a sassy, sexy and playful vixen with her new album, as seen immediately on the cover — which features McPhee in thigh-length striped sweater, tall black leather boots and nothing else — and inside the CD booklet. The album moves away from McPhee’s signature sound, and leaves faithful fans wanting.
On “Idol,” McPhee became a favorite among viewers with her ability to draw her audience into her performances. Affectionately called “Kat,” McPhee’s unique style and heartfelt vocals earned her the title of runner-up as well as millions of fans. A Whitney Houston fanatic, McPhee can belt out the big notes, but on the album she loses the brilliant intimacy her tone has to offer.
A Sherman Oaks native, McPhee began singing at the age of 2. Her mother was a voice teacher and a cabaret singer, so McPhee grew up in a household full of music. American Idol judge Simon Cowell, who McPhee has called her favorite for his honesty, first labeled McPhee as a “wannabe” following in her mother’s footsteps. Upon hearing her blow out a powerful rendition of “God Bless the Child,” Cowell quickly retracted his accusation.
McPhee’s talent and image wowed the judges, earning her an immediate pass to Hollywood. While in the Top 12, McPhee soared through the rounds each week until she made it down to the final two. Taylor Hicks took the title in the end, but it was McPhee’s version of the loveable standard, “Over the Rainbow,” that peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
McPhee released her first single, “Over It” to popular radio stations in January. With catchy rhythmic beats and soul-powered harmonies, the song resonates elements of JoJo’s “Get Out” and “Too Little Too Late,” as does much of the Pop/R&B album. McPhee compared her new album to artists like Christina Aguilera, Nelly Fertado, and Justin Timberlake, desiring to make music to which her age group can relate. However, the 21-year-old’s album sounds much more like something from JoJo, who is almost seven years younger.
Instead of reverberating the jazzy bluesy style she became famous for, McPhee sings Britney Spears-esque songs like “Not Ur Girl,” “Open Toes” and “Do What You Do.” She also brings R&B-influenced tracks like “Each Other” and “Everywhere I Go” to the album, which makes sense because she worked with Babyface and Timbaland producers. The style may work for artists like Christina Aguilera and JoJo, but it does not quite work for McPhee.
McPhee studied musical theater at the Boston Conservatory for three years, so the release of a Pop/R&B album is a shock. Perhaps part of the album’s hollowness is blamed on the writers’ inability to match McPhee’s mature style to more complimentary songs. Two of the album’s power ballads, “Home” and “Ordinary World,” bring out more of the McPhee quality that “American Idol” fans adore. But two out of 12 songs is a poor percentage.
Lyrics to the song “Home” discuss how “it’s hard to feel beautiful in your own skin.” These lyrics could allude to McPhee’s personal struggle with bulimia. McPhee has said she struggled with insecurities for more than five years, but sought professional help once she advanced to Hollywood for “Idol.” The personal relationship between lyrics and singer is what makes “Home” one of the strongest tracks on the album.
The CD no doubt exemplifies that McPhee has a terrific talent in music, specifically in vocal ability. Unfortunately, her talent is not enough. An exceptional artist develops a style that fans can automatically connect to that artist, but McPhee’s songs sound too disappointingly similar to the work of other singers.
As catchy as the songs may be, in the end they just come across as unexciting, ordinary and average. Definitely not “Idol” status. In order to keep up with the show’s breakout stars like Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood, McPhee needs to find her true niche in the music world.
02-08-2007