Adam Lambert - Whataya Want From Me

Album: For Your Entertainment

This song has been on the radio for quite some time, and I ignored it, but recently I seem to catch this song on the radio and it stays on my head. “Whataya Want From me…. Whataya Want From me…. Whataya Want From me…. Whataya Want From me….” Now it’s stuck in your head as well. I’ve always thought this song sounded like something Pink would put out, and I learned that it was written by her. What do you know.

Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson - Earth Song [Live at Grammys]

Album: 52nd Grammy Awards

This year’s Grammy had most number of viewers in the recent years, and there were some good performances. One of the stand outs was the Michael Jackson tribute. The 3D footages of natures was not appealing, but having the all star artists from various different genres singing one of Michael’s beloved songs was something. Even amongst vocal powerhouse like Celine Dion or Jennifer Hudson, Michael’s voice comes across very strong. A lot of the performances from the Grammy’s is available for download from iTunes, but so far this song is not. It’s a shame.

Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment

Album: For Your Entertainment

Adam Lambert was the second place finisher during this year’s American Idol. He made headlines last month by locking lips with a male keyboardist on live broadcast of American Music Award. I didn’t watch it, but apparently it was raunchy enough to have the ABC network cancel his appearance on the morning and late night talk show. But last week, he was featured and interviewed on ABC’s Barbara Walter’s 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009. Also on the list were Lady GaGa, Sarah Palin, Michael Jackson’s three kids, and most fascinating went to Michelle Obama. Lambert got a lot of hot producers and musicians to write songs for him (though he co-wrote on several tracks). “Music Again”, written by The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins sounds just like one of The Darkness songs, and “Pick U Up” written by Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo sounds just like one of the Weezer songs, in a good way. “For Your Entertainment” is the first single off of the album, but has not reached top 40, despite all the publicity.

Blake Lewis - Sad Song

Album: Heartbreak On Vinyl

Sixth season American Idol runner up, Blake Lewis was dropped from his label after a rather disappointing numbers the debut album, “ADD” has put out. After switching his label, Seattle native, Lewis switched music genre as well, and released his sophomore album, Heartbreak On Vinyl. The new album features more dance oriented songs. The first week sale was very disappointing (only selling 4000 on first week), but the lead off single, “Sad Song” is slowly catching on the Dance Chart.

Daughtry - No Surprise

Album: Leave This Town

After Michael Jackson’s death, MJ’s album has been leading the #1 album for a few weeks until Daughtry released their sophomore effort, “Leave This Town” earlier this month. The first single, “No Surprise” has been getting a lot of radio play as well. I recently had a chance to check them out for free for Samsung’s Summer Krush concert series (I highly suggest people in other cities to check it out. I mean, it’s free). They sounded good, together as a band. The show only lasted 45 minutes, but Chris Daughtry showed that he has matured and seemed a lot more comfortable on the stage, since his American Idols days.

We Are The Fallen - Bury Me Alive

Album: Bury Me Alive (Single)

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Evanescence was founded by singer, pianist Amy Lee and guitarist, Ben Moody. But after a mega successful release of their debut album, “Fallen” which both Lee and Moody were responsible for writing songs, Ben Moody left the band to produce hit songs for others such as Avril Lavigne’s “Nobody’s Home” or Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You.” And, two years ago, Amy Lee fired rest of the original members, thus making her the only original member of Evanescence. Meanwhile, Ben Moody gathered all of the ex-Evanescence members, and former American Idol contestant Carly Smithson as the lead singer and formed We Are the Fallen. The result? They sound just like Evanescence from five years ago. Carly Smithson sounds a lot like Amy Lee, and even dresses like her. And to make matters worse, they will be performing Evanescence songs (mostly the ones Moody was responsible for writing) on the tour. Wow. I wonder how Amy Lee feels about that. But nevertheless, I do like this single that they have released.

Michael Johns - Heart On My Sleeve

Album: Hold Back My Heart

Michael Johns was a contestant on Season 7 of American Idol (same year as Brooke White, Jason Castro, David Cook and Archuleta). His Aussie charm and soulful voice put him as a top contender when the season started, but was voted off early to everyone's surprise. Now he is releasing his debut album with "Heart On My Sleeve" as his lead off single, which was written by British singer/songwriter, James Morrison. It's a well structured pop ballad. This song is currently available for a free download from Amazon MP3.

Taylor Hicks - Seven Mile Breakdown

Album: The Distance

Say what you want to say about this silly soul patrol guy that was crowned the American Idol on season 5, but he does have a distinct voice. His debut album didn’t do so well, and the label dropped him, and till this day, Simon Cowell still makes fun of him on current season of American Idol. His second album titled The Distance debuted at #58 and only sold 9,000 copies in its first week of release. I liked Taylor Hicks’ music before he went on Idol, but now (including this record and the past) sounds like it’s over-produced. This track is available for a free download from Amazon MP3. I have a feeling we won’t be hearing from Taylor Hicks in a long time after this.

Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You

Album: All I Ever Wanted

The first winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson tried to write her own songs for the last album, My December, despite the disagreement from the record executives. The result wasn’t so great, and she went back to collaborating with hit makers such as Max Martin, who produced this track. “My Life Would Suck Without You” made the all time record for the biggest jump on Billboard single chart (from #97 to #1 in one week). I was never a huge fan of “Since U Been Gone”, and this track kind of reminds me of that song.

David Cook - Light On

Album: David Cook

The winner of seventh season American Idol, rocker from Midwest, David Cook tries to follow Chris Daughtry with true rock music. The first single from the self titled debut album was penned by Chris Cornell, and produced by Rob Cavallo, (Green Day, My Chemical Romance). During the American Idol season, one of Cook's highlight was covering Cornell's version of "Billie Jean". With that kind of superstar help, I expected more catchy tune. Now I want to hear Chris Cornell sing this song. Somehow I can imagine Cornell singing this song, and sounding much better.

Jennifer Hudson – Spotlight

Album: Jennifer Hudson

I’ve never watched the movie, Dreamgirls, so I can’t comment on how she sound on her debut album in comparison to how she did on her Oscar winning performance. Personally I’m not a huge fan of this kind of music, but this song reminded me of late 80s Whitney Houston. There is a remix version featuring Young Jeezy, but he just raps a verse in beginning of the song with the rest of the song sounding virtually exactly same.

Brooke White – I Am…I Said

Album: American Idol Season 7

Brooke White was one of my favorite contestants on this year’s American Idol as her voice reminded me of 70s singer songwriters such as Carole King. When I found out that the contestants would be singing Neil Diamond songs, I knew Brooke White would do well, as I figured that was her genre. I particularly liked this song, so I ended up buying it on iTunes (first time doing so for songs performed by contestants). And what do you know, she gets kicked out. This song reminds you of how good Neil Diamond’s songs are (for those of you who don’t know him, he’s most famous for “Sweet Caroline” song).

Snoop Dogg - Can't Say Goodbye [Live] /ft. Charlie Wilson

Album: American Idol Gives Back 2008

On April 9th, American Idol broadcasted “Idol Gives Back” a charity show where bunch of famous people such as Brad Pitt, Bono and a few WWE wrestlers and NFL’s Manning brothers came on urging viewers to donate money for the good cause. The show was 2.5 hours long and managed to raise over 20 million dollars. There were several performances on the show by big name artists like Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey and actress Teri Hatcher covering Carrie Underwood’s song, and Underwood doing a song of her own. Everyone did sort of inspirational songs that suited the show, but Miley Cyrus did two of her pop songs that didn’t really seem to fit the “let’s donate money for the people in Africa theme.” And to add, she sounded terrible. And who would’ve thought to see Snoop rapping for charity? He brought Charlie Wilson with him to sing “Can’t Say Goodbye” which is also on his latest album, Ego Trippin’. A lot of rappers don’t sound that great live, but Snoop is always so smooth. All the live performances from the night are available on iTunes with all the proceeds going to charity. I decided to put my 99 cents for this song.

Blake Lewis - Break Anotha

Album: Audio Day Dream

This Seattle native (Bothell to be exact), won second place on last year's American Idol. This track was produced by Blake and his friend from OneRepublic (band famous for "Apologize" featuring Timbaland). Kinda has a modern day James Brown feel to it.

Kelly Clarkson - Never Again

Album: My December

Kelly Clarkson’s last album was a huge hit. She tries to follow that success with this third album, which has quite a bit of dark feeling, including this lead off single. The rumor has it that she butted heads with the producers and Sony BMG head, Clive Davis regarding this album since it was not commercially well made. I’d like to take artists side for the most part, but after listening to this song, I am worried about her upcoming album.