I don't recall anyone posting this review of AH from Billboard.com. Let me start by saying the reviewer doesn't see anything special in it, but the tone of the review shows he clearly DOES see something special in David... and that he will be big. As for AH, he gives it sort of a backhanded complement... he compared to the works of some very big recording artists that are out there today. But he doesn't see that "something special" or new in the work. That of course is subjective. But it's an interesting read and I like the fact that AH even got a review as "featured album!"

Link & text:
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/discography...d=930621#review

Album Review
Prior to his big break on the seventh season of American Idol, David Cook was like many struggling regional rockers, rotating through a few bands, setting up camp in a few homes, writing originals along the way, sometimes getting enough tunes together to put out an album on his own. Once his first band, Axium, split after garnering a reasonable amount of attention -- they topped a local Kansas City poll and placed in a Got Milk contest -- he settled down in Tulsa, playing guitar with a group called Midwest Kings while also working on solo stuff, putting out an album called Analog Heart in 2006. Like many local records, it didn't get much play outside its region until it showed up on Amazon's MP3 store partway through the American Idol competition, when it was promptly pulled. Why was it pulled? Because American Idol and 19 Entertainment like to present their Idols as the product of immaculate conception, so they don't want any of their Idol prehistory on the market. Sometimes there are good reasons for this, but in the case of Cook, Analog Heart might have been pulled just because it would be a little too close to what he would do after the show. Anybody familiar with Cook's parade of post-grunge won't find this surprising -- it's stuck in the late '90s, positioned somewhere between 3 Doors Down and Third Eye Blind -- but the shock is that he sounds a lot more convincing when he isn't belting out covers of Our Lady Peace. Cook remains almost defiantly conventional, but he's singing these power ballads and vaguely inspirational anthems with earnest conviction, believing every cliché that passes through his lips and, more importantly, building the tunes upon seriously big arena hooks. It's still rather bland made-for-radio grunge-pop -- designed as much to be his entry into the big leagues as to actually be played on Top 40 -- but with a little gloss the stuff on Analog Heart could sit alongside DAUGHTRY quite comfortably. And that's almost certainly why it was pulled -- there will be a time for David Cook to sit alongside DAUGHTRY and it's not the spring of 2008. It's the holiday season of 2008. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Thanks Scott.

I find it very interesting that Billboard would review an album that is no longer available for sale.

Very interesting! I would have loved to have gotten their opinion before they knew who David Cook was. Still, I'm happy with this review.

Jeannine

but with a little gloss the stuff on Analog Heart could sit alongside DAUGHTRY quite comfortably. And that's almost certainly why it was pulled -- there will be a time for David Cook to sit alongside DAUGHTRY and it's not the spring of 2008. It's the holiday season of 2008. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide



I like this part of it!!! The Holiday Season of 2008!!! Yes! That will be a good time for David!

Me too. There was one review in a newspaper that I read, that has been posted in these forums, and it's a mixed review, but not all that bad. It was during Idol but only half-way through the season, when David was just coming on strong. I think this reviewer is in that long list of rock critics who like to tear down Daughtry as well. They're rock snobs. I hate to break it to him, but 3 Doors Down and Three Days Grace are still making hit albums. This grunge and post-grunge sound is not over! It's very much alive, but with a focus on melodies and vocals. That's why David will do so well in this alternative/post grunge rock genre... his lyrics resonate, you can understand every word he sings, and if well produced (I'm confident the new record will be, in the hands of Rob Cavallo), it will soar sonically!

Beautifully stated Scott. David's lyrics, specifically his own words in AH, are memorable, and a key reason why many believe he will be a huge success come November.

There have been threads asking how we as fans fell in love with David and I have those reasons in my siggy; his voice, his heart due to his Always Be My Baby performance and then his lyrics from Analog Heart.

These reviews that are sort of half for/half against David seem like they miss the point.. They don't ever mention his wonderful voice, his charisma, his soul. They approach him from an intellectual point of view that I think is just off the mark. There is an emotional element that just seems to go over these reviewers' heads. And hearts. THAT is the problem. They have digital, not analog, hearts...

searcher, you ar e right on. David Cook is so much more than just his record.

I do find it interesting that Billboard reviewed Analog Heart. Really, the review wasn't negative, and actually was a bit complimentary at the end.

All in all not that terrible of a review. I find the comparison to Third Eye Blind a bit strange and off the mark. Nothing against TEB--I love some of their songs but don't really see a connection with their music and David's.




So true! How could anyone who is human not love David Cook as a person. The charisma, generosity, wit, stage presence...I could go on and on with more adjectives but still would not give full justice in describing all the reasons we all love David. The emotional connection we fans have with him will forever make us loyal to where ever his career leads him, but we all know this guy has real talent to back up such an incredible persona.

Yes. And having the emotional connection to him somehow opens up a channel that lets us perceive his talent in an intense, lovely way. I think there are similarities in it to falling in love..

guess what's going in my stocking -- a month and a half early

Seriously, though, the article was basically fair. I love AH, but it could definitely benefit from slicker production, and I think the addition of Rob Cavallo is just the little extra that will make the new album soar!

I think this is a review to be proud of. Remember - Analog Heart was a work done solely on his own and prior to his "progression" on Idol. His work was taken seriously and while the review may not use glowing adjectives, the implication is that the potential is there. Given the quality of people who will be guiding him on this new CD, I foresee great success.

Exactly!
I'm happy with this review. It's a good one!
Thank you Scott.

It's great that they bothered to say anything about it because it shows interest in David's work. I think it was a good review, specially when i remember of how annoyed Stephen Erlewine seemed to be by David throughout the season. It sounds like he sees real promise in what Cook can do.

Actually, the stuff that I thought was most complimentary about the review was this part (which I bolded):


The part about singing with conviction is quite on point, obviously, since we're talking about David Cook here. But I think the most complimentary part is the fact that Billboard acknowledges that David can right great hooks for big arena (read: anthemic) tunes. Not every songwriter can write great hooks and that is some serious kudos from Billboard -- especially for a guy who went the do-it-yourself route on his first album.

And by the way, the sentence about the AH being able to sit alongside DAUGHTRY comfortably? That's a total backhanded compliment. Music critics decry Daughtry as being the epitome of corporate, add-water-and-stir radio friendly rock. I mean it's still a compliment in that they're saying AH (and DC's songwriting) is commercially viable, but Daughtry ain't no Green Day (i.e., commercially successful and critically praised).

Keel, I'm so glad you and so many others who've replied to this post see what I saw when I read the review. It really does recognize David and infers great potential. And speaking of Billboard, the Thursday charts will be out any moment! I'll post TOML chart info in the charts forum in a little while.

I thought it was a reasonably fair review. Considering that Analog Heart was DC's first solo venture and made on the cheap besides, I think even David would admit there was much room for improvement there. And Rob Cavallo is just the guy who can help David bring out that great music that resides in him. Between Rob Cavallo and the resources of 19E, the table is set for David to finally swing in the major leagues. You couldn't really ask for a better match in helping David finesse his skills in music-making. It's truly a match made in heaven.

Thanks for the review, Scott. Honestly, it ain't all too bad.

And yes, David has lot more potential than what was found in Analog Heart.

David's lyrics take my breath away. They are my favorite part of his artistry. Actually, what I like most about David is that he is a true artist. His music and the layers in his arrangements are phenomenal, but the intricacy of the lyrics . . . just breath-taking. True artistry. David excels beyond "rock musican" to me into the realm of "artist." jmo

The review was interesting. I actually like David's music a lot more than Daughtry (sorry); I think it's far more original, imo.

(And geesh, kinda dissing his cover of "Innocent"?! Man, that's my fave from this season -- even like it better than the original, and that's saying a lot since I have been hopelessly devoted to OLP since 2001 -- tattoo & all.)

Thanks for sharing Scott, have to say, I agree with a lot of it! But I think the reviewer knows how many 90's grunge fans are out there, and still have a market, maybe thats why a lot of DC's fans are older!

I think the review of Analog Heart is overall a good one. Like others, I also find it interesting that Billboard would review an album that is no longer available. Personally, I think Daughtry's songs all sound the same. I'm much more looking forward to what David Cook has to offer.

I, too, took this to be all good. Keel, I also settled on the 'big arena hook' comment as very encouraging, since big hooks seem to be the rage. Blake, I'm also glad you brought up the layered arrangements, which are another thing I think makes his music stand out in a sea of very one-dimensional music that's out there. And yes, of course, the lyrics. But all in all, not bad. I have to think some people reading the review would then want to go out and buy it, only to find...they can't.

On another note, I have to think the reviewer only heard the performance version of "Innocent", as I also think the studio version is amazing.

Apparently, I thought so too. His studio version of Innocent sounded way lot better than his live performance version.

Oh yeah, I've read this before..(thanks for posting it up Scott!)
Anyway, it's a great review..it's from Billboard after all..

Thanks for posting the review, Scott. You can see it on allmusic.com too. I love all the replies, too. It seems that part of a critic's job description is to find some fault with even good stuff. That being the case, this review is glowing! I'm happy the reviewer saw potential for David and his new album. In a world where the negative is prominent in everything we read and watch, it's nice to read a review from someone who expects success from David. Here's to all of you for making this a pleasant place to chat.

I hadn't read this review before. Thanks for posting it, Scott. I think it's very positive and hints that the whole recording industry is anxiously awaiting Cook's next move, as are his fans.

Very cool! ...Aw, crap, I had something really important to say and then I lost it.... OH YEAH!!!

Not only do I think AH can stand beside Daughtry, it casts Daughtry in shadows. Don't get me wrong, I like Chris a lot. He was my pick to win Season 5. I have quite a few of his songs on my iPod. But, as it has been said before, a lot of his stuff sounds very similar. It usually takes me about 10-15 seconds to identify his songs if I'm not looking at my iPod. With David's songs, however, I know almost immediately which one is playing. David's music is so much more personal and involved and...agh!...it's just ineffable! The only thing that I find better about Daughtry's music is that it was produced better. Seriously, though, if this what David's music sounds like when it's on a budget, then imagine how much better it will be when his album comes out this fall!

And this is kinda random, but...they're 'speaking' voices. Both Chris and David. Am I the only one who finds them both very mesmerizing? David always sounds so sophisticated yet laid back, while with Chris, you get this southern-gentleman kinda vibe. I don't know, maybe I'm crazy.

Many thanks for posting this Scott!

I agree with you 100% -- I have always said that both of these gentleman have the most mesmerizing voices. First, you know immediately who it is that is speaking without ever having to think about it and secondly, their voices capture your attention and make you want to hear what they have to say. And yes, the description of their sound is perfect. David-- very thought-provoking, intelligent, yet so natural and Chris ---more soft-spoken southern vibe.

Interesting find. On the first few listens I actually would have agreed with what this writer says. But at this point, I've looked deeper and found a lot of meaning in AH. But I know the new record will blow it away. I love RC's work.

Thanks for posting this - definitely interesting. For me, the music I listen to and the concerts I attend are based on what I like, not sales and reviews. I know it's important for artists to have good reviews and sales (it keeps them around longer!), but I don't base my opinions on that. An artist with a great personality(ie some of the other idols I've met) is nice, but it won't make me spend my $$ on them. BTW - I'm a big fan of the artists the reviewer mentioned, so no surprise I like David Cook so much. Bring on the new album