So, being a newer AI fan, can anyone tell me how this works? How much artistic license will David have with his new album? I hope the AI contract lets him have it since his creativity is what makes him so great.

That may depend on the individual winner. DC seems to know what he wants to do with his music. If we're lucky, he's proven this to the label already and we'll get his own stuff.

I am not sure exactly how it works...but I do know this...when Kelly Clarkson won, I am pretty sure the most of the control was the label and she was given songs to sing and contribute to...in a recent interview with Taylor Hicks he made statements around the effect of...he was excited to release his sophomore album because he will have more time to work on it and it would be more of his personal songs in stuff...so it seems like they have a good bit of control over it...but with a songwriter like David and the fact he already has other songs out on a disc that you can't buy at the moment...it wouldn't surprise me if some of those songs made it on to the album. I have a pre-Idol Daughtry CD and some of those songs made it on to his post-Idol CD. He's creative enough to where I think he will have a lot of influence over the songs and probably even some he's written recently could make it on there. Plus Idol is crowned in May and every year they like to have the winner finished with their CD and have it in stores by Christmas. So for some Idols...I think it's hard to do the idol tour, write music and lyrics to songs then have them recorded and produced by Christmas...but with David's experience and amazing song writing abilities I don't think he'll have a problem with getting out a great album like he wants!

I would LOVE IT if DC's album was in stores by Christmas. Is that generally how it works (I'm a new AI fan too)?

I'm really excited to see what he will put on it -- I'm sure it's going to be amazing. I heard him say on an interview the other day that he wants to make an album to give you goosebumps on the back of your neck!

Can't wait!

I think it's safe to say that the Idol Powers that Be like to have the albums out by Christmas...I wanna say I read it on FoxNews and where I live they did a local interview with past idol Taylor Hicks and he said the same thing and last year's Idol Jordin Sparks had her album out by Christmas because Santa put it in my stocking...so hopefully King Cook's album will be out then too!!!

i WISH he could get it out soon. i'm so excited to have a listen.

in terms of control, he may not have TOTAL control of it but since he's a little more "experienced" (have any previous idols made an indie album before actually winning?) he kinda knows what's going on, how hard he should work, what to expect and what not to do. One of the reasons why i wanted him to win was because he already knows this and i guess it just makes the "learning" process of it go much faster. i just want him to record and release the album and continue on this journey that he started.

During the idol tour last year, both Jordin and Blake went into the recording studio and wrote on their days off. Jordin's album came out the week of Thanksgiving (November 20th) and Blake's release was scheduled for November 27th but it got pushed back 1 week because of damage he suffered with his vocal cords (December 4th). It's really best for the winner to get the CD out by the Thanksgiving time frame rather than December if for no other reason because of Black Friday sales with people shopping for Christmas. December isn't bad, but November will be better if he can manage to pull it off with the hectic schedule that the top 10 will have with the tour from July-the last of September. I'm sure Cook will do his best to get his album out as soon as he can.

I'm hoping that it's not too rushed and they let him use some Analog Heart songs on the album. He is extremely creative so maybe they'll losen the reigns and let him have some control.

I've been in debates with a few friends regarding this topic, the last couple of weeks. They all seemed to want him to come in 2nd or 3rd since they felt the winner always is at the mercy of the contract they sign. I just wanted to see him in the spotlight so much more than DA.

Yes...thanks for that...November definatley makes more sense...I am sure Santa shopped on Black Friday and that's how Jordin's CD ended up in my stocking! Hee hee!

me too. like i selfishly wanted him to win because i wanna see and hear more of him, you know? cause i'd rather buy his music than any of the cr** that's available right now.

Remember, he doesn't just have Analog Heart, there's an entire new album that we haven't heard yet! He has a LOT of music to choose from, which makes me very happy, but who knows how his contract will be worded.

Thanks for the info!

I'm excited to see what he'll put on the album. And I shall check out Analog Heart as well.

19 will definitely make sure this album/CD is out in time for the holiday sales season. David will be a very busy man this summer - between the tour and hopping into the studio while on the road.

I am sure that the record company will want a decent amount of control - that's been their pattern. I'm sure the first record might be a bit of a compromise. David is a very astute individual - smart enough to know when he's not exactly on target (e.g., realizing 'The World I Know' was the weakest of the 3 songs during Top 3 week and switching it up) and smart enough to know when his instincts are dead on (e.g., ABMB).

I'm actually looking forward to his second CD most of all. After he gets his first one out there, he'll get much more control, I think. That's been the pattern not only with AI but with most newly signed artists. Goodness, I hope we get to hear more from that second solo album! It's torture, knowing it's out there and not being able to get our hands/ears to it!

did he ever release it? cause it's weird that no one has "found" a copy of it yet.

well... i hafta say about kelly clarkson.. i no a lot about her b/c my brother is like me except w. kelly clarkson... well she doesnt hav that much cntrl over her album.. she had 2 fite w. clide (manager guy) just to put out mi december..which i think is a grreatt album.. but now she is stuck w/ him 4eva and every fan thinks that clide is a jackass 4 not letting her put this out 4 a while but it may b diff now that he know some idols hav the ability 2 b very creative like kelly n DC

Thats exactly what I was thinking... maybe he will be able to use some of those songs for his new CD.... from listening to Analog Heart we know he is amazing !

I think I read somewhere that Daughtry is contracted to 19 and his album was well suited to him. Hopefully, DC will get to have enough control to do his sort of music. That's what we want to hear.

Well said, Blake. Past Idol winners haven't had much control over their first CD with "19" however, the producers will no doubt listen to David more carefully as he is the most astute and sophisticated of all the winners. In the long run, David is such an amazing talent, that he'll be writing and producing for others as well.
Devora

That's the ONLY thing that bothered me


I wanted David to win, obviously he's the most talented.
I just don't want an album that everyone else wrote besides David.
Will I buy it, heck yes I'm going to buy it no matter what.

I just listen to Analog Heart, and it makes me soar.
I love the lyrics. Lyrics make me tick.
I'd love to hear his album he DIDN'T release.
I think as a song writer, you get better with time, at least that's what I've found about myself.


KELLY CLARKSON did have to fight with Clive Davis for My December to even be released. She sat down crossed her arms and told him "I'm not recording anymore songs, that's how I want my album."

AND FORGIVE ME...but it's HERS....it should be the way she wants it to be.
So F**king what if Clive didn't approve.
As an artist, they give you boundries you can't cross.
I have so much respect for that woman it's unreal.
I LOVE MY DECEMBER...


AS FOR DAVID COOK
If he wants a 'make the hair on the back of your neck stand up' kind of album, i suggest to the record executive's that they let some of HIS own songs go on the album.

just my opinion.

Just because you come in 2nd doesn't guarantee you anymore creative control. Look at Bo Bice. He came into the studio all happy and thinking he was going to get some of his music recorded and was dismayed to find out that they really didn't want to hear his stuff. Ultimately, they did put one of his songs on his first CD and it was totally different from the rest of the songs. Anyway, the critics and most of the fans really didn't like the CD...said that Bo had sold out and it didn't sound like him. I felt sorry for him because it wasn't his call at all. He said it even felt like they could have put any singer in place for those songs...that they didn't reflect him. His 2nd CD has been well received by the critics. Unfortunately, now that he is back to being an indie artist, he isn't really getting much promotion and so sales aren't all that high. That being said, I think that David is a much better songwriter than Bo (sorry, Bo...just keeping it real). That plus the success that Analog Heart was having on Amazon before it was taken off will, hopefully, cause TPTB to really consider what David has to offer.

No matter what, though, I think he will take whatever he is given and work it to put out a beautiful CD. I have total faith in his abilities.

Jeannine

I recall David saying something about being anxious of getting in to a studio and start recording. I read that into that he already has songs ready to record, not like he was anxious to start writing songs. Maybe he was thinking of those songs from "Analog Heart II" that are ready but never released because AI got in between and changed everything. Or maybe it's just me and my wishful thinking ...

I like to believe that he will have a large say in what happens with this album but if history is indicative of anything, both him and us will be enduring some crap before getting to the good stuff. I'm not detracting from DC's artistry, fortitude or intellect, he comes across as scintillating in interviews. The record companies are ultimately in this for money and it would not surprise me if they don't give a shit about his views on how this album should feel. Of course I would prefer something where he was in total creative control. I have a lot of faith in him but not TPTB; they've proven themselves to be idiots. I'd like to hear him say something on this matter and not have to speculate but it's so soon that I doubt he even knows right now or will be able to say anything until long after its release.

Either way, I'm ready to buy anything and everything he releases to get him to the point where he is in a position to do 100% what he wants. He can make the best of whatever comes his way. Hell, his voice is enthralling enough that he sold me on a song with a line about a "magic rainbow." I didn't even notice it until the 3rd or 4th time listening.

LOL
I copy that. He can change garbage into gold with his voice. And I will most certainly buy whatever comes.

I think that if Carrie Underwood's 1st album was anything to go by, we shouldn't have anything to worry about. They put her with some of the best song writers in the business and she has said SINCE DAY ONE that she was country and she wasn't going to put out an album if she wasn't happy with it. And now that album is 7x platinum. So I think we're getting a little worked up over nothing.

I mean heck, Daughtry's album is amazing and they let him use some previous songs. Why shouldn't it be the same for DC?

I just, as a writer myself, give people who actually write their own lyrics and such more credit. Maybe I'm an A$$ for it... but thats how i feel.

There's already talk about Jesse McCartney and the singer from One Republic 'helping' write songs for Cook's album..I'm hoping that's why he hasn't signed off on a deal just yet. I think he needs to fight for creative rights. The guy already has an album ready to go but somehow I don't see American Idol allowing him to release it. This is why I dislike the show so much--they don't want a musician, they want a singer they can mold to fit their needs in the market. What David needs is a contract that gives him artistic license. Even if AI has final say, I don't want OTHER people's songs, I want David's. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. I will be livid if they sugarcoat his CD and make it garbage.

I have more respect for people who have a hand in writing their own lyrics and music. He's already shown he is fully capable of that. I like to see different musicians collaborating. He'd be stupid for not wanting to work with other people in various ways at some point in his career. Most everyone, no matter what field, has someone they would love to work with. I just take issue with people not having a say in who they work with or what they sing.

I'll definetly get anything David makes after his win. It would be a shame if he couldn't write a lot of the songs because David is definetly capable of doing the work himself. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it turns out. Anyways..can't say I would have preferred him getting any place besides #1 either. I think the best thing happened, and I'm proud of him..he was the best^^

i couldn't agree with you more.

Nooooooooooooooooooo! Very selfish of me, I know, but I want an album of new stuff (although I'm sure the first album will have some AI stuff...I wouldn't be at all upset to get a full-length version of First Time Ever I saw Your Face). I've already heard Analog Heart, I love it, but I want new songs I don't already have. I don't think the first CD will be anywhere near as awesome as AH, but like someone else said, I have high hopes for the second one.

But WORD to your second paragraph. I've loved seeing him all over the place the last few days.

I think the producers will honor DC's desire to create an album with substance. He has already mentioned in interviews that is going to do some of his own songwriting and is hoping to partner with some other song writers. I think the producers know that we love DC's voice, guitar, and arrangements on AI and I am SURE they have heard his AH record....which is a work of art! WOW! I am thinking that if they want good sales, they will give DC some creative liberties on his record. I want his haunting lyrics, his versatile voice, and his killer guitar skills! I'm hopeful! DC knows this business and yes, there are existing songs out there that he was working on back in Tulsa....perhaps some of those will be refined and placed on this record. REGARDLESS, I absolutely cannot wait for the release of the album and I will applaud him when he receives his grammy for it!!!!

We won't ultimatily know what happens "behind the scenes" but David said that he would fight for his music, and would not put anything on his album that he feels does not represent him. So, I expect nothing but an amazing album. He knows what he is doing, and I trust him with that.

From what I understand from some things he has said in interviews that this was not going to be an AI record and in fact, a lot of the fans don't want an AI record from some comments I have read. I know I don't. A lot of us already have that music downloaded from i-tunes and as for me, I want new stuff and I think that's what DC wants too and I applaud him for that. As far as the issue with creative control, the reality is that in this business, you will not always get your way 100% of the time. I would say to look for there to be some disagreements at times between DC and RCA because it will happen but if both sides can come to a mutual understanding in the end, then it could make for an awesome record. In fact, I think in the end it will be an awesome record anyway. What is most important is that DC gets to make an album that both he and the label are satisfied with and that it will have commercial appeal because airplay is a large factor of album sales. Think about it this way, if DC had come in 2nd or 3rd, then we wouldn't be hearing these interviews right now of him talking about his record. He said he wanted to win and so that was why I voted so hard. Yeah, there is compromise involved. I heard even Jordin had to compromise somewhat on her record, but still she is doing well in the style that suits her so for the moment, I'm not going to get concerned about it.

I highly doubt that any of the AI stuff will be on the CD. It hasn't happened yet after the show ends. I certainly don't mind if any of his own stuff gets included. Of course, I would love it because he would get more credit. I figure that most people out there have never heard them and so they are new to them. Like David said in an interview, though....if they don't, it's in the past. It will be time to move on. He doesn't seem to be one who stays in one place for long, musically. No matter what is on the CD, I have a feeling it will be awesome and I'll probably need several copies because I'll wear it out.

Jeannine

OMG, me too! I listened to it a few times, and about the 4th or 5th time, I was like "...Did Cookie just say something about a magic rainbow?" So I went back, and sure enough, there it was. This is why I think Idol needs to do away with the songwriting contest. All they come up with is that cheesy crap that's great when you first listen to it, but then it's like "...okay...?" Seriously, the only song I liked when participating in the voting was the "Dream Big." I heard it and was like, "That has Cook written all over it." And then he sang it and I was just like...*melts*.

i know. i was the same way.

oh no...i noticed it right away and giggled because i remembered when people were discussing the songs from the contest THAT particular song was mentioned dozens of times as that "magic rainbow" song in a derogatory way. leave it to david to make a song that includes those words actually pallatable.

Thanks for everyone's replies on this!

I will definitely be buying his CD no matter what....but I am looking forward to a "true DC CD as well."

even if he doesn't have full "control" of the album, the producers will be stupid to not utilize his artistic input to the fullest.

i was not so sure about this...you know music businesses and artistic are completly different sides of view. even DC knows what he wants or really know what he good to be but sometimes loads of artists have to be surrendered by something someday, somehow.

Sometimes, on the first record, you may have to sacrifice "some" creative control to have a hit record as bad as that sounds. RCA is going to be looking to make money off of David and to cash in big the first time around. The reality is, the more albums you sell, the more chances you have of having more creative freedom when you go to make the 2nd album. This business is all about making $$$$. Of course, like everyone else, I want this record to have as much of "him" on it as possible. Even though David isn't a "pop" artist by nature, I think one of label's objectives will be to have songs that will cross over into multiple formats. Of course not comparing DC to Daugthry, but when his first single "It's Not Over" was released, it went straight to top 40 and "Crashed" went straight to the rock stations. If David could have singles on his record that could spill over into other formats or have said scenario of one going to pop another released to rock, it would be an ideal scenario but I will buy the album no matter what the end result is.

exactly, pam08! there's going to have to be a lot of give and take on this first album...yet it's possible for the entire album to cross over while staying true.

I hope he has a lot of input into his new CD but who knows, record companies have a HUGE amount of say in what goes and what doesn't.
I'm guessing that whatever David puts out it will sound awesome but then i'm biased, however we already know he sounds great, even when he sings the phone book.

i feel like the album coming out by fall is wayyyyy too short a deadline. i feel like theyre making him rush out an album as fast as possible and they wont let him take the time to really put as much as he can into it.
on the upside, i feel that he is strong in his feelings. as in, he wont let people control him too much. if he wants something he wont take no for an answer. not to bash him, but i feel that archie on the other hand would give in a lot easier than cook. i hope this album is the best it can be! good luck to cook and archie!

I'm actually excited about the fall release goal. He's mentioned in a couple of recent interviews that he has already submitted some of his own songs for inclusion in this album.
Considering that between Analog Heart and some pending unreleased stuff he already has about 20 pre-written songs to choose from and that Time of My Life is already on the track list, i believe that he can turn out a kick a$$ album within a reasonable amount of time.

i hope you're right...no matter what im sure this album will be a hit. i HATE when people are like oh he's going to be just like ruben, they'll forget all about him in a year. they won't even remember his name. it's so not true everyone knows daughtry and carrie underwood still. he'll be like them and i've heard that kelly clarkson isn't doing very well at all with her new album but every artist goes through rocky stages right? besides while i like her previous album better i do like her new one still.

Kelly isn't doing as well with her new album because Clive Davis didn't want her to. He was pissy she disagreed with him and he under promoted her to teach her a lesson. Interestingly enough, Clive is now in one of those "why won't this fossil retire" positions with a lot of fancy sounding words that end up meaning Corner Office Not Much Input.

well i guess it depends if he has his view of how he wants it to be. i'm sure he'll have to give up some freedom, cuz Carrie underwood didn't write any of her songs. but thats all i know

i really hope that he manages to get some of the songs that we havent heard from his second solo album onto the new one. from what i've heard of it (even if it's not much) it was going to be fantastic, and i really want to hear more. because like annie702 said, there is a lot he's already done that he could add, and hopefully he will.

I hope he does have control over his album, and they let him put out work that he has done and is proud of. I know that he will probably have to sacrifice some things, but I know the album is going to be amazing because he is just so damn talented. And I hope that he puts out an album that he is proud of and likes