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Yes, we are aware that Chris Daughtry has musically shed his Christian roots. But we liked this album so much that we're including it here anyway.
Daughtry is the first post-AI release from Chris Daughtry. He dropped not only his first name, but Absent Element as well. The studio musicians on Daughtry are poised to become his new band when he tours in 2007.
The album opens up with It's Not Over. This one actually deserves the Nickelback comparison. But I dare you to get it out of your head. It's catchy, especially the guitar riffs. It's not the blow you away song you expect to open up a project this anticipated, but it's pleasant and sticks with you. Chris has a lot more range than Chad Kroeger, but we don't get to see it on the opener.
His voice is better showcased on Used To Be, the most pop-sounding cut on the album. He has really good voice control (though still suffers from his love of vibratto), and matches his voice to the timbre of the song. This song will probably chart on more than one chart. A very solid hit.
Let me jump on the bandwagon: Home is incredible. From the first longing guitar chords, the mood is set. And Daughtry does not disappoint. He comes in with a clear, vulnerable vocal that has you completely believing the lyrics. This is pure Chris, written completely by him. It shows that, while the collaborations were probably a necessity for an album so quickly done, Daughtry doesn't need guest stars to be superstars. On Home, he shows control, power, range, and emotion -- all at the same time.
Over You has lyrics that his teen fans will be singing over and over again. This one is begging for a video. Again, Chris has a knack for good hooks. The tune has you moving to the bass line, and every t is crossed on the musicianship. The song has attitude, expressed throughout, but best at the end where the instruments drop out and we hear Chris' final "I Got Over You."
There are so many singles on this album that if it wasn’t a debut, you’d be certain it was a "best of" album. One of these hit singles that rock fans will love is Crashed. So will alternative fans, and pop fans, classic rock fans, and every other kind of fan. It's a great song. It has a little retro feel reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, with heavy guitars and a strong lead vocal. If Home wasn't so phenomenal, Crashed would be the best song on the album. It certainly has the most wide appeal. I'd love to see Chris and Krystal Meyers meld together Crashed and Collide into a medley.
Tough to follow such an instant classic as Crashed, but the hook on Feels Like Tonight holds its own . There's a soundtrack feel a la Gavin deGraw here, with a big sound, great hook, and excellent lyrics. The bridge is very good, and a delight.
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