CD Review: Chris Daughtry's Daughtry

By Brian Williams: 2006-11-22 00:00:00

An open letter to Chris Daughtry, American Idol 5’s 4th runner-up: First, I just want to say “I like you.” We have a lot in common, man…hey, we could even be bros. Beyond our “separated-at-birth” physical similarities (yep, shaved heads and all…Brotherhood of the Bic, y’know), we’re both Southerners (we grew up only a few hours drive apart) and we’re both fathers to little girls.

Another big comparison: we’re just rockers at heart, plain and simple. That’s why I was pulling for you to, well, lose the competition so you wouldn’t have to be RCA’s little puppet and you could get crackin’ on your own material. With that, I got my wish. And with your self-titled debut Daughtry now out on store shelves, I can’t help but feel like you almost had something there. Almost.

Musically, your voice is as strong as ever; a sort of country-rock Nu-Metal bellow that works well with the lyrics (that’s good). But listening to the songs, what’s lacking is simply balls (that’s not so good). Honestly, I was expecting something a little heavier, a little more in-your-face aggressive, something your Idol counterpart Bo Bice couldn’t pull off. Thankfully, there’s a solid tease in the form of “What I Want,” a driving rock anthem that features classic Les Paul wails from Velvet Revolver’s Slash; also, the pulsing “There And Back Again”…with a style you should’ve stuck with from track one.

Instead, the album comes off as trying to sound too diverse, and that gives the impression you listened (or had to listen) to bad advice from the label suits telling you what “sells records.” You stated in interviews prior to the release that the album “will not be pop,” yet the country-tinged “Home,” “It’s Not Over,” and the mid-tempo ballad “Breakdown” manage to firmly contradict your promise and make your first album seem like, well, Nickelback-lite.

No need to worry, though - the good news is that Daughtry/Idol fans will buy the album based on the name alone, and honestly, I can’t blame ‘em. They’ll be happy you finally put something out, but rock fans may be a little put off by some of the staleness of the tracks.

I really can’t compare Daughtry to the releases from most of the other Idolers (since I haven't listened to them all the way through), but you - along with Taylor Hicks, in my book - have the best chance of long term success in the music biz…as long as you go with your gut instincts next time around. Even Kelly Clarkson dropped the bubblegum princess act for album #2, making it worthy to stand on its own.

What made Taylor Hicks take off was the fact he was different, and that he found his niche and audience early on; and although you might not kill in a cleavage-baring yellow dress the way Katherine McPhee does, you’ll undoubtedly go down as one of the more memorable contestants from the show. But it’s up to you to go out and win those fans over that didn’t watch the show (yes, there are some out there) and make your mark more original and true to yourself. Unfortunately, Daughtry’s not the one to do it.

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menzie
June 4, 2008 at 00:20

u rule man u my favurat musition u so kool i wish u could have a concert in campbell river man id so go even if it wure 100 $

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Diane
May 27, 2008 at 14:06

Daughtry's fantastic I really love his first album and am impatiently waiting for the second one to hit the stores. As for Taylor Hicks...I can't think why he won, his wierd dancing (if you can call it that) was downright scarry and his voice was nothing to write home about..It should have been Chris who won!!!

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Sara
April 30, 2008 at 00:08

hey i like the song sorry that is my favorite song ever i didnt really like the band but now i love it because of that new song sorry anyways keep up the good songs...............bye

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Steven Robert Jones
February 19, 2008 at 13:49

"It's up to you win over the people who don't watch American Idol". Well, since I never watched American Idol and I had never heard of Chris Daughtry I guess I fall into the category. Consider me won over! I love this album. Critics are just that, critics. Who listens to their own critics? Critics are simply worthless. We don't need them to tell us who to like, what albums to buy and who to vote for. I am a Chris Daugtry fan. Plain and simple!

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Morgan Kiniry
January 2, 2008 at 21:48

I was never a big fan of American Idol but when I heard Daughtry's song Its Not Over on the radio I thought it was anwesome song and I really liked it. Then when I got his album for my birthday and listened to it I was like WOW! what a GREAT ALBUM! I am a huge fan of Chris and I think its one of the best rock albums. His voice is AMAZING! and I hope that he will release more albums and be just as good as this one. I LOVE U CHRIS!!!! and I wish YOU the BEST OF LUCK!! Good Luck with everything!! YOU ROCK!!

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Brandon
December 4, 2007 at 14:31

I think Chris should have won american idol...... he was the best but yet they gave the win to taylor hicks..... he stinks

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Michele
June 22, 2007 at 10:41

It's so funny to read this now after the cd has just hit TRIPLE PLATINUM!!!!
Rock on DAUGHTRY and Congrats!!!!

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bonnie
June 2, 2007 at 22:22

chris is the best...i loved his album..he has an amazing voice...and its not just the music its the words as well..go chris, u ROCK...we all love u..but u know, people have different tasts :)

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M. Phillips
May 2, 2007 at 23:41

This Daughtry kid with the powerhouse set of pipes and a performance that conveys the true passion of rock, may be rock's resurrection from the dead. He has taken a 'rushed and thrown together' CD, and on his own merit brought it to the top of the charts. It's like the story of the old beat up violin, put in the hands of the Master, produces the purist, most soulful music ever known to man. Daughtry is a Master. Anything you give him is going to sound good. Give him something special, and this young man with the powerful voice, is going to rank up there with Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant. Any of you babies remember them? Masters all. Take it from a rocker from back in the day, this kid has got it.

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Future Ex Wifey
April 1, 2007 at 01:07

Well what can i really say about him... i hated american idol the way they made them people looke bad. But then I heard Chris and i was so amazed, my boyfriend absoulty hates him but thats alot to do with the fact morning noon and night all u hear is his CD.... I just wish he had time to pay more attention to his fans....

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Courtney
March 25, 2007 at 22:44

Wow yeah I think you were to good to be an American Idol you have way to good of a voice and you are just an amazing singer!

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shahrizat jailan
March 7, 2007 at 00:34

I'm a Malaysian and I LOVE the album DAUGHTRY. I started followed the American Idol all the way from here simply because of Chris Daughtry. I was rooting for him to come out the winner. At first I was disappointed when he was voted out. But when I thought about it, I guess it was the best thing that could ever happen to him. He left fans wanting for more.

I enjoy listening to the whole album, but my personal favourites are "Over You", "Breakdown", "Gone", "What About Now", "Feels Like Tonight", "Home", and of course, "It's Not Over". I even have them as background music for my bloggs.

Can't wait for the next album. I hope that he'll have a great career in music. And IT'S definitely NOT OVER with Chris Daughtry...

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Jenn
December 9, 2006 at 21:30

I bought the CD and LOVE IT.... Some of the songs are a little cheesy and popish but Chris's Voice is great.

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Marc
December 9, 2006 at 12:58

I agree with many of the posts that this cd gets better and better after you listen to it. I think the problem for most is that we expected more rock, which in reality if the cd just came out with out any predestined dispositions we would like it - for it is more rock than any other idol. I think Chris did what he had to do - The cd will be huge and then he will go more to his "sole" of true rock and high energy.

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Jim Burton
December 5, 2006 at 18:23

WHO are these people? Chris Daughtry? Taylor Hicks? Katherine McPhee? I've never even heard of them.

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ann marie tracey
December 1, 2006 at 16:44

I am addicted to the Daughtry CD, I am hoping Chris goes to the top of the charts..Breakdown is my favorite, but I pretty much like them all.

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Jazz
December 1, 2006 at 09:43

I liked your review, Brian. It made me laugh. So I bought the album. I think what happened is that everybody wanted something from Chris and Chris wanted something else for himself.

This CD is the kind you have to listen several times. The more you listen the more it grabs you. There's something about the Daughtry voice. Maybe it's that it can be smooth, then growly and rough. Like every fan and critic has said in this album Chris sings his ass off and it shows.

There's so much in this CD, you have pure rock, slow rock and some ballads. And then you have Home, a song that meant a lot to Chris which showed also his Southern roots. Chris might be a rocker, but he's still a Southern Boy. He wanted Home in this CD because it talked about getting what you wish for, and finding after all that you wanted was back at Home, waiting patiently for you, accepting you just as you are, loving you only for who you are and not what somebody thought you should be. These are powerful lyrics full of meaning, something to be proud of.

The man made us proud. Chris is who he is. He showed us that during a show that demanded that he compromise for the win and he did not. There's no pretentions about him. Chris has a voice and he has a heart and a way to communicate it. And he did it well.

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Renuska
November 30, 2006 at 14:56

Well, it is a good cd, but I woldn't say it's perfect...
it's... okay, it's that Nickelback kinda way of rocking... And that was the first thing that got me thinking when i heard the first song.
I don't know if it's a good thing for Daughtry, but it will do good at charts... because this is the kind of rock'n'roll that people love to hear.
It's a good album, that kind of album that you can hear and don't get tired of it, i guess.
But is not perfect.
I miss the Chris from AI, that heavier one, with the strong voice..that's all.

Let's wait and see. (i mean, let's wait for their second album HAHAH)

[sorry for my english, i'm not american =P]

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Irene
November 29, 2006 at 16:22

I believe Brian Williams comment above said it perfectly!! The album will sell LOTS and will make lots of $$. It is diverse enough to get people listening and to take notice (and really that is what you want during the transition phase of making a name for yourself - post AI). I didn't find the album disappointing although I know Chris has such potential to be totally more powerful in his lyrics (he has such a strong masculine voice - yum!!). He will have plenty of future opportunities to take more risks and be more aggressive. Haven't seen the video to Home but I'm sure it will touch a lot of hearts.

I look forward to the next album - a bit more aggressive one. Baby steps, right?

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Michael
November 29, 2006 at 02:39

I really like Daughtry's CD. Chris has an awesome voice. I don't think his voice sounds country at all. He rocks!!

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Terri
November 28, 2006 at 20:42

Chris has an amazing voice, I love his album. Chris, PLEASE PLEASE do not go country--you are walking a fine line. I have listened to the album many times--each time I like it better!

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Ms C
November 28, 2006 at 14:44

CATCHY!.....I didn't think I would like this at first, but the songs get in your head! I'm glad Chris did what he did with this album, I agree with a poster above who talked about it being a "smart" album, and it's a smart album with a great stylized vocalist who can obviously write and collaborate and appeal. My regret is that ELLIOTT NEEDS TO RECORD because I can't buy THIS or any Idol album from this season until I buy Elliott's (my own stubborn fan thing) though I might cheat and ask someone to get this for me for Christmas :). As much as I like Taylor, the 3 songs I've heard off his new album don't appeal to me at all and I don't see myself really checking him out any further, I don't think he has a good or strong or unique voice. MY attempt to discredit Taylor?, no, just the facts. Katherine Over what rainbow who?

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brandon
November 25, 2006 at 19:33

I like the Billboard review for the song "It's Not Over" that just came out. It is a fantastic review! It basically says that Chris will have the last laugh. I AGREE! Chris will laugh in the face of all the critics who didn't like his CD because he wasn't "hard rock" enough for the reviewers' taste. DAUGHTRY is now the #1 downloaded CD above Jay-Z's, #6 on Amazon and is predicted to battle neck and neck with Snoop's album for second place.

I think critics have "pidgeon-holed" Chris to be this "hard rocker" that once they heard the CD which is diverse and covers the gamet of rock from hard-edged rock, to pop rock, to country rock, to rock ballads and beyond, they were a little disappointed. But Chris fans are NOT because we know that there are many facets of Chris for Chris sang "What If" & "Innuendo" as well as "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" & "Memories of Me". Chris loves Kelly Clarkson and Elton John as well as Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden.

Chris will have the last laugh...

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TERRI
November 24, 2006 at 12:47

HOME WILL BE A MULTIPLATINUM SELLER
CHRIS HAS CORNERED THE MUSIC MARKET AND WILL MOST DEFINITELY BE A SUPERSTAR..

PRESALES ALONE SOLD OVER 700,000!!!

HOME IS GOING OUT TO THE TROOPS... GREAT MANAGER CHRIS GREAT PROMO. HOME HAS SO MANY UNIVERSAL MEANINGS AND ITS A GREAT SONG.

I HAVE NO DOUBTS FOR CHRIS WHATSOEVER!!!

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brandon
November 24, 2006 at 08:04

I didn't make myself clear that this DAUGHTRY album is AMAZING!! My point earlier is that critics wanted Chris to put out a very rock album while his record company wanted Chris to put out a more mainstream one so that it will sell. I am glad that the CD is more mainsteam and not so very rock because the rock world may NOT have accepted Chris since he came from AI thus the CD probably wouldn't have sold as much.

There are SOOOO MANY HITS on this album that I predict it will be a multi-platinum album. I was watching the Dallas football game yesterday and I saw the commercial for the Prison Break finale in which they were using Chris' "Its Not Over" in their promo. It was AMAZING! I predict "Its Not Over" will be a top 10 hit!! Other songs that will be a hit are "Used To", "Over You", "Crashed", "There and Back Again", and "Home". "Home" will be the biggest hit song and will make Chris a SUPERSTAR! It has universal appeal and has a lot of meaning. "Home" is tagged to be played on Country radio as well as Rock and Pop radio. It is going to be a HUGE SONG!! Remember my prediction...

In terms of Taylor's songs, I am not a fan of them but I wish him success all the success in the world.

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