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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brandon Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 10:26
I think your expectations are much too high for Chris. Just like with any Idol, the first album they put out is really what the record company wants them to put out. If they are successfull then the sophomore album is more what the Idol is all about. Also, in the genre of rock, will rock stations take him seriously since Chris just came from AI? I say absolutely not. If this first album is successful which I really believe that it will be, then he will be taken more seriously with his sophomore album. Success creates more success.

The record company wanted Chris to put out a more mainstream album and he did that. I personally LOVE the album. But I also like a variety of music from rock to hiphop to classical to jazz and some country. I love the diversity of the songs. I trully believe that this is a great album that will have a lot of hits. I also believe this album will end up being a multi-platinum album. There is one major thing that is different from Bo's album is that Bo fans DID NOT EMBRACE HIS ALBUM but Chris fans DEFINITELY embrace this one.

I know that you don't like the song "Home" but check out the video we Chris fans made of it to support the troops. This song has A LOT of meaning and will have universal appeal. http://youtube.com/watch?v=hIxJjXiXwlM

Now that being said, I hope that Chris is a success because his sophomore album will trully be what he is all about.

I trully believe that Chris is a victim of too high of expectations for someone who is controlled by 19E. Watch what he does with the sophomore album in which he will have a lot more freedom to be all he can be.

Pauleen Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 10:27
From this season's Idols, I've bought Kellie's and Chris. Kellie's shines with enthusiasm and charisma. Even the cutest song sounds strong. Chris voice is so pure that he makes It's Not Over ring with the same conviction he showed in the show. He just has an amazing voice plus the song is so catchy you can't get rid of the tune. Crashed is headbanging good fun rock. But my favorites are Used to followed by Home which he wrote entirely. This one melts my heart. I also like the wild energy in there and Back Again. These are my favorite so far.

The other CD I was planning to buy was Taylor Hicks, but I just heard the three songs that are going to be in it and I didn't like them. There's nothing new. I danced and sang to these songs in the 60's or maybe late 50's. His voice is not strong. He's not Elvis nor Ray Charles or Joe Cocker though from the later he got the spastic moves. I'm worried that his strength is in performing and doesn't translate to a CD. 2 of the songs try to be early 60's pop which translate badly. and the other one, The Right Place, reminded me of an Eric Clapton song which Clapton does much better. I guess this years idols are not translating into the best. Taylor is going to have more problems because his voice is not strong enough to stand on its own. He's more performance than anything and that doesn't translate to a CD. As to quality of these CD's, Carrie or Kelly still ride ahead of them.

richie Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 12:17
Just a point to consider and this is what a lot of people do not realize. Bo was cut up major league from his tummy down to his lower abdomen. That required him to stay in bed for days and for weeks not to run, skip, jump or stretch his diaphragm while he heals which he himself violated being a stubborn musician that he is. He performed during the idol benefit concert for Katrina which was the last two days of the tour, only three weeks from his surgery. Then a couple of weeks after he and his band did another charity concert for Katrina in Mobile, Al. His album release was delayed by almost a month because of the illness. Think about the costs for the delay in terms of use of the studio, schedule of artists, engineers, promotions involved in this. It's true and from what I read that Idols being newbies, the labels sort of experiment on what songs would click. After all they want to expand their market to other non-Idol fans. But because Bo also was able to pitch some of his originals (there is already one on the actual cd which is Valley of Angels), there were three more added to the "special album" that Clive wanted for him and thus a dual disc version was also released containing those 3 originals. To those who have seen the live versions of these songs which Bo sang in his tours recently before it was cut short again by another major and hopefully the surgery that will end it all, these three songs were better sounding when performed live, meaning given the time constraints in the album release, there was not much time to work on these three songs and they sounded a bit raw on the dual disc. As with any other artist, there will always be fans who are so-called purists but there are also those who open their minds to all possibilities. Hitting gold and beyond was for me more than I expected given the obstacles Bo had to face. I say 700K sales is not bad considering that a lot of named artists tanked and sold less than 50K on their first wk sales. Bo's album was no. 4 on the charts on its first week release which is about a week or so before Christmas, when everybody else had done their shopping. He missed the Thanksgiving sale in November because of the illness related delay and which Chris' cd can take full advantage of. However both Bo and Chris would be in that same genre of music that takes Idol alumni witih raised eyebrows and tongue in cheek. Country music fans are a totally different category and so that explains why it was easy for a reality show star to make it big easily.

Pamela Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 12:18
I listened to the clips from Daughtry's CD and will not buy it but I'm sure others will like it. It's just the same watered down stuff to me.

Taylor's first 3 songs, however, are much better than anything he did on the TV show. His voice comes through strong and now I can't wait for the rest of the album. All 3 songs are so different that this CD will definitly NOT be boring. I agree that Taylor's strength is in his performance - after hearing these songs I can't wait for the concert!

I wish Chris and Taylor both success with these albums and especially with their next ones.

Dane Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 12:18
Daughtry is okay. Its funny that interviews he now says he's happy he lost so he could have a band. A band that is NOT on the CD. They reek of bubblegum rockers.

Its also nice that a Daughtry fan takes the time out to insult Taylor. Still upset he beat out your golden boy? His beenie looked really silly on Regis. Posers.

kristin Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 16:46
what people need to realize is that Chris (even Taylor) came from American Idol and they cannot run away from having some mainstream songs on their albums. even if their management gave them creative control on the album, its still the management that would decide what songs would be in the album (and they are not stupid, they want major bucks so they would make sure that there would be songs that would be radio friendly). the fact that both Chris and Taylor are given some creative control in their debut album is already a big success for them and their fans. Kelly Clarkson fought tooth and nail just to get creative control for her 2nd CD (which is a million times better than her first).

personally, i think DAUGHTRY is a very smart album in the sense that it has a bit of everything. it has the soft rock that most of his AI fans loved and some hard rock songs that would give the album the rocker edge. the same goes to Taylor. i wish them both success and it will definitely be a rough road for the both of them. the fact that they came from American Idol is already a big hurdle for them to overcome. the music world would find it very hard to accept them but with their talents and time, im sure they would.

overall, i really liked the album, it has everything i wanted and expected from Chris (his vocals are superb!) and i don't find myself skipping songs while listening to the album.

kathy Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 20:24
From what I've heard of Chris's CD it does sound pretty versatile. While I won't be buying it I do wish him success and I think it will sell well. I have also heard some of Taylor's songs and love them and can't wait for his CD to come out next month. I think they will both do well but I think Taylor will have an edge with his CD.

Jenny Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 20:24
to poster Dane, if you think that anyone that criticizes Taylor automatically makes them a Daughtry fan we'll gladly take them. We're growing as we speak.

Shar Says:
November 24th, 2006 at 07:12
I thought this was a nice article from one of Chris' fans and I think he was as fair and balanced as he could be. I would be the same way with Taylor because even though he is my favorite, his music has to keep my interest because that it what drew me to him in the first place. And I don't think he is being too hard on the album - he is just sharing his opinion and what he thinks will work in future efforts. All of our faves have limited time to prove they can make it for the long haul, that is just a fact of life. Whatever happens, I wish Chris the best and always thought he had a great recording voice.

Just one thought - it is interesting is how people think Taylor doesn't have a good voice for CD just because they don't like his style or timbre. This doesn't equate to a bad recording voice, just that we all like different kinds of music. I like Taylor for his music and my interest pretty much stops there.

ShirleyDee Says:
November 24th, 2006 at 07:13
Well I have not heard anything of Chris' music, ouside of Idol and when I saw him in concert at Tacoma Dome. ( with the other Idols)
So I reserve judgement, for those that are fully qualified to do that ;O)
I do however wish him well,and of course much success.
Whether You are a "Taylor" Chris or even a Kat fan, we cannot lose the objective of promoting these young talented people and their music.
In doing so we waste less energy being negative, and maybe recruit new members to Your fan base.
I have heard Taylor's 3 songs and I have to say I LOVE them.
Then again I am bias, because he is my genre.
I am a Taylor Hicks fan and a Proud Member of the Soul Patrol.
I will definitely be buying his cd when it becomes available, and hopefully be able to attend one of his concerts to.
This is their dream coming true, so let's all jump on the band wagon and support our artist, and wish the others well..
Doesn't matter how good an artist might be, unless they have a fan base that is strong and supports unconditionally, no one goes anywhere. ie Charts or concerts !!
The hours is late and I am going to turn in :O)
Keep Smiling :O)
Soul Patrol
Hugs
ShirleyDee

Dane Says:
November 24th, 2006 at 07:13
Oh Jenny. You are still fighting the fight. Don't spend all your money trying to prop Chris' sales. He'll do just fine without it. I like Chris. I like Taylor. If you read the second post I was responding to it was an obvious attempt to prop Chris and discredit Taylor.

Lets face facts. These comments are posted by AI fans. Daughtry fans. I;m sure some music fan decided to post a long review because they were so moved by the CD and at the same time roast Taylor. You crack me up.

Again read the review, the first paragraph clearly shows they are Daughtry fan. The second paragraph confirms it.

brandon Says:
November 24th, 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.

TERRI Says:
November 24th, 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!!!

brandon Says:
November 25th, 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...

Ms C Says:
November 28th, 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?

Terri Says:
November 28th, 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!

Michael Says:
November 29th, 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!!

Irene Says:
November 29th, 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?

Renuska Says:
November 30th, 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]

Jazz Says:
December 1st, 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.

ann marie tracey Says:
December 1st, 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.

Jim Burton Says:
December 5th, 2006 at 18:23
WHO are these people? Chris Daughtry? Taylor Hicks? Katherine McPhee? I've never even heard of them.

Marc Says:
December 9th, 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.

Jenn Says:
December 9th, 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.

shahrizat jailan Says:
March 7th, 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...

Courtney Says:
March 25th, 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!

Future Ex Wifey Says:
April 1st, 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....

M. Phillips Says:
May 2nd, 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.

bonnie Says:
June 2nd, 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 :)

Michele Says:
June 22nd, 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!!!!

Brandon Says:
December 4th, 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

Morgan Kiniry Says:
January 2nd, 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!!

Steven Robert Jones Says:
February 19th, 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!

Sara Says:
April 30th, 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

Diane Says:
May 27th, 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!!!

menzie Says:
June 4th, 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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