Scotty McCreery, "Clear As Day" (19/Interscope/Mercu ry)
All "American Idol" winners face the challenge of finding original material that gives them a musical identity of their own, especially after spending a season in front of millions singing songs other people made famous.
As we know, many fail to accomplish that goal. Reigning "Idol" champ Scotty McCreery faces an even tough challenge because he's so young (about to turn 18 as the album is released) and so obviously free of the complexities that make artists compelling.
But unlike many "Idol" winners, McCreery didn't win because of a showy, melodramatic voice. McCreery's natural baritone features a down-to-earth quality that connects on an everyman level.
This talent shows on "Love You This Big," his debut hit introduced on "Idol." He sounds like he's quietly singing the lyrics to one person, even as crowds raise their hands and sing along. This ability to quietly express emotion also comes across on the album's title cut, "Clear As Day," based on young love blossoming in a parking lot after a football game.
But the latter also illustrates McCreery's limitations: Just how big is the audience for a tragic ballad that mentions exchanging class rings?
What McCreery does well shines as clear as day throughout his new album. But are the songs strong enough to transform a good cover singer into singular artist? Not quite yet. "Clear As Day" isn't a disappointment, but neither is it the kind of remarkable debut that established recent country stars like Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum — or, more to the point, former "Idol" winner Carrie Underwood.
CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: McCreery spends too much of "Clear As Day" trying to make significant statements about country lifestyles. His best song, "Write Your Number On My Hand," lightens up and celebrates making the best of a casual day. Set to a jaunty ukulele and a shuffle rhythm, it lets McCreery show off the flexible side of his voice as it slides and slurs notes through this sunny song.
Most Watched on Wonderwall
Who Am I?
Check out how Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and more stars of "Fast & Furious 6" looked when they were in high school.
Watch Video »
Bikini Burns
From Kim Kardashian to Jessica Alba, see the worst celeb sunburns.
Watch Video »
Svelte Bod
Khloe Kardashian showed off her svelte figure, plus more celeb stories on 7 Wonders.
Watch Video »
Fashion Blues
Kourtney Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens and Tara Reid all get an F on this week's Fashion Offenders hosted by Wonderwall's Kirby Kristen.
Watch Video »
Double Trouble
From the Olsens to the Mowrys, see some of Hollywood's most famous twins.
Watch Video »
Chief Beef
Katy Perry incites a Twitter feud with a 17-year-old rapper. Get the dirty details on today's Celebs Gone Social.
Watch Video »
More Wonderwall
- Chief BeefKaty Perry incites a Twitter feud with a 17-year-old rapper. Get the dirty details on today's Celebs Gone Social.Watch Video »
- Fashion BluesKourtney Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens and Tara Reid all get an F on this week's Fashion Offenders hosted by Wonderwall's Kirby Kristen.Watch Video »
- Fights & FeudsGet the scoop on some of the most recent Hollywood feuds on 7 Wonders, hosted by Tim Kash.Watch Video »
- Svelte BodKhloe Kardashian showed off her svelte figure, plus more celeb stories on 7 Wonders.Watch Video »
- Last TripGet the scoop on Kim’s final pre-baby Parisian getaway on Replay hosted by Wonderwall's Kirby Kristen.Watch Video »
- Magic LoveThe stars of "Now You See Me" chat learning magic tricks and experiencing the real deal.Watch Video »
- Workout ObsessedGwyneth Paltrow works out for two hours a day, plus more celeb stories on 7 Wonders, hosted by Tim Kash.Watch Video »
- Twitter AttackFind out who went after Kendall Jenner on social media on today's Celebs Gone Social ...Watch Video »
- 'Fast' TalkWatch as the cast of "Fast & furious 6" talk about getting injuries while filming, getting jacked and a whole lot more.Watch Video »
- Feeling SwollenKim Kardashian says her pregnancy lips are out of control, plus more celeb stories on 7 Wonders.Watch Video »
- Party AnimalsCheck out some of Hollywood's biggest party animals.Watch Video »
- Carrie's ChangesSee how this country cutie has changed her looks over the years.Watch Video »
- Moving OutRobert Pattinson has moved out of the house he shared with Kristen Stewart, plus more celeb stories on 7 Wonders.Watch Video »
- Who Am I?Check out how Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and more stars of "Fast & Furious 6" looked when they were in high school.Watch Video »
- LovebirdsFind out what Jessica Alba and Cash Warren tweeted to each other on their fifth wedding anniversary on today's Celebs Gone Social ...Watch Video »
- Worst LooksCheck out some of Rihanna's worst wardrobe choices on 7 Wonders, hosted by Tim Kash.Watch Video »
- What's Sexy?Heidi Klum hangs with two comedy legends and shares what she finds most sexy in a man on today's Celebs Gone Social ...Watch Video »
- Sexy SecretsVictoria's Secret model Adriana Lima talks about the What's Sexy list, her model friends and more with Wonderwall.Watch Video »
- American TravelsGet the Prince's travel details on Replay hosted by Wonderwall's Kirby Kristen.Watch Video »
- Birthday GirlTori Spelling turns 40, plus more celeb stories on 7 Wonders, hosted by Tim Kash.Watch Video »
- Fashion OffendersFlorence Welch, Zoe Saldana, and Ali Larter all get an F on this week's Fashion OffendersWatch Video »
-
From Videos of Wonderwall
-
From MSN Entertainment
-
From MSN
