*Q's Picks* American Idol Season 7- Top 12 Males Perform

Tuesday night, American Idol kicked off the semifinal rounds (that feature the Top 24 contestants) with the Top 12 males singing songs from the 60's. Overall, this year's males are absolutely stronger than last season's selections. While some guys managed to separate themselves from the pack, all the guys showed (or have proven in earlier auditions) that they are talented.



Best overall performance: David Archuleta

















David Archuleta gave a rousing performance of The Miracles classic "Shop Around." While he is only 17 year olds, his voice is amazingly seasoned. Looking natural on stage while displaying his wonderful vocal tone, Archuleta's performance was a highlight of the night. While his vocals may have been off in a few places, there's no denying his vocal talent and overall "X" factor. Look for Archuleta to go quite far in this competition.





Honorable Mention(s): Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Robbie Carrico

















Michael Johns closed out the show cruising through The Doors' rock anthem, "Light My Fire." The Australian born rocker certainly has a great voice, and an undeniable "it" factor. Johns' performance was dazzling, and managed to come off as the most contemporary singer of the night.





















Robbie Carrico performed the hit Three Dog Night version of "One." The former member of Boyz-N-Girlz United, (the band toured with Britney Spears in 2000) sounded superb, providing some of the finest vocals of the night. While his rocker authenticity may be in question, there's no doubting his talent.





















Jason Castro was the only male singer who took advantage of Idol's newly implanted "instruments allowed" during his performance. Castro took on the 1966 number two Billboard hit, "Daydream," originally performed by The Lovin' Spoonful. The Texas native sounded quite appealing on this nearly acoustic take of the song. Competitively, Castro's vocals aren't in the upper echelons, but they are optimistically sufficient. Castro also posses an unique aura that may potentially end up making Castro embrace the persona of a "wild card" in the competition.







--Quinton

*NEW* Day26- "Over Now"

Day26 (Robert Curry, Willie Taylor, Brian Andrews, Qwanell "Q" Mosley, Mike McCluney) is the R&B quintet that was formed during the fourth season of MTV's popular Making The Band series. Currently, the guys can be seen on the newest season of Making the Band 4 (MTV Monday's @ 10 p.m. ET/PT, with various repeats during the week) along with platinum Pop/R&B group Danity Kane and solo artist, Donnie J.

"Over Now" is a track from Day26's upcoming self-titled debut due to be released on March 25th. The amazing ballad features the guys singing passionately over a compelling production. Band member Willie vocally breezes through the first verse and can be heard on the song's bridge that smoothly flows into the heartfelt chorus. Other Day26 members that are heard predominately are Mike, who utterly shines in the second verse and Robert, who emphatically delivers in the song's final verse.

With its firm lyrics, beautiful composition, and emotionally charged vocal delivery; "Over Now" shines intensely, and gives listeners a true glimpse into what Day26 can truly bring to the table.

Listen: Day26- "Over Now"
(Due to limited bandwidth, please only play the song no more than 2 times max. Thank you.)


© Bad Boy/Atlantic Records




--Quinton

The-Dream- "Falsetto"

"Falsetto" marks the second release from R&B triple threat (singer, songwriter, producer) The-Dream's debut album, Love Hate. Following on the heels of his debut hit, the Billboard Hot 100 Top 20 hit "Shawty is a 10," "Falsetto" is a quintessential mid-tempo entry into the world of R&B. The track features playfully creative lyrics, first-rate production, and a refreshingly unique ending structure. Vocally, the Dream sounds superb, coasting through the production while giving odes to the falsetto vocal technique in the song's inventive chorus, and ingenious breakdowns.

The music video for "Falsetto," while nicely edited, doesn't bring forth anything creative nor noteworthy to the medium; turning out to be the typical R&B video skewed towards the image of Hip-Hop. While it lacks visual gratification overall, the ordinary style does allow viewers to focus more on the exceptional song itself.

The Dream- "Falsetto"
© The Island Def Jam Music Group





--Quinton

Ferras Tells American Idol "Hollywood's Not America"

Listen: Ferras- "Hollywood's Not America"

(Due to limited bandwidth, please only play the song no more than 2 times max. Thank you.)

© EMI & Capitol Music Group

This week, the immensely popular television show American Idol is down to its final twenty-four contestants vying for the instant ticket (s) to stardom. The reality is that there will only be one "official" winner, and the other twenty-three contestants will face seeing their dreaded memoir of 'Idol' memories set to an infamous farewell song. For the past two seasons, the featured send-off songs have not only brought Idol teardrops, but have also taken over various Billboard charts. Season five's swan song featured David Powter's unforgettably poignant "Bad Day" and last season's eliminated contestants were treated to Daughtry's heartening ballad, "Home."

"Hollywood's Not America" is the song that has been chosen for this season's exits. Performed by singer/songwriter Ferras, (Ferras Alquasi) "Hollywood's Not America" follows in the pop/rock footsteps of the previous Idol farewell staples, but adds a refreshing folk twist. The song is beautifully composed, and the lyrical content is upstanding. Ferras does just enough in his assured vocals to separate himself from the Ryan Cabrera's and Gavin DeGraw's of the Pop/Rock spectrum.

Undeniably captivating, "Hollywood's Not America" is poised to become another Idol exit song ace. While it may not posses the instant hit potential of “Bad Day” or "Home," the song should be able to carve out its own satisfactory niche in today's popular music. Ferra will be an artist to keep an eye on as his debut album, Aliens & Rainbows, is scheduled for an April 1^st release.

--Quinton

*NEW* Janet Jackson ft. Missy Elliott- "The 1" (Review)

Listen: Janet Jackson ft. Missy Elliott- "The 1"
(Due to limited bandwidth, please only play the song no more than 2 times max. Thank you.)


© 2008 The Island Def Jam Music Group



Janet Jackson's upcoming album, Discipline seems to be rapidly leaking over the Internet tonight. "The 1" is the sole collaboration on the Jackson album. It reunites Jackson with the ever imaginative rapper, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. Elliott joined Jackson on one of the main remixes to her 2001 Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hit, "Son of a Gun."(I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)

"The 1" kicks off with a conspicuous rap from Elliott, and transitions effortlessly into Jackson's swift, yet comprehensible vocal delivery. The hook is truly melodic, and leads into the hypnotic chorus. Elliott's and Jackson's chemistry is unmistakable as they mingle flawlessly throughout the song.

With Jackson's boyfriend, producer extrodinaire Jermaine Dupri helming the track, the songs' production features a fantastic blend of assertive percussion; lead by dazzling drums. Instantaneously catchy, "The 1" is sure to delight fans of Jackson, and may end up grabbing the attention of some listeners who may questioned Jackson's existing relevancy in today's music industry.


Rating: 8 out of 10



--Quinton

*NEW* Janet Jackson- "Greatest X"

Here's a newly leaked song from Janet Jackson's upcoming album, Discipline (due for a February 26th U.S.A. release) entitled "Greatest X." This is a simple, but mesmerizing ballad that harkcons back to some of Jackson's greatest ballad work; making it a must listen. Discipline seems to be shaping up to feature some of Janet's best work in years.

Listen: Janet Jackson- "Greatest X"
(Due to limited bandwidth, please only play the song no more than 2 times max. Thank you.)


© 2008 The Island Def Jam Music Group




--Quinton

*Review* Mariah Carey- "Touch My Body"

Listen:
(Due to limited bandwidth, please only play the song no more than 2 times max. Thank you.)

© 2008 The Island Def Jam Music Group and Mariah Carey

"Touch My Body" is the lead single from Mariah Carey's upcoming eleventh studio album, E=MC² which is slated for an April 15th (U.S.A.) release. Along with Carey's songwriting and production contributions, "Touch My Body" reunites Terius Nash (aka The-Dream) and Christopher Stewart; (aka Tricky Stewart) the main team behind R&B/Pop star Rihanna's 2007 smash, "Umbrella."

"Touch My Body" continues Carey's furthering offerings in the R&B/Hip Hop genre. With its mellow production and Carey implementing a staccato vocal styling, "Touch My Body" initially comes off seemingly lethargic. In hindsight, the verses lead up to a robust melodic chorus, and a satisfying ending. Notably, there aren't any traces of Carey's signature whistle register to be found through the song; which may come off surprising to listeners and fans alike.

Ultimately, "Touch My Body" falls in between the lines of idleness, and mediocrity. While the piano driven production is pleasing, it keeps Mariah in a narrow, mundane lane. Carey has been known for outstanding first singles in the past, and while "Touch My Body" isn't atrocious, it doesn't live up to the aforementioned reputation; making it Carey's weakest album lead-off to date.

Rating: 6 out of 10

--Quinton