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American Idol: Season 4: The Showstoppers

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 4: THE SHOWSTOPPERS sounds like a very good night at your local karaoke bar. A dozen exceptional singers strut their stuff on standards, over instrumental tracks most often arranged to sound like the original versions of the songs. Everyone is a little too "on" -- flashy vocal acrobatics abound when occasional understatement might be more effective -- but all deliver fine performances of predictable pop. No one brings anything personal or original to the table, and that's a shame, because these kids really can sing.

Is It Any Good?

3

If you like American Idol, and engage in voting for your favorites, you'll probably enjoy this album. But these familiar songs performed by copycats will sound a little "off" if you love the originals -- no matter how well performed these versions are. If you don't care about Anwar, Nikko, Scott, Carrie, or Bo, though, leave this one on the store rack.

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