American Idol: Season 5: Encores

Warmed-over pop -- for Idol addicts only.

Artist: Various Artists
Genre: Compilation Label: RCA Parental Advisory: No Edited Version Available: No Release Date: 05/23/2006

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that there's no objectionable content in these (mostly) love songs performed by American Idol contenders.

Families listening together might enjoy comparing these covers with the original versions, or getting even more creative by downloading the karaoke tracks and staging their very own living-room American Idol show.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Well yeah, they can all sing. And some of them can sing really well. But unless you are an absolute died-in-the-wool American Idol addict, there's no reason to buy this CD, because there isn't a shred of originality in the instrumental arrangements, vocals, or even the song choices on AMERICAN IDOL: SEASON 5: ENCORES.

On the other hand, if you've spent the last season on the edge of your chair rooting for Kellie, Kevin, or Bucky, you'll enjoy accomplished, over-the-top performances of familiar songs –- by vocalists who must have kicked major butt in their local karaoke bars back home.

High points include Bucky Covington's energetic take on "Superstition," and Mandisa's retro-disco but heartfelt rendition of "I'm Every Woman."

Kellie Pickler's "Walking After Midnight" brings to mind a tired old musicians' joke (How many female vocalists does it take to sing a Patsy Cline song? Apparently all of them). Yet she delivers a surprisingly sultry version, complete with gutsy background vocals and bluesy harmonica fills, and Elliott Yamin covers the jazz/cabaret side nicely with "Moody's Mood for Love." All in all, there's a nice variety of voices and musical styles.

Bottom line: There's nothing objectionable here, but it's only worth buying this CD if your kids are die-hard American Idol fans.

If your kids like this CD, they might also like, American Idol: Season 4: The Showstoppers, and American Idol: Season 2: All-Time Classic American Love Songs.

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