Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that on this American Idol finalist's debut CD, family-safe, family-values messages abound -- at the expense of subtlety, originality, and imagination. Stacey does reference Christianity, praying, and God.
Families can talk about having what it takes to be a true original. Do you think Phil Stacey would have had a shot at stardom if he hadn't been a contestant on American Idol? If you had to pick one quality, would you rather have a great voice or a great imagination?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Phil Stacey, American Idol's Season 6 finalist, delivers fine vocal performances on his debut CD, offering 11 well-produced country-rock ditties that (despite the all-around terrific playing and singing) are absolutely unmemorable. The lyrics are family-safe but so saccharine as to almost come across as self-parody.
The project sticks closely to formula: uptempo rocker followed by countrified, finger-picked, droning anthem, followed by heartfelt ballad, and so on. Stacey offers terrific singing over a lot of well-worn (some might say worn-out) lyrical themes and musical arrangements. The simplistic-bordering-on-inane lyrics avoid originality at all costs; it's a testament to Stacey's vocal abilities that he can sing lines like "Every prayer has been answered/every dream I have's come true/and right here in this moment is right where I'm meant to be/here with you here with me" with earnest, heartfelt passion. Ultimately, it's Stacey's endearing sincerity and delivery -- certainly not the songs -- that save the day. Non-Idol fans might want to look elsewhere for exceptional, ground-breaking country music.
Country music by other Idol finalists: Clay Aiken and Kellie Pickler.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThe very mildest of "waking up with you in my arms" innuendo. |
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ViolenceSome gunslinger imagery in "Blaze of Glory" of the "staring down the bullet let me make my final stand" variety. |
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Social BehaviorA Christian bent (lyrics like "Say a prayer to the Good Lord -- that's how we do it 'round here"). |
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