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Phil Stacey (by Phil Stacey, Country)

common sense media says

Formulaic schlock-athon from Idol finalist.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: A Christian bent (lyrics like "Say a prayer to the Good Lord -- that's how we do it 'round here").
Violence: Some gunslinger imagery in "Blaze of Glory" of the "staring down the bullet let me make my final stand" variety.
Sex: The very mildest of "waking up with you in my arms" innuendo.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Phil Stacey

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
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.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: April 29, 2008
Label: Lyric Street
Genre: Country

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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