Lee DeWyze surprised more than a few people when he took the American Idol prize from favorite Crystal Bowersox - not the first time that has happened though, American Idol's history is full of unexpected results: Chris Daugherty's early ejection, Kris Allen's stunning win over the pre-ordained champ Adam Lambert; the list of upsets and lucky breaks goes on and on. One thing American Idol seems to be lacking—with a few notable exceptions—is a champ that can rule the charts. The fact that American Idol winners rarely go on to be dominate players in the pop scene highlights the show's great contradiction: it produces better Television stars than it does music stars. Lee DeWyze wants to change all of that.
Critics, and pirates, got an early look at four tracks from lee DeWyze's upcoming debut album, "Live it Up", scheduled to be released on November 16th and the general consensus seems to be that while the four tunes represent the Gruff and soulful Lee DeWyze American Idol fans voted to stardom last year, they also expand on his musical stylings in often surprising ways. Here's a rundown on the tracks:
Live It Up
If you are a listener of "On the air with Ryan Seacrest" you'll get to hear this track on the 13th of October, which DeWyze is hoping is a lucky day. This is the requisite uplifting pop ballad that you would expect to come first on and American Idoler's debut.
Beautiful Like You
DeWyze channels his Chris Daughtry for this arena-rock ballad. It's a love song (good guess!) that quickly transitions to heavier rock tones.
Me and My Jealousy
DeWyze gets introspective here, and a tad bit existential. Slow, pained, and self loathing - perhaps a redressed Adam Lambert, without the falsetto.
Dear Isabelle
Lee wrote this song, and it actually shows. DeWyze shows his mastery of the guitar as well as the vocal chords with this deeply personal song. Some are saying it is the best of the four, a win for DeWyze since it is his original.
There you have, words do not do justice to music but for what its worth the tracks are addictive and melodic and seem to display a layer of growth between Lee's American Idol win and the studio.
Hmmm…Too bad he can't actually sing a note without autotune.
No Autotune required. Watch him sing LIVE at his recent Arlington Park concert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g73UH2rVmFg&pl… or at Ford Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v166pNVpN9M&pl… – What a beautiful voice!
The guy is a joke. But of course, a joke that falls FLAT.
The guy is as far from the joke as you must be from being an expert (although we are all very impressed with your knowledge of FLAT). You obviously are not familiar with his work, and refuse to "put yourself through that". Which in all honesty does not qualify you to leave any comments about this artist.
And listen to all of the You Tube recordings of his pre-idol live performances- soulful and beautifully sung and played-
I couldn't possibly put myself through all that suffering! But thank you.
A totally lame attack again!
It's obvious that you can't distinguish auto-tuned vocal from unprocessed one. His recording stuffs so far have been rarely auto-tuned.
RoaANoke, it is a shame that you can not hear the beauty in Lee's voice. I think people sometimes close their minds to a positive and new sound in today's world. There is way to much negativeness and desire to put people down. You are entitled to your opinion but for me, Lee DeWyze's voice makes me feel alive and vibrant (not a bad feeling for a 74 year old). I think Lee's Version of Hallelujah is the best there has been done. I have all of his music and I am anxious to get the new album. PLEASE, take your negativeness elsewhere.
Good for you Jean. Now remember to buy up all his albums when they are released. That way he might sell more than Chris Albert, last year's winner.
Leave Kris Allen out of this, you bitter ignorant troll! Support whoever you want but stop hating on everyone else!
Hmmm…Too bad he can’t actually sing a note without autotune.
Sorry….I have heard him. Nice guy with a good voice. But I am so tired of this formula – Cute, straight, white guy in jeans with guitar who "writes!" Enough already!
Interesting… I think the majority of pop scene out there is the exact opposite of what you're complaining about. Which makes this cute white guy who writes super refreshing.
Like x10000000000000000000000000000000… Except for the cute part… cause I'm a guy. More like a great musician who's lyrics are meaningful!
in other words: booooooooring
I think Lee appeals more to women because he's always so emotional. I've noticed some men and generally people who are in denial of their emotions find him boring.
Raises hand. Woman here. Lee is boring. And seriously, he can't sing. Critics slammed him all through the show worst season. Nothing's changed except as someone pointed out above, he's autotuned to the extreme to make him sound better. Fans of this guy make me laugh. Having a crush on someone after watching them on TV and then proclaiming them talented is hilarious. Lee is going nowhere.
Lee is as far from boring as you can get. He is a very passionate singer with a unique voice who has written some of the best music I've ever heard on his pre-idol album Slumberland. Here is his song 'Stay' from the Arlington Park concert 9/24 that was attended by over 20,000 fans who didn't find him boring! Hear all the fans singing along? It was so fun! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrO2ukL-B4I&pl…
I find your "criticism" less than constructive. If Lee gets the attention he deserves in music biz he might change its course. He is so far apart from all the bubble gum pop (that is definitely autotuned) out there. Don't take anybody's word for it, go to youtube, listen to his performance in Village underground, his Arlington performances including his new song "I'm only Dreaming", listen carefully to his both pre-Idol CDs, all his live appearances on TV, everything that was not autotuned for sure and for certain. Then make your own opinion.
I'm a woman who doesn't like his voice and who doesn't find him attractive at all. Emotions where?
If the majority of votes are cast for Kris Allen, Lee Dewyze, etc., then how is this taking the prize from the favorite? Just wondering.
If anyone has listened to his two albums recorded before his AI stint, they'll know that Lee has real talent that wasn't shown nearly enough on the tv show. "Slumberland" is one of the most beautiful albums I've heard in years, and shows Lee's depth and grace. It's a shame that he won't get the attention he deserves because he's really good. And I loved Crystal, too, so I'm not bashing her at all. They are both talented, and I would actually love to see a duet album of theirs.
Why do these bashers bother to go in Lee Dewyze websites and read articles (and take the time to type out a comment) about him if they do not like him or his music? Seems to me like they have nothing better to do and are very negative people. I do not read or comment on Crystal or Casey's articles because I am not interested in what they are doing. I do wish the both of them success though. I love Lee's music and hope he goes far with it. I can't wait for his new album (already have the other 2 and love them.)
this is not a Lee website
Guys… I'm not attacking, but this guy did have trouble singing live. He's not great, and probably wasn't the most talented on American Idol. This doesn't transfer to the album; however, and I know that he might put out something good. But the popularity of Idol is diminishing, and you might not see this do all that well.
By the way, leave Kris Allen out of all this. In my opinion, he put out the best album by any American Idol contestant EVER. It might not have sold like Clarkson's or Cook's, but it was really good. Have you heard the song Alright With Me and Before We Come Undone? If you haven't, then you will hear Alright With Me soon… It's his next single.