The Daily Collegian

Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Arts & Living

Media Credit: (MCT)

Season six "American Idol" runner-up Blake Lewis is making his attempt to get back in the game by releasing a solo debut Dec. 4, "Audio Day Dream." If it is a matter of competition, Lewis has some fighting to do to reach the level of success of Idol champ Jordin Sparks.

Sparks is doing quite well for herself with a new album out. Not only is her self-titled debut album succeeding in sales, reaching Number 22 on the "Billboard Top 200"; ruthless critics are also enjoying Ms. Sparks. Rolling Stone made Sparks' album the feature review, giving it three stars. Entertainment Weekly gave the album a gracious B+ rating, even without the help of legendary Clive Davis, who has been involved in shaping Idol contestants' careers in the past.

After the hype of season six and the moneymaking "American Idol Tour," Lewis signed with 19 Recordings/ARISTA Records to finally continue the solo career the show laid out for him. The finale song for Sparks and Lewis was a typical Clive Davis ballad, clearly written for a big voice, much like Sparks'. After the two performed, it was obvious to predict the outcome of an already predictable show.

'This Is My Now' is definitely not my style.  It's a song I would never sing if I didn't have to," said Lewis.

Despite the biased show, Lewis' fans are taking him back, making Lewis the most popular artist on "AOL Music" this week. These fans don't have to anxiously wait any longer since his album hit the shelves.

From the reactions of his first single, 'Break Anotha,' it sounds like Lewis is on the right track to mainstream success, emulating a sound heard on Justin Timberlake's album "FutureSex/LoveSounds."

Of course, Lewis does not forget his signature talent for beatboxing made famous on "Idol." In fact, he introduces 'Break Anotha' with the notorious skill. Surprisingly, he doesn't collaborate with the high-profile sensation Timbaland, but teams up with other notable producers like Doug E. Fresh, Gnarls Barkley, Darkchild (Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child) and a friend from "Idol" - Chris Richardson, the boyishly good-looking Virginian contestant who made the ladies swoon with his wry falsettos.

With the help of the many collaborators and Lewis' inspirations from bands and artists across the spectrum, ranging from Maroon 5 to Jamiroquai, "Audio Day Dream" is a gumbo album laden with electro-funk beats and atmospheric balladry. With a sound not at all subjective, it's a sure-fire bet to please the ears of an array of music fans.

Continued...

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