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Kris Allen (self titled album) is the major-label debut album (second overall, the first is an independent release) from American Idol season 8 winner Kris Allen. The album will be released on November 17th 2009 in the US.

First Impressions
Being the winner of the 8th season of American Idol, one might think everything is being planned out for him to ensure chart success. Well, it’s not entirely right (or wrong) since he has writing credits on 9 of the 12 tracks on the album, including one solo credit for “Red Guitar“, a song that he wrote prior to participating in American Idol.

If anyone remember his stint on Idol, Kris’ genre is typical adult contemporary, slightly alternative-pop. Jason Mraz with a twist (not in a good way). Production of the album is rather slick. And is easy listening, if you can get over his nasal tone on most of the tracks of the album. Annoying as hell, he doesn’t sound too bad performing live on Idol.

Standout Tracks

• Live Like We’re Dying
  First single. It’s more like standing out for the wrong reasons. Originally a B-side by The Script, Allen’s version gives this song a new life I supposed (has a little country vibe to it). The nasal effect can be felt on the front verses. At least the chorus is it’s saving grace.
• Before We Come Undone
  Greg Kurstin co-wrote and produced this track, so it definitely has to be of a certain standard right??? Well, it does. Could be a single.
• Bring It Back
  Sounds like a generic adult contemporary track, but I quite like this song actually. I can feel the vulnerability through his voice. A good song to showcase his strength.
• Heartless
  A Kanye West cover, this is the song that made me took notice of Kris on Idol. Love the live rendition of it. The studio version aint half bad, with added elements to the song.

Final Verdict
This album doesn’t has any standout tracks as most of them sounds like a replica of each other. The other problem besides the obvious nasal annoyance is that this album lacks character. “Why fix something that ain’t broken??”, you might ask. Kris sits too comfortably in his comfort zone that there isn’t anything distinctive.

This album still warrents a listen, every now and then, due to being rather easy on the ears. Not much pretense going on too, unlike some artists nowadays. Kris is being himself. Contradicting?? Yes, I just wish he would push the envelope a little.

This album scores a 2 and a half out of 5.

*Note*
Sorry about the lack of updates from me lately. Rest assured, I’ll do my best to push out the reviews.
Timbaland, Alicia Keys, Janet and Lambert is on it’s way. =)