Chad Coleman's Review on the Debut Self-Titled Album from 2007 American Idol Champ Jordin Sparks
"Tattoo": With it's catchy lyrics and melody, guitar arrangement and drum beat, this song was destined to be a big favorite of younger audiences. Definitely a cute pop song with r&b runs and riffs. And with Jordin's signature move (the heart shape with hands over the heart), Myspace pages were dominated with similar pictures, this song has definitely made an impact on pop music, and will always be a favorite sing-a-long. 10/10
"One Step at a Time": An inspirational pop song with christian lyrics. Any person with hopes and dreams, that always finds struggles and barriers will feel this song totally, hence "you wanna show the world but no one knows your name yet". Surprised American Idol hasn't picked up this song to be used for anything. Cute song but not sure if it will have the same impact as "Tattoo" and "No Air". P.S. the heel walking sounds are a nice touch to the song 9/10
"No Air": A duet made to happen. The Underdogs {Jojo 'Baby it's you', Stacie Orrico 'More to life'} definitely made did a hot production of this song. Chris Brown appears on the 2nd single of this album. Originally, Jordin recorded this solo, then was asked if it could be a duet...and with that...A great hit! that will never die...although many have tried {youtube singers}, no one will come to close to delivering the power Jordin does on this track. And although recorded seperately the chemistry of their parts are perfect. It's almost like they are singing this about each other. "No Air" is definitley a song you crank up when it comes on. Jordin shines vocally on this track. 10/10
"Freeze": With a Nelly Furtado feel, this song gives off a haunting feeling (the beat with the heavy reverb and echoes) with touching lyrics. Sounds like a stange combination ...right??. Well guess what..IT WORKS!!!!. This song could be used in dance clubs all around. 9.5/10
"Shy Boy": can't even lie..did not get this song at first. 1st, What girl likes shy boys???? 2nd, it had a weird techno feel, I felt for my first listen of the album that this track was a filler, 3rd it totally felt like something Britney Spears would attempt to do and then not be good at it. Well anyway on a couple of more listens the song grows on you. 8/10
"Now you tell me": this has that pop rock feeling..the heavy drums makes you feel the song even more. Has a Kelly Clarkson feeling to it. Vocally Jordin keeps it easy, I mean besides towards the end, after the bridge, she does hit a powerful ad-lib. Other than its vocally simple but fun! melodically amazing. 10/10
"Next to you": One of the BEST tracks on the album, should have been a single. Beautiful written, and arranged. And vocally Jordin delivers true emotion. You ever come across one of those songs you can just have on repeat...yup this is that one! 10/10
"Just for the record": Power Power Power!!!. Is what i can say. One of my personal favorites. And just for the record the first time listening to the whole album i skipped this song, because the beginning sounded cheesy (Lassie sounding whistle), but the second you get to right around (0:30), you start to feel it even more. Jordin delivers some serious soul after the bridge. The chorus is definitely a great sing-a-long 9.5/10
"Permanent Monday": Not sure what effects were used on her voice but those verses feels like she is in the room with you. A beautiful ballad, Jordin finds a way to take what the listener is feeling and pour it out with her voice. The lyrics are really really pretty. With such an interesting title, you find that it makes sense when you hear the lyrics to this track. 9/10
"Young and in love": this track does not sound like Jordin the whole time. Although a great song..it's kind of cute and cheesy. Yes Jordin is 18, but she is a very mature 18 year old..and this track just seems like something Miley Cyrus should do. The album is amazing but i must say that this one just doesnt deliver like the other tracks 7.5/10
"See my side": WHOA!!..does Jordin sing HIGH on this, and it totally fits. When i heard the first couple of seconds I had no idea where this would go..but where it went i'm glad it did. Not a ballad, nor a up-tempo track..it falls somewhere in a happy medium. It's definitely a feel good song though 9/10
"God loves Ugly": Once again one those titles where you want to know what the song will sound like and what lyrics will be there. Jordin takes you on a emotional rollercoaster with this track. This song was written by a friend of Jordin's. Lyrically...OUTSTANDING, and Jordin's sweet voice accompanies this enchanting track. Starting off soft and building up to power and then going back to soft....you find yourself loving yourself even more by the end. 9/10
"This is my now": The winning song from Jordin on American Idol 2007. How can one not love this song..its when we [American] accepted this Arizona-native as our shining star. Seeing the tears, and her holding her face..with Phillippi, Jodi, and PJ in the audience rooting her on...Jordin puts that same emotion into this track. Although not the best written song, or best vocal arrangement...Jordin makes you love it. If this was sung by anyone else it probably would have not worked. This IS HER NOW 10/10
For those who have the bonus tracks:
"Worth the Wait" : Jordin goes into her head voice a lot on this track but man you can feel it in your body, you will get chills on this track. Beautiful 10/10
"Virginia is for Lovers" THE BEST SONG TO EVER EXIST..WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO GET ENOUGH. IT WILL MAKE TEARS COME TO YOUR EYES, if you ever been in love with someone who was a friend, and they arent around all the time anymore 50/10
"Save Me": Christian type song, but man this [chorus and bridge] will get you wanting to sing at the top of your lungs, lyrically DEEP, and the verses hit you emotionally 10/10
"Overcome": hot dance track, soon as the beat drops at (0:27) you want to move your body, great song definitely a sing-a-long
Jordin's Debut Album..is definitely making its mark in the world...and with more albums to come Jordin is a sure success.
Jordin Sparks Album Review IN DETAIL
Chad Coleman's Review on the Debut Self-Titled Album from 2007 American Idol Champ Jordin Sparks
"Tattoo": With it's catchy lyrics and melody, guitar arrangement and drum beat, this song was destined to be a big favorite of younger audiences. Definitely a cute pop song with r&b runs and riffs. And with Jordin's signature move (the heart shape with hands over the heart), Myspace pages were dominated with similar pictures, this song has definitely made an impact on pop music, and will always be a favorite sing-a-long. 10/10
"One Step at a Time": An inspirational pop song with christian lyrics. Any person with hopes and dreams, that always finds struggles and barriers will feel this song totally, hence "you wanna show the world but no one knows your name yet". Surprised American Idol hasn't picked up this song to be used for anything. Cute song but not sure if it will have the same impact as "Tattoo" and "No Air". P.S. the heel walking sounds are a nice touch to the song 9/10
"No Air": A duet made to happen. The Underdogs {Jojo 'Baby it's you', Stacie Orrico 'More to life'} definitely made did a hot production of this song. Chris Brown appears on the 2nd single of this album. Originally, Jordin recorded this solo, then was asked if it could be a duet...and with that...A great hit! that will never die...although many have tried {youtube singers}, no one will come to close to delivering the power Jordin does on this track. And although recorded seperately the chemistry of their parts are perfect. It's almost like they are singing this about each other. "No Air" is definitley a song you crank up when it comes on. Jordin shines vocally on this track. 10/10
"Freeze": With a Nelly Furtado feel, this song gives off a haunting feeling (the beat with the heavy reverb and echoes) with touching lyrics. Sounds like a stange combination ...right??. Well guess what..IT WORKS!!!!. This song could be used in dance clubs all around. 9.5/10
"Shy Boy": can't even lie..did not get this song at first. 1st, What girl likes shy boys???? 2nd, it had a weird techno feel, I felt for my first listen of the album that this track was a filler, 3rd it totally felt like something Britney Spears would attempt to do and then not be good at it. Well anyway on a couple of more listens the song grows on you. 8/10
"Now you tell me": this has that pop rock feeling..the heavy drums makes you feel the song even more. Has a Kelly Clarkson feeling to it. Vocally Jordin keeps it easy, I mean besides towards the end, after the bridge, she does hit a powerful ad-lib. Other than its vocally simple but fun! melodically amazing. 10/10
"Next to you": One of the BEST tracks on the album, should have been a single. Beautiful written, and arranged. And vocally Jordin delivers true emotion. You ever come across one of those songs you can just have on repeat...yup this is that one! 10/10
"Just for the record": Power Power Power!!!. Is what i can say. One of my personal favorites. And just for the record the first time listening to the whole album i skipped this song, because the beginning sounded cheesy (Lassie sounding whistle), but the second you get to right around (0:30), you start to feel it even more. Jordin delivers some serious soul after the bridge. The chorus is definitely a great sing-a-long 9.5/10
"Permanent Monday": Not sure what effects were used on her voice but those verses feels like she is in the room with you. A beautiful ballad, Jordin finds a way to take what the listener is feeling and pour it out with her voice. The lyrics are really really pretty. With such an interesting title, you find that it makes sense when you hear the lyrics to this track. 9/10
"Young and in love": this track does not sound like Jordin the whole time. Although a great song..it's kind of cute and cheesy. Yes Jordin is 18, but she is a very mature 18 year old..and this track just seems like something Miley Cyrus should do. The album is amazing but i must say that this one just doesnt deliver like the other tracks 7.5/10
"See my side": WHOA!!..does Jordin sing HIGH on this, and it totally fits. When i heard the first couple of seconds I had no idea where this would go..but where it went i'm glad it did. Not a ballad, nor a up-tempo track..it falls somewhere in a happy medium. It's definitely a feel good song though 9/10
"God loves Ugly": Once again one those titles where you want to know what the song will sound like and what lyrics will be there. Jordin takes you on a emotional rollercoaster with this track. This song was written by a friend of Jordin's. Lyrically...OUTSTANDING, and Jordin's sweet voice accompanies this enchanting track. Starting off soft and building up to power and then going back to soft....you find yourself loving yourself even more by the end. 9/10
"This is my now": The winning song from Jordin on American Idol 2007. How can one not love this song..its when we [American] accepted this Arizona-native as our shining star. Seeing the tears, and her holding her face..with Phillippi, Jodi, and PJ in the audience rooting her on...Jordin puts that same emotion into this track. Although not the best written song, or best vocal arrangement...Jordin makes you love it. If this was sung by anyone else it probably would have not worked. This IS HER NOW 10/10
For those who have the bonus tracks:
"Worth the Wait" : Jordin goes into her head voice a lot on this track but man you can feel it in your body, you will get chills on this track. Beautiful 10/10
"Virginia is for Lovers" THE BEST SONG TO EVER EXIST..WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO GET ENOUGH. IT WILL MAKE TEARS COME TO YOUR EYES, if you ever been in love with someone who was a friend, and they arent around all the time anymore 50/10
"Save Me": Christian type song, but man this [chorus and bridge] will get you wanting to sing at the top of your lungs, lyrically DEEP, and the verses hit you emotionally 10/10
"Overcome": hot dance track, soon as the beat drops at (0:27) you want to move your body, great song definitely a sing-a-long
Jordin's Debut Album..is definitely making its mark in the world...and with more albums to come Jordin is a sure success.