Anybody who knows me is aware of my embarrassing love of American Idol. January of every year you can find me glued to my television screen, sifting through the dozens of new faces for the one I think shows the most promise to bloom into a true american music star. Season Six my pick was Jordin Sparks, and to this day she and Kelly Clarkson are my only two favorites to win idol (merely coincidence that none of the others – with the exception, of course, of Carrie, who I still half-despise – have accomplished anything? America should listen to me more often, right?)
Jordin’s first album was kind of a moshpit of styles, from pure pop to rhythmic to dance to R&B. Still, she managed a fine balance between using her youth and making music that appealed to 20-somethings interested in pop music.
This album has higher production quality and is also more direct in style. Jordin has settled into a pop-rhythmic formula that is very current, and should prove to be at least decently radio-friendly. Unfortunately, though, the tracks on this new album don’t seem to carry the same maturity as songs like “No Air” did on her debut. That’s not to say they are bad, but they may not appeal as strongly to those 20-somethings mentioned earlier. Jordin doesn’t have a strong enough base within the younger teen demographic to be secure without their support. This is reflected in the predictions for her first week sales – an abysmally low 45-50k (less than half her debut’s first week).
Jordin does have mature tracks on the album though – the lead single “Battlefield” being one and the scolding ballad “It Takes More” being another. If the label plays it smart and releases these she could continue her impressive radio streak. However, if they follow the current plan of releasing “SOS” as the second single (a remake of the 1983 tune “Let the Music Play”) she may be in for a battle (yes, pun intended). Jordin has never been the most popular idol winner. She managed her impressive success in much the same way as Kelly Clarkson – by appealing to people unlike me – those who consider the show uncool and the talent unoriginal. “SOS” is exactly the type of song that would turn these fans off. It’s a risk Jordin can’t afford to take. Here’s to hoping the label will make the right choice.
My Grade: B
Best Tracks: Battlefield, It Takes More, Don’t Let it Go to Your Head
Tags: album, Battlefield, Jordin Sparks, Music, pop, review, SOS
