Second is the best: Idol contestant releases debut album

Appeared in The Daily Collegian on December 5th, 2007.

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 successful 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 and Entertainment Weekly gave the album a gracious B+ rating. Don't give any credit to Clive Davis this time - this past Idol contestant career maker didn't have any influence on Sparks.

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 your typical Clive Davis ballad, clearly written for Spark's powerhouse voice. 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 show's turnout, Lewis' fans are taking him back. Lewis is the most popular artist on "AOL Music" this week. These fans don't have to anxiously wait any longer since his album has already hit 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 that made the ladies swoon with his wry falsettos.

With the help of 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 with attitude, it's a sure-fire bet to please the ears of an array of music fans.

From the expectations Lewis set for himself when he was a free-spirited artist living in Seattle and as an "American Idol" contestant, Lewis' expectations as an underground and eclectic music maker is as promising as his record company is allowing.
Typically, 19 Recordings/ARTISTA Records artists have had a squeaky-clean image and it's a wonder how much leverage this traditionally prudent record label will give the wild tangent running Blake Lewis.

Lewis said in a press release by the record company that he is satisfied with what was done with "Audio Day Dreams." "This album is exactly how I wanted it to come out," he said.

Looking back in "Idol" history, there have been only three Idol artists that hit it big with album sales. With six seasons, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood have proven most successful by selling millions of records. Lewis has the talent to sell a lot of records. He somehow stays true to a current mainstream sound while sustaining his musical style.

It was quite the risk to release the album so close to competitor, Sparks' newest album. With the high costs of CDs and the mere fact that nobody is buying them anymore, the move to release the CD around the time of Sparks' could possibly inhibit fans from buying his. Hopefully Lewis' current popularity will reflect his album sales. If not, then he will be just another "Idol" contestant that falls through the cracks of trying to make it on his own.