David Cook : David Cook : Review : Rolling Stone

When he reinvented Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" as a dirge, David Cook became the most imaginative American Idol talent to date. But working with his heroes (Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida, Chris Cornell) and Norwegian song doctors Espionage on his Rob Cavallo-produced debut, he leans on his husky howl rather than out-of-the-box songwriting. The Johnny Rzeznik-assisted opener "Declaration" sets the tone — guitars, lots of 'em — and "Light On" has its Soundgarden-like charms, but without the right hook, "Life on the Moon" and "I Did It for You" come off like assembly-line active rock.

CARYN GANZ

(Posted: Nov 27, 2008)

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Review 1 of 28

4of 5 Stars

i like it a lot esp the song 'light on' ppl need to stop hating cause he really does have an amazing voice

Nov 27, 2008 11:48:30

Review 2 of 28

1of 5 Stars

Chris Daughtry would like this music back!

Nov 22, 2008 03:43:02

Review 3 of 28

Not Rated

Well Caryn, I agree SOME of the songs are generic, but many are not. Can't help but wonder if you really listened to the whole album, including the hidden track, "Kiss on the Neck" and the 2 bonus songs available (NOT TOML). One of the things I really like about DC is the fact that he does stand out from the blandness out there, with his singing style, voice, and songwriting. My least favorite songs on the record include Light On, and Come Back to Me (which is just too "pop" to even be considered rock)....but neither were written by him. Declaration is pure David Cook, with yes, some assistance from JR, that makes it one of the best songs on the album and gets you out of your seat. Bar-ba-sol, is simply brilliant, and to say Neal Tiemann can't play the guitar..well, I'd say you are deaf (directed at the poster before me). He's amazing, and I've seen him perform live several times. This is a great first album for David, and it holds promise for much more to come in the future. Way better than Nickleback and every song does NOT sound the same.

Nov 21, 2008 18:07:00

Review 4 of 28

1of 5 Stars

I gave it one star because he does have a good voice, thats about it. This album is as predictable as they come. It sounds like every other lame rock band out there, Daughtry, Nickelback etc. The lead guitarist is nicknamed the Doctor? He sounds like he has four broken fingers.
The majority of his fans are clueless. Enough said. If it wasn't for AI, he should still be playing in the bars infront of a few people. Thats just where he belongs.

Nov 21, 2008 14:47:20

Review 5 of 28

4of 5 Stars

I really love the song "Permanent" and of course "Light On". I just wish "Always be my Baby" could have been listed on the cd as a bonus track. This album should debut at number one but then theres Nickelback new cd to compete with, or then theres Beyonces new cd. It will be interesting to see who comes in first.

Nov 19, 2008 19:31:42

Review 6 of 28

2of 5 Stars

I wanted to like it, I really did but it is just too over produced and not nearly as original as his AI arraignments lead one to believe. I hear this type of mediocrity every time Daughtry and Nickelback are played.

Nov 18, 2008 14:54:50

Review 7 of 28

4of 5 Stars

Well, I can't say anything that hasn't already been said other than I completely agree that the song Permanent is worth the price of the album. Raw, haunting, stops you in your tracks...this song can't be compared to anyone else...this is David Cook.

Nov 17, 2008 15:34:12

Review 8 of 28

5of 5 Stars

I love the way David Cook switches from swoonworthy ballads like "Lie" and "Come Back to Me" to edgier rock songs like "Mr. Sensitive" and "Barbasol", to introspective songs like "Life on the Moon" and then to the raw and heartbreaking "Permanent". What I admire about this artist is that he is able to create a very ecclectic album that has something for everyone, without making a single song sound like an afterthought. I think I might actually like every song on this album!

Nov 15, 2008 14:54:09

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