Season 3: Greatest Soul Classics [Compilation]

As a fan of the series, I did read what everyone else had said, but I decided to buy the cd anyway so that I could judge for myself. Although, I admit that I had my favorites on the show, but I gave everyone a chance to redeem themselves. This is what I thought as I listened.

Chain of Fools-Fantasia: While Fantasia put her own special spin on the track, it just didn't 'wow' me like I hoped it would. Don't get me wrong, it's fun to listen to, but it just disappointed me a little bit. Her personality didn't shine as brightly as it normaly does. 8/10

Me and Mrs. Jones-George: George blew me away with this song. You can tell that he poured his whole heart and soul into this performance. His raspy voice shines with brilliance as he hits every note with pure ease and perfection. A flawless performance. 10/10

Heard it Through the Grapevine-Diana: A pleasant song to listen to, but at times would shout the lyrics instead of singing them. Especially with the higher notes. I liked her better as a live artist than a recording one. 7/10

If You Don't Know Me by Now-LaToya: LaToya's version of the song is beautiful. There isn't really anything bad that I can say about it. Sometimes simple is better, and she proved it. Well Done. 9/10

Neither One of Us-Jennifer: Jennifer overdoes this song I think. She has a very unique voice which is what makes her such a great artist. However, she oversings it quite a bit. It's like she still has something to prove to the masses. 6/10

You Make me Feel Brand New-Amy: Amy's voice is so pure that she makes this song shine. Although she plays it safe throughout the song, she makes it work for her. What makes it stand out for me, is that she really feels the song that she's singing. When I listen to it, It's like Amy is singing it to me, not into a mic. A romantic classic!One of my personal favorites. 10/10

Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay-Matt: The albums first downfall. I'm not saying that Matt doesn't present his song well, it's just forgetable. It didn't leave a very good impression on me. Besides, the whistling at the end is very corny! I usually skip this one. 4/10

Midnight Train to Georgia-Jasmine: A very sweet song from Jasmine. Again, a safer song. I wanted to hear more of her upper range with this song, but she stays a little lower than that. I'll admit that I didn't like it at first, but the more I listened to it, the more I like it. An enjoyable song to hear. 7/10

My Girl-JPL: Another song that takes a little getting use to. Granted, I don't like it NEARLY as much as some of the others, but it is growing on me. I give him all due respect for getting as far as he did. His voice is nothing to write home about, but he knows he's limited vocally, and works with what he has. For that, I give him credit. For the song though it gets 5/10

Until you Come Back to me-Camile: Surprise is the the only way to describe this song. I was so impressed with Camile's vocals on this track. It's just too bad that she couldn't get a grip on her nerves. Her recording voice is incredible and I'm sure that we will hear more from her soon. She really shows us her ability as a singer and her skills as a storyteller. It became my favorite track after the first time I heard it! Camile fans would be proud!! 10/10

Betcha By Golly, Wow-Leah: Leah, Leah, Leah, what happened? I'm sure that the songs were picked for the contestants, but why did they pick this one for her? The song and her voice just don't blend well at all. Besides that, I don't think that she sang it all that well to begin with. I gave the song a fair chance, but it just wasn't enough to keep my attention. 3/10

You are Everything-John: Again, I give him the credit he deserves for getting into the top 12, but he just doesn't flow well with the other performers. Granted, he does well with what he has, but it's just not enough. His voice becomes boring really quickly. 2/10

Ain't no Mountain High Enough-All: What I don't get is why they call this an ensemble? What they should call it is "Divas battle while the others sing backup". The song is fun to listen to and can easily get you up and moving around, but it focuses mainly on a few people. George proves that he is the leading man of the group with his contributions but Fantasia, LaToya, and Jennifer all try to outsing eachother in order to get the spotlight they so eagerly desire. JPL and Camile both have small cameos but are drowned out by George and the Divas. I was just expecting to hear a little bit from everyone. 7/10

(I wrote this review and posted it earlier, but I made some changes after listening to the album a bit more. I decided to repost it to give everyone a better feel of the album)

1. Chain of Fools - Fantasia: Never liked her squeaky voice and tasteless performances. Grade: F
2. Me and Mrs. Jones - George: Nice big voice. B+
3. I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Diana: Too bubbly personality, but has lots of potential. B+
4. If You Don't Know Me By Now - La Toya: Consistently good performer despite fake personality. A
5. Neither One of Us - Jennifer: Her over-the-top style gets old fast. D-
6. You Make Me Feel Brand New - Amy: Okay. B
7. The Dock of the Bay - Matt: Okay. B
8. Midnight Train to Georgia - Jasmine: Sweet, beautiful girl with a great future ahead. Good. A-
9. My Girl- John : Good. B+
10. Until You Come Back To Me - Camille: Surprise! Suprise! Excellent recording. A+
11. Betcha By Golly Wow - Leah: Okay. B
12. You Are Everything - John: Good voice, actually. B+
13. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Ensemble: All I can hear is Fantasia's annoying voice. F