Thank You Camellia

Kris has been streaming this album online for a little while, so I'm already very familiar with all of the songs (well, the first 11 of the deluxe version) even though the album was just released today. I've lost count of how many times I've listened to the stream and I couldn't wait for this to drop so I could purchase it. There's not a song on here that I don't like or even feel "eh" about. It's just a great album, with all songs co-written by Kris and with him playing several different instruments along with the vocals. I usually don't like an entire album on the first listen and sometimes not even after listening several times, although some do eventually grow on me. Not so with this one! Love at first listen. That's why I had to post a review, since it's so rare that I feel this way about an entire album.

From the first song to the last, this is one of the most entertaining albums I've heard recently. Even though each song has it's own unique sound, there's never any drop off in quality. Lyrics, vocals, melodies, and production are all top notch. I will say that to fully appreciate this album, it should be heard on good speakers or headphones. There's a lot of little details and nuances you'll miss out on otherwise. That's one reason you won't get tired of listening to this album multiple times, you hear something different each time!

Kris Allen's own eclectic musical taste is evident in this album. It has some head boppin' fun pop songs with great hooks you'll be humming all day. There's some more mature pop/rock anthems with a positive message. A little funky jazzy song that was produced in Nashville for a completely different vibe! One of my favorites, "Monster", features lyrics with a darker edge combined with a rap/rock chorus and beautiful harmonies along with some really unique instrumentation.

"Teach Me How Love Goes" is another song co-written with fellow Arkansan Cale Mills and has a smooth acoustic rock style with some great lyrics.

I've heard Kris sing a few Johnny Cash songs, so it's no surprise that "Leave You Alone" has a little country flavor. Then Kris reveals his indie artist roots with a cute duet with Meiko, an up and coming indie musician with a very distinctive voice.

The album closes out with a throwback crooner style tune, "You Got Away". The smooth, rich tones of a Kris Allen vocal performance are fully displayed on this one.

Forget the American Idol stuff, this is truly a Kris Allen album. In addition to the vocals, he has writing credits on every song, played several different instruments, and was fully involved in the production of the album. Kris covers a lot of musical ground on this album, but manages to pull it all together with a trademark cohesiveness. Each song sounds different, but they all sound like Kris Allen.

Kris Allen's brand of catchy guitar pop and grown up boy next door sweetness is a perfect tonic to cynicism. He sings the sort of heart on your sleeve pop that makes me feel happy, keeps my feet going, and a smile on my face. The album catches its groove immediately with the singalong happiness of "Always Better With You", a simple upbeat number with a a very memorable chorus you will find yourself singing all day long. "Vision of Love" showcases Kris's wonderful falsetto and a hopeful message of caring. Just when you think that things can't get anymore pleasant, he flips into a reggae tinged groove and starts whistling for "My Weakness"; if this doesn't become the smash of the summer, I'll be surprised. In the end, Kris's sincerity as well as his musicianship sells the sunniness of this album without pretense--just honest, melodic guitar pop that will make you feel good. Pick this one up for a good time and a smile.