Gap-Toothed Norwegian Hobbits Can Be Idols Too
Written: Dec 07 '04 (Updated Aug 17 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Gotta love that raspy voice; Wedding's Off and title cut = drool
Cons: How many times do you need to say "hey" in one damn song?
The Bottom Line: It feels good to be back - sorta.
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| broomqueesha's Full Review: I - Kurt Nilsen Movies |
In the stunning upset known as "World Idol," the little funny-looking Norwegian man known as Kurt Nilsen knocked Southern sweetheart Kelly Clarkson down a few pegs by winning the competition in a landslide. Since his record label is friggen retarded, they have yet to release his debut album, I, in the States, which is a major detriment. I blows every American Idol effort far out of the water with Kurt's distinct vocal style, pop/rock hybrid appeal, and self-written (if startlingly simple) lyrics. Who knew such a powerful, raspy voice and such an excellent pop record could come from a guy who would look right at home in the special ed hallway of your high school? Yes, I is definitely worth the extra bucks you'll have to pay to import it, if only to relive Kelly's temper tantrum she probably had backstage after losing to this guy.
The album's opener, Here She Comes, is a brash mix of guitars and Kurt Nilsen's own scratchy vocals. The lyrics here are a bit too simple as Kurt discusses his friend named "June," but he bores them into you with his well-timed screeching. This song really sets the tone for the rest of the record. Last Day of Summer is a lighthearted tune with a fresh, singalong melody and instant radio appeal. Again, the lyrics aren't brilliant, and Kurt's vocal style is a bit edgy for this song, but I like it. Kurt also mans the acoustic guitar here and adds to the citrusy feel of this cut. At the other end of the spectrum is Sue Me, a solid rock jam with heavier guitar chords and a synth or two thrown in for good measure. Kurt's vocals have a slight whine, a slight twang to them to add to the attitude of the cut. Though not one of my favorites, it's definitely worth a spin.
All You Have To Offer is another more radio-friendly track with an addictive chorus and accessible guitar loop. This track would be one of my favorites, except for the fact that he growls the word "Hey!" 29839346764 times throughout the entire song. Is that really necessary? Anywho, it's a nice song that suits Kurt's vocal style well. Games We Play is a rather boring, plodding song that focuses too much on the hook and slacks off everywhere else. Again, Kurt sounds whiny here, but whiny in a bad way, and, overall, I find this song's pace and lack of character makes it easily skippable. One of my absolute favorites, Wedding's Off is a unique pop/rock mix with a great drum loop and tambourine. It's short and sweet and showcases a bit more of the emotion in Kurt's voice. It's sweet, catchy, and rhythmic, making it the perfect pop song and an essential track to this record.
Though Kurt's brilliant version of U2's "Beautiful Day" can only be found as a bonus track on some versions of this record, two other excellent cover tunes are here. Duran Duran's Ordinary World is a spruced up a bit production-wise to suit the sunny, guitar-happy feel of this album, but, other than that, it sounds pretty much the same as the original. Some of the background vocals are rather cheesy, though, bur Kurt definitely pulls this one off convincingly, surrounded by a ton of guitars and strings and Lord knows what else. Tal Bachman's She's So High also remains pretty much unchanged, which is good because this song is absolutely perfect for Kurt's voice. It's a happy, bright tune with synths and acoustic guitars, and I love Kurt's high notes. Breathe You In is rather dramatic and theatrical as far as production is concerned and features still more overzealous background vocalists, but it's a good tune. Simple lyrics, well-placed guitars, and a nice bassline make this song special.
Lost In Despair is probably one of my least favorite song this record simply because it's a bit too spacey-sounding and doesn't fit in with the rest of the album. The sing-songy hook sounds out of place, and it's just too new age-y to catch my ear. Smell The Roses is also instantly catchy and suits Kurt's voice expertly. It's a bit formulaic, as the whole drums-and-guitars thing that this record has going on does get rather tired, but it's a good song. I like the guitar breaks and the lyrics have a stepped up a bit, though. However, nothing will compete with the album's only ballad and final cut, I. Lyrically, it blows the rest of the album out of the water: "Sometimes I, melt I/I don't know where to put myself but I'm/ Not alone, 'cause right outside/ There's two people just falling in love." The acoustic piano, unabashed emotion, and Kurt's soothing yet strong delivery are all absolutely stunning and really make this simply, elegant tune the centerpiece of the album. It's totally drool-worthy.
Having been thoroughly disappointed in every lazy Idol effort to come out the US so far, I proves that America really does suck at things other than foreign policy, including people who can actually sing. Kurt Nilsen could take on Kelly, Ruben, and Fantasia any day of the week and totally kill them all vocally. His style is unique and quirky, kind of like Norway's answer to Clay Aiken. The material on I is excellently suited to Kurt's voice, something most of the American Idol efforts seem to be lacking. It has a trendy pop/rock sound, but still doesn't sacrifice quality or cohesion. Overall, this isn't a perfect record, but it proves that some game shows aren't flukes. Kurt Nilsen is the real thing - he sings, he writes, he plays guitar, and he's a plumber. What's not to love?
Repeat: "She's So High," "Wedding's Off," and "I"
Skip: "Lost In Despair" and "Games We Play"
Great Music To Play While: Trying to ace Kurt's Howdie Doodie haircut, braving those icy Norwegian winters in your unnecessarily puffy winter coat, laughing at Kelly Clarkson because a judge finally told her she can't sing, whooping some international a$$, yelling "Hey!" out of your car window until I drive by and smack you, and starting a new fashion trend - metrosexual lawn gnome.
Other Albums By This Artist: A Part Of Me
Recommended:
Yes
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broomqueesha
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Member: Rachel
Location: Squeeeeeeeeee!
Reviews written: 156
Trusted by: 98 members
About Me:
I am finally legal.
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