Monnie1976's Full Review: Leave This Town by Daughtry
For American Idol fans if you asked them to name one of the most surprising moments in the history of the show I imagine several would recall the ousting of favorite Chris Daughtry. A favorite from day one with his gripping, massive voice and quiet presence he seemed to be the one to beat during that season. Then he was voted off before three other people: the soulful Elliot Yamin, the way overrated Katherine McPhee and the odd ball (but I still say talented) Taylor Hicks. Despite this surprising moment of TV history Daughtry went on to be one of the most successful contestants ever. When his debut album came out it soared to the top of the charts. While some of the songs were derivative of bands like Nickelback and Fuel (whom he turned down a lead singer gig from) Daughtry was an undeniable talent and songs like “Home” and “It’s Not Over” proved he could easily succeed on the radio. The first album gave us some great music and left me appreciative of his first effort but hungry for when he finds his own sound.
Leave This Town in its best moments is a testimony to the fact Daughtry is a talented group of guys. Well constructed rock songs populate the city limits of this album and there are more than enough great moments to justify buying the album. The album isn’t perfect though and while there are plenty of highlights there are some definite moments where mediocrity sets in.
The best moments on the album work because Daughtry hits it out of the park emotionally. First single “No Suprise” is a great example of this. Daughtry’s emotional and powerful delivery really brings the listener to the heart of the song. Sentimental yet forceful guitars set the backdrop, an opening collection of backup vocals moaning their defeated acceptance set the mood and Daughtry brings it home with a passionate vocal. Another great song on this album is “What I Meant To Say” as Chris really balances the bitterness with the hurt that is palpitating underneath. The song has a great melody that really gets in your head and the lyrics are powerful and to the point. The album ends with the gorgeous, acoustic ballad “Call My Name” and his vocal is so exceptional it gives me goosebumps. This is exhibit A that a nuanced, controlled vocal can be just impressive and meaningful as a balls to the wall wail. There is a beautiful piano just under the surface and the whole thing is a gorgeous finish to the album. The song rocks out towards the end but it works out well.
There are other times though I think Daughtry falls a little too much back on the sensitive rock icons before him. “You Should Know” opens the album and seems to be an only slightly modified, warmed up version of a Nickelback song. This is an accusation Daughtry has received before and its justified. The song isn’t terrible its just terribly derivative. “Life After You” sounds unbelievably familiar with a melody that I could almost sing along to the first time I heard it. I feel like its an attempt to recreate the magic of previous hits like “Home” but it doesn’t quite muster up enough conviction. Again it’s a perfectly acceptable song but only because Daughtry can sing even when serving the musical equivalent of Sweet-n-Low. “September” moves me emotionally but it also sounds like something he’s done before. The lyrics, his vocals and the gentle lilting guitar bring me in just the same.
The most interesting song takes a little bit of other artists and makes something powerful and intimate. “Tennesee Line” pretty much borrows the guitar from Iris but then it morphs into something quite amazing. The song really communicates a sense of regret and longing with beautiful harmonies (the kind that recall Sambora and Bon Jovi) and eventually introduces a country element. The fiddle is a bit odd on a blatantly rock album but also shows that as Daughtry continues to make albums there is no limit to what they can do. The song creates a sweet, vibrant sense of nostalgia.
Overall I was very satisfied with this album and I think it shows growth from their highly successful debut The group is tentatively stretching their musical wings proving they can go far beyond their comfort zone. Chris Daughtry has a fantastic voice, a talented band and as he gets more seasoned I think his music will have increasing depth. I don’t think we’ve seen Daughtry reach their full potential yet.
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