Ones to Watch in 2012: Aiden Grimshaw

Nearly two years after gracing television screens all over the UK as a contestant on The X-Factor: Series 7, Aiden Grimshaw has (finally) unveiled his debut single and it's a wonder to behold.  "Is This Love," due June 3rd via RCA Records, was written by the 20-year old Grimshaw, and serves as the first single off his debut album, Misty Eye, out August 13th in the UK.  Listen to the single BELOW.

At first listen, Aiden appears to be he heading in the right direction, musically speaking, following the lead of other more established "folktronica" artists like Alex Clare and Ellie Goulding.  This song is an exercise of both subtlety and strength, complete with a big, soaring chorus and booming drum & bass beats, utilizing Grimshaw's beautiful falsetto to absolute perfection.  This combination showcases, not only Grimshaw's vulnerability, but his impressive vocal chops as well.  Aiden's vocals rise triumphantly above the sleek, futuristic-sounding production, immediately slaying all those who listen.  What a debut!  Grimshaw's songwriting skills are also worth noting.  Gone, are the days when reality show contestants are thrust into the arms of a team of songwriters.  I love that this latest crop of burgeoning artists are allowed the opportunity to showcase their own skills as storytellers. 

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American Idol Celebrates 10 Years with a 'Hits' Compilation

Wow. It's hard to believe American Idol's been on the air for nearly 10 years. To commemorate the first 10 years of Idol, 19 Recordings and RCA Records are releasing a new compilation for fans of the show to drool over. American Idol 10th Anniversary - The Hits: Volume 1 features hits from Kelly Clarskon, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, Daughtry, David Cook, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Lee Dewyze. While there are some notable artists missing from the bunch (i.e. David Archuleta, Katharine McPhee) this is only Volume 1. Presumably there'll be a volume 2?

Due for release on March 15th, the 12-track album features such hits as "Since U Been Gone" (Kelly Clarkson), "Before He Cheats" (Carrie Underwood) and "No Air" (Jordin Sparks). American Idol is currently in the midst of it's 10th season which kicked off last month. It makes sense that RCA is releasing a compilation right now, given the fact that Sony is no longer the label that Idol winners will be signed to. The torch has since been passed to Universal Music Group, who signed a distribution deal with American Idol show runners this past summer. Under the agreement, "Interscope Geffen A&M Records will distribute, promote and market albums from "Idol" finalists and winners" in 2011 and going forward {SOURCE}. As shocking as this might seem initially, I think it's a good move. This will give the Idol contestants a fresh pool of music to dive into, rather than recycling the same old songs season after season. I guess time will tell if this decision was a good one. Check out the tracklisting for American Idol 10th Anniversary - The Hits: Volume 1, BELOW.

Tracklisting:

1. Kelly Clarkson - “Since U Been Gone”
2. Ruben Studdard - “Superstar”
3. Clay Aiken - “Invisible”
4. Fantasia – “When I See U”
5. Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”
6. Taylor Hicks – “Takin’ It To The Streets”
7. Daughtry – “Home”
8. Jordin Sparks (duet with Chris Brown) – “No Air”
9. David Cook – “Light On”
10. Kris Allen – “Live Like We’re Dying”
11. Adam Lambert – “Whataya Want From Me”
12. Lee DeWyze – “Sweet Serendipity”

Check out American Idol On The Web: Official Site

Blake Lewis vs. Jordin Sparks

American Idol Rant:
I seem to hear over and over again how "BLAH" American Idol was this past season. I disagree. I honestly don't know what people are expecting. They have diversified the talent base by raising the age restriction a bit...allowing for older, more rounded talents (AKA a lot of professional back up singers). They are allowing singers with unique and different sounds into the competition... A.I. has also produced a top selling country artist (Carrie Underwood), a rocker dude (Daughtry), and a pop singer (Kelly Clarkson). There have been a slew of moderately successful American Idol contestants singing R&B, Gospel, whatever Taylor Hicks is....and lots of pop. Fans though were bored last season! What does Fox have to do to keep people interested? I really think that the focus has to be on the music and not the spectacle of the finale and special "charity" episodes. Whatever Fox does, the numbers will be huge...but seriously...let's make it all about the music again.

Blake Lewis vs. Jordin Sparks:

Now. This season's winner and runner up. Let's compare. First off...compared with Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee? WAY more interesting! Taylor...wtf? Did anyone buy his CD? And Katharine...what a bomb! Some average, generic pop...blah!

On to Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks. First...album covers? Blake wins! Cool looking! Nice colors...nice close up of Blake looking blissfully unaware of how cute he is. Add in some funky graphics there and you got a good album sleeve. Even the title is interesting and clever...AUDIO DAY DREAM otherwise known as "ADD." Clever. Jordin's cover is pretty boring. Boring grey background...boring picture of Jordin posing with a dumb look on her face. Jordin is pretty and she can sing...but what a bland introduction to the world. If she goes global, they better re shoot the album artwork like they did for Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway album...I almost bought the import just to have the better sleeve art.

Now...the single. Blake wins! Jordin Sparks' single "Tattoo" just isn't doing it for me. I don't know if it's the production or the song itself. There's no question...Jordin has talent. I just think the song is a disappointment, and the lacklustre video doesn't help to sway me at all. It's definitely possible for a reality show to produce a good first POP single. Case in point...Kelly Clarkson's "Miss Independent" was hot! And who says it HAS to be a club banger!? X-Factor over in the UK has Leona Lewis, already a chart-topper in her native land, is waiting in the wings over here in the States (set to drop her album in the first quarter of 2008). "Bleeding Love," a ballad...is GORGEOUS! "Tattoo" is...not. It's kind of a dud. And considering Stargate did the producing...it's a huge disappointment. "Break Anotha" is fun and is clearly ALL Blake. There's a part of his personality from AI in the song...AND he includes some of his signature beat boxing style! Check out his official MySpace for the clip.

Now don't get me wrong. I have faith in Jordin Sparks. I know she can bring it. I'm just being honest. I am more excited about Blake's CD. December 4th can't come soon enough!

Albums Drop Dates:

Jordin Sparks - Jordin Sparks (out November 20th)

Blake Lewis - Audio Day Dream (out December 4th)