I’m not ashamed to admit that “American Idol” has been a guilty pleasure of mine. I’m still not sure if the music world has accepted them as creditable artists, even though Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Daughtry, just to name a few, have topped the charts and sold millions.
Then there are the ones who make the top 12 or even top 24, that kind of fall off the earth. Did you know that many of them go on to release albums? Some of them put out quality music, like Constatine Maroulis, Michael Johns and the newest to join the realm of “I didn’t win American Idol,” Jason Castro.
You remember him? He had a hippyish appearance with dreadlocks and a smile like he was half-baked. On the show, he was always more comfortable with an acoustic guitar in his hands, so it’s no surprise that this record is exactly that — eight pop songs fitted to his acoustic.
This is by no means a masterpiece, but if you like the hopeless romantic playing the savior to all the wounded lovers, then this record is perfect for you.
On “That’s What I’m Here For,” he sings: “If you need someone just to be around, help put the pieces back that you finally found, that’s what I’m here for.”
The next track, “Love Uncompromised,” is bluesy. He takes you down the same road with, “So kiss me with your heart, touch me with your eyes, and love me with your soul I’ll never compromise.”
The best song is a duet with Serena Ryder called “You Can Always Come Home.” It’s the ultimate savior of love serenade. Even though she stays with the wrong person in his eyes, he accepts it and tells her “I’m happy if you’re happy he won,” “But, if he leaves you cold in the city aching for a lover, you can always come home.”
The biggest challenge that he takes on is a cover of “Hallelujah,” a Leonard Cohen song made popular by Jeff Buckley. He’s successful at doing it justice, but still falls short of Buckley’s rendition.
If you don’t mind the limited subject matter, this album is ideal for making sweet on your lover. Vocally, Jason is solid and shines on all of the songs. I couldn’t stop listening to this album at first, but I overplayed it — leaving me wanting more. So I highly recommend purchasing the extended iTunes version.
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