Hey Guys
I finally managed to get out and purchase my copy of Jody's debut album. Its definitely an amazing album from this Idols contestant.
Managed to listen to the album in its entirety earlier and it is clear that the screeching problem some people were complaining about (uhm...Mara) is not present, even though on one song "Who Will I Run To" she attempt the Mariah, and she manages to pull it off.
Here is a my summary of the tracks and how I rate them:
1. Just Gonna Be Me - Lyrics are a bit repetitive and the backup vocals could have been stronger. The melody of the song is not entirely unique as it gives the sense of "what does this remind me of". [3.5/5]
2. Shout It Out - This one made me smirk at places. She seems to be aggressive with this track and then when she seems to be talking changes to the very sweet Jody. Could be a very nice dance tune. Jody's voice has also matured on this track. [4.5/5]
3. Kiss of Life - This one I have heard a few times already, and still when I hear it can't help swaying to the beat. The backup vocals are sweet and not overpowering to the whole Jody. The chorus is easily to sing along with and many people will be able to relate to the whole feeling of this song. [5/5]
4. Take Me Away - At points in this song it was hard for me to picture Jody in this song because of the sheer change in style present in the song. There is however something which I keep waiting for in the song, like the highlight and that doesn't happen. Continuous melody but ends rather abruptly. [4/5]
5. Who Will I Run To - This gives me the the feeling of her channeling Celine Dion's Run To You. I do however get some fuzzy feeling when listening to this song. This song could have done with stronger backup singing. Her annunciation of words in this song is very clear and you can look forward to her voice gymnastic near the end of this song. A song with a lot of meaning to those who have lost someone dear. [4.5/5]
6. I Never Knew Love Like This Before - Originally written by Reggie Lewis and James Mtume for Stephanie Mills on her 1980 album Sweet Sensation. This is a classic song and personally think that Jody does a really awesome job covering this song - I love it. Although you can't help but think, is it knew or Nu? lol [5/5]
7. Wind it - Here is a song which I heard on the radio few weeks back, this really manages to achieve the dance status for the album. This does however remind me of two songs, one is the Paula song, "Dance Like there's no Tomorrow" and the Kat De Luna song, "Whine Up". There is a break down part towards 3:15 which is pretty cool, not something heard by South Africans, this come up near the end as well. [4.5/5]
8. Everybody Makes Mistakes - This title sounds very much out of a Hannah Montana song, but when you hear it isn't silly like that. Mild tones and easy to relate to. Something you can just sit down and think about while contemplating life. [4/5]
9. Are You Ready - The beat of this song isn't very complementing to her voice, there should have has a more foreign beat. Her speed of singing in this song seems to have improved compared to her performances in the competition. This song could really be a very nice music video, done correctly that is. [4/5]
10. What If - The question always asked. This song is easily to relate to and the lyrics really indicate what this situation makes us feel. This is a typical Jody type song, and I can really see her enjoying this song. Although her vocals on this song aren't as strong on I would have liked, she does a good job. [3.5/5]
11. Broken Promises - This is a very Jazzy type song. She rushes a bit with the Chorus, but it sound awesome regardless. I really do like the mellow sound in this song. As the song develops, the vocals get better and seem to come more naturally. The closing chorus is really really cool. [5/5]
12. Who Am I - Her Cape Town heritage comes out with how she pronounces some words in this song, but its cool. Just listen to when she says show and just. Its a cool upbeat kinda song, something that is catchy and easy to sing along to. [5/5]
13. Kiss of Life - Her Idols win. I still have one problem with this song, the weak backup singers. Comparing the way the backup sounds on her song to the one by Ricki-Lee, they sound way better on Ricki-Lee's. [I'll let you rate this]
Overall Album Rating: 4.5/5
Remember, this is only the way I rate the tracks and you are free to disagree based on your views. Just don't hate on me.
So go out now and buy the new Jody Williams CD - Just Gonna Be Me
Feel Free To Comment ;)
