• Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Nov 17, 2009
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 55
  2. Negative: 17 out of 55

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  1. lyamani
    Nov 30, 2009
    10
    An excellent debut CD that show's a glimpse of Kris Allen's versatility and leaves you wanting more. From such amazing tracks as Bring it Back and I Need To Know, which is full of vocal rawness that leaves your heart wrenched, to the funky uptempo Alright With Me and the flirty Can't Stay Away. The album is full of amazing tracks, with something for everyone.
  2. JamesD.
    Nov 23, 2009
    10
    Exceptional post-Idol album--quite possibly one of or THE pinnacle(s) of any Idol alum's first attempt while on tour. The songs are melodic, catchy, enjoyable...and they LACK cheese! It's...well, a time for miracles. Mwahahah. Kris Allen was a worthy winner. But not only that, he's shown such growth from his first, indie album, "Brand New Shoes". I'm not sure why the Exceptional post-Idol album--quite possibly one of or THE pinnacle(s) of any Idol alum's first attempt while on tour. The songs are melodic, catchy, enjoyable...and they LACK cheese! It's...well, a time for miracles. Mwahahah. Kris Allen was a worthy winner. But not only that, he's shown such growth from his first, indie album, "Brand New Shoes". I'm not sure why the critics are so hard on him, because he doesn't deserve it whatsoever. (Probably slanted and biased. I also think the calculations are askew.) Check out songs like: "Can't Stay Away", "Before We Come Undone", "Written All Over My Face", "The Truth", "Alright With Me", and of course, "Live Like We're Dying". Any of those are enjoyable singles, but several others are quality choices as well. Enjoy! Expand
  3. JK
    Dec 7, 2009
    10
    I love this album! The songs are all really catchy, and there isn't a single track that I don't like. I especially like Before We Come Undone, Let it Rain, and Red Guitar. I think Kris did a great job on this album. Looking forward to seeing him in concert once he goes on tour!
  4. CarolineL
    Dec 7, 2009
    8
    Good, solid pop rock CD...not perfect, but it had to be made in 6 months. He sounds great (no one can listen to this and say Kris can't sing) and many of the tracks are now on my playlist. The critics are being way too harsh! His songwriting shows a lot of potential. Give the guy a break!
  5. DanielB
    Nov 20, 2009
    7
    Overall this is a pretty grest album. It has some filler, of course, but the stronger tracks really impress. Also, I'd like to point out that E Weekly gave it a B- That's an 80 not a 67. Can someone change that? THis album contais a few surprises like the handclap acoustic jam "Alright with Me" the raptastic "Live like we're dying" and the fun "Written All Over my face" Overall this is a pretty grest album. It has some filler, of course, but the stronger tracks really impress. Also, I'd like to point out that E Weekly gave it a B- That's an 80 not a 67. Can someone change that? THis album contais a few surprises like the handclap acoustic jam "Alright with Me" the raptastic "Live like we're dying" and the fun "Written All Over my face" Overall score: 77. Expand
  6. BenH
    Nov 20, 2009
    10
    When I first heard the snippets I wasn't so sure how much I was going to like the album. After listening to the whole album, I have to tell you just how impressed I am with this record. Provided the time constraints, it can be hard to come up with a solid debut album in time for the holiday release date. Nevertheless, Kris manages to do just that and more. Having 9 of the tracks When I first heard the snippets I wasn't so sure how much I was going to like the album. After listening to the whole album, I have to tell you just how impressed I am with this record. Provided the time constraints, it can be hard to come up with a solid debut album in time for the holiday release date. Nevertheless, Kris manages to do just that and more. Having 9 of the tracks co-written by Kris himself, this album is a great depiction of who Kris is as an artist and the types of themes he chooses to express though his music. Here are some impressions of my favorite songs: 1. Live Like We're Dying - The first single off the album and a really cool and unique track that gets stuck in your head. I consider this to be a great choice as a first single as it is a fun song to attempt to sing along too (it can be difficult at times since it's a wordy song, haha). 2. Can't Stay Away - I love the funky feel to this song. The energy pumping throughout the track really gives it something special. Check this out for sure. 3. Before We Come Undone - Probably my favorite track on the album! I really think this should be the second single. It feels like the most radio ready song to me. 4. Bring It Back - A complete contrast to the three aforementioned tracks, this slow ballad proves how efficient Kris's voice can be in evoking emotion in the listener. Kris's ability to connect so profoundly to the lyrics makes this track particularly poignant. 5. Alright With Me - A really unique, upbeat track co-written by Joe King of the Fray. It's just a fun, lighthearted song that would be perfect to cheer you up if you're ever feeling the blues. -Other favorites of mine on the album include Let It Rain, Red Guitar, and Written All Over My Face. -Two other ballads on the album, The Truth and I Need To Know, also show off Kris's sensitive side and suit the flow of the album quite well. -My least favorite songs are Is It Over and Lifetime. Nevertheless, I still consider them solid tracks that don't detract from the overall quality of the record. Last but not least, there's the final track Heartless. Kris became well-known for his acoustic take on the Kanye West hit on Idol, but the version of Heartless on the album is quite different. With a cool, urban vibe instilled in the track thanks to hip hop producer Salaam Remi, Heartless sounds completely retooled from how we last heard it. Nevertheless, the fact that song throws you off guard while also revealing a new side to Kris is what I find most appealing about this track. Not the Heartless I grew to love, but I like it all the same. All in all, if you're looking for a great pop rock record, then Kris is your guy. With a bit of practically everything, ranging from slow, heart-wrenching ballads to rocking, upbeat tracks, you're sure to find something you'll like on this album. Highly recommended! Expand
  7. joey2500
    Nov 25, 2009
    10
    A diverse, flavourful, and original collection of songs. I would expect nothing less from the most interesting artist to ever come out of American Idol.
  8. hm
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    I like this album , I even love the bounce track
  9. AdrianN
    Nov 21, 2009
    10
    I loved this album. Don't know why the reviews are so low. :/ Please post some other reviews since these are only the negative ones but I know for sure there are numerous positive reviews out there.
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 8
  2. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. It’s a polite mix of soft rock with hints of boundary jumping that, unfortunately, never truly come. There’s really nothing wrong with the set; it’s sweetly executed and produced.
  2. Despite scoring writing credits on an impressive nine of these 13 tracks, Allen gets himself stylistically lost somewhere between Fly White Guy Avenue ('Can't Stay Away') and Bleeding Heart Boulevard ('The Truth'), while rarely visiting original territory.
  3. Most of the material, though, tends toward a flavorless pop-rock sound that doesn't even do much to flatter Allen's appealingly rumpled vocals.