David Cook
by David Cook
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2008
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 482 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 381 out of 482
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 482
  3. Negative: 96 out of 482

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  1. KatieT.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    This CD has a great variety on it, from the heart-wrenching Permanent to the saucy Bar-ba-sol. It begins with Declaration, a wonderful up-tempo tune, and includes the lovely Lies. The big-box editions include Kiss on the Neck, a seemingly biting tune with an interesting twist, as a hidden track. WIth Cook's wonderful vocals, this is a great buy.
  2. AndrewM
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    David Cook is the real deal- a great songwriters with a FANTASTIC voice. Cook IS the BEST Idol winner, and the FIRST actual artist to win the show. This album is proof of that.
  3. RMW
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    Songs to appeal to everyone: beautiful ballads such as Lie and Permenant, mid-tempo romps like Light On and Declaration, and crunchy rock like Bar-ba-sol.
  4. UsmanS
    Jan 15, 2009
    10
    Finally a rockstar whose voice and songs are as genuine as his personality. His husky and powerful singing leaves listeners longing for him more than any of his own idols. He has the ability to sing a dictionary and make it sound great, imagine what he would do with a great number. Expect him to be very very successful with some big hit in the very near future.
  5. DebbieH.
    Nov 20, 2008
    0
    Don't care for Cooks style, voice or his smugness. Gook Luck to him anyway.
  6. KarenK.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    Wonderful musician; can't wait to see him on solo tour.
  7. GRACEC
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    This is the best CD I have heard in a very long time. I love the feeling behind every song. You know he is not just singing a song, there is passion & feeling behind each song. Not everyone has this.
  8. KimN
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    Wow! This is the best set of songs! Lie, Come Back to Me, Declaration and Bar-ba-sol are a few of the standouts of the album!
  9. LeslieP.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    Every song on this album is great. I especially recommend Bar ba sol, Declaration, Lie, and Come Back to me.
  10. MartinT
    Nov 20, 2008
    5
    Listening to Samples from most of the songs on his album, a lot of them just sound too........alike. Hearing samples from the chorus from each song almost felt like listening to the same song over again. I admit, there are some songs that don't do this, but the album just sounds a bit too uniform for my tastes.
  11. TammyL
    Nov 28, 2008
    10
    This is wonderfully written, masterfully produced, and amazingly executed. I can't imagine someone NOT liking this. It's a varied and eclectic mix of songs. I dare everyone to find something they don't like on it!
  12. JanineP
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    I love it more and more every time I listen to it!!
  13. Dee
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    I love this CD. I think it's a stellar record. It is full of eclectic sounds and themes that are so relatable.
  14. SteveD.
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    It is very rare for me to find an album where I love every song but this is it. It offers a variety of songs from heavier rockers like BarBaSol to slower moving ballads like permanent. And they are all sung with David Cook's powerful voice. He is really able to bring the emotion into his song. I love this album
  15. EllenS
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    If I could have I'd have given him an 11!
  16. judyD
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    Love all his songs on this album... He is a fantastic musician.
  17. AnnieJ
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    I think every song is a hit!!!!
  18. ValerieC
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    I love every song from this album. My favorites are Lie, Permanent and Bar-ba-sol. The album has great rock anthems with some twists and turns.
  19. DollyB
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    Love this CD. Favorite song is "Life on the Moon".
  20. CarolineB
    Dec 8, 2008
    10
    This album is awesome. It's the first CD I've bought in years and I'm so glad I bought it.
  21. DebbieP
    Dec 8, 2008
    10
    The best CD i have heard in a very long time and it is the only CD I listen to at the moment. Best idol winner ever.
  22. MaryP
    Dec 8, 2008
    10
    Great album. Loving all the songs - especially Avalanche, Permanent, Life on the Moon and Barbasol. But, honestly - every song is good. I do skip Time of My Life because I'ver heard it so much over the last six months.
  23. MichaelT.
    Jan 8, 2009
    9
    Even better than I expected. What amazes me is how the songs grow on you after only a few listens. A very impressive mainstream debut, and a much-needed new rock vocal talent.
  24. LoriW
    Feb 3, 2009
    10
    Every song is a gem. Ignore the 1s. We know who they are and why they give this CD a 1 and it won't work. David Cook is here to stay.
  25. LizB.
    Nov 19, 2008
    2
    All of the songs sound the same, very disappointing first album for a winner of AI. I'm glad I was able to preview online before purchasing
  26. BenH.
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    Awesome album. Almost all of the songs could be potential singles. I can't decide which on is my favorite.
  27. bstock
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    This first album does everything the first rocker out of the Idol stable needed to do. Cook has stayed true to his roots and to his sensibilities and, most importantly, he has relied on his two greatest assets - his voice and his writing skills.
  28. MysticalC.
    Nov 20, 2008
    9
    Excellent first effort from David - lots of good hooks and that voice ... yes, that's the best part. His voice is what makes him stand apart from others out there. As he makes his way apart from Idol, I think we will see more of who he really is reflected in his music. As a big fan and someone who has seen him perform live, I can't wait to take these songs out on tour.
  29. CarolW
    Nov 20, 2008
    8
    This is a great first effort....David Cook has a really great voice....some songs are better than others, but they are all really listenable.
  30. ChrisC.
    Nov 20, 2008
    8
    David Cook is awesome. He was awesome on the show and he surprised me with an awesome debut. One of my favorites of the year.
  31. MichelleD.
    Nov 20, 2008
    9
    There is not one song on this album that I don't like (which is pretty darn rare). Furthermore, there are some real standouts such as Permanent, Life on the Moon, Come Back to Me, Avalanche, Bar-ba-sol, A Daily Anthem and the hidden track Kiss on the Neck. I love that this record is eclectic (I love both rock, pop, and ballads), and think they did a great job choosing the progression There is not one song on this album that I don't like (which is pretty darn rare). Furthermore, there are some real standouts such as Permanent, Life on the Moon, Come Back to Me, Avalanche, Bar-ba-sol, A Daily Anthem and the hidden track Kiss on the Neck. I love that this record is eclectic (I love both rock, pop, and ballads), and think they did a great job choosing the progression of the songs. David Cook is a fabulous singer and poetic lyricist and this record really shows off both of those qualities. David Cook and Company did a great job!… Expand
  32. LowellS.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    First good new musician I've heard in several years!
  33. AriadneS.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    Refreshing, innovative and fun, Cook shows off his vocal versatility wonderfully on this debut album.
  34. LauraR.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    I listen to a lot of music, and there is not one throw away song on this CD. On most CD's I usually have to skip thru at least a few of them. Great voice and great job for a first effort. Don't get the Daughtry comparison at all. David Cook can actually sing.
  35. IreneA.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    David's vocals are strong, the energy and passion heartfelt and every song on the CD is quite good. I think this is better than I had expected. Many of the songs could and should be released as singles.
  36. AshleyM.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    I was expecting a decent cd from this guy, but I actually really like pretty much every song. Permanent about ripped my heart out.
  37. LisaS
    Nov 23, 2008
    9
    Beautiful melodies and catchy lyrics. I love it.
  38. JasonR
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    As the NY Times put it: "he stakes firm and unusually appealing claim to territory few covet: middlebrow
  39. SusanK
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    Absolutely an amazing album. His vocals are impressive as well as his writing (with others). People can relate to. There isn't one song on here that I don't like. I can listen to it over and over!!! Can't wait for more videos. He will be a real presence in the music business for a long long time!
  40. caroles
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    I absolutely love this album! It has everything you could want from poignant ballad to heavy rock. Give the guy a chance and listen.
  41. annj
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    This is one of the best CDs I've ever owned. I always have "skip songs" on any CD I buy - this one has no skips. I highly recommend this, it's well worth the money.
  42. susanp
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    Love the album, can't even pick a favorite song bc I love them all.. Have listened to it daily since purchase, It really has so many different songs and David's differing voice styles are amazing.
  43. Mike
    Nov 25, 2008
    8
    I don't watch American Idol and admit I tend to be a bit overcritical of the artists they spawn. I wasn't holding out much hope for David Cook since I don't care for either singles he's had out. Having said that, I think this is probably the best debut from any of the show's proteges (followed by Daughtry's, say what you will about him but he's laughing I don't watch American Idol and admit I tend to be a bit overcritical of the artists they spawn. I wasn't holding out much hope for David Cook since I don't care for either singles he's had out. Having said that, I think this is probably the best debut from any of the show's proteges (followed by Daughtry's, say what you will about him but he's laughing all the way to the bank). Standouts on this CD: Bar-ba-sol, Declaration, and that song that is linked in with A Daily Anthem (sounds like its probably titled Kiss on the neck, but it wasn't on the track listing). Could do without: Light On, Time of my Life and I Did it For You.… Expand
  44. BruceS
    Nov 25, 2008
    9
    I was shocked and surprised that I liked almost every song. I actually bought his music for myself to listen to while driving back and forth to work.
  45. LisaJ
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    Mr. Cook shows why he won American Idol on this CD. The combination of his voice, melodic songs and raw emotion rank this CD a 10 for me!
  46. BrendaK.
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    David Cook has genuine writing talent and on top of that his voice is amazing and he sings with an edginess that is addicting to listen to. My favorite is 'Heroes' but don't foget about the hidden track 'Kiss on the Neck'.....it totally Rocks!!!
  47. MichelleA
    Nov 25, 2008
    9
    I have listened to "David Cook". I am really enjoying it. I heard Cook say in an interview that this CD reflected on some aspects of his life which made it an interesting listen. I have favorites songs on this record as I do on any others, however, I do not fast forward through any of the record. My favorites are Declaration, Life on the Moon, Barbasol, Avalache, and last but not least my I have listened to "David Cook". I am really enjoying it. I heard Cook say in an interview that this CD reflected on some aspects of his life which made it an interesting listen. I have favorites songs on this record as I do on any others, however, I do not fast forward through any of the record. My favorites are Declaration, Life on the Moon, Barbasol, Avalache, and last but not least my very favorite is A Daily AntheM. I love rock music. I purchased two other records with this one. Chinese Democracy, and Nickelback.… Expand
  48. EmilyT
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    One of the best CD in a while. Every song is perfect!
  49. VickiS
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    I absolutely love this album and each song. The songs are so well written, David's voice is the best it's ever been and the band rocks. The songs are all radio friendly and each a potential hit. This album is eclectic and has something for everyone. Some great rock tunes like Bar-ba-sol, Declaration, Heroes, Light On, and great love songs like Avalanche, I Did It for You, Lie, I absolutely love this album and each song. The songs are so well written, David's voice is the best it's ever been and the band rocks. The songs are all radio friendly and each a potential hit. This album is eclectic and has something for everyone. Some great rock tunes like Bar-ba-sol, Declaration, Heroes, Light On, and great love songs like Avalanche, I Did It for You, Lie, Come Back To Me. Another song, Permanent is so heartfelt and beautiful with a 15-piece string orchestra. I consider the David Cook album a masterpiece.… Expand
  50. SidnacW
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    The emotional impact of David Cook's music on this album is superior to any album released in this century! Love the unique vibe of each song! Excellent debut!
  51. SheriC
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    I am always looking for singers/songwriters that use their talent to tell stories. This album is chock full of great melodies and Mr. Cook's voice draws you into the story of each song. I was impressed; have listened to the album multiple times; and still enjoy every song. I think any lover of music will enjoy it, too. Kudos!
  52. JanH.
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    Love, love, love, this whole album. Not a bad song in the lot!
  53. CherylL
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    David Cook is not only a wonderfully gifted musician and songwriter, he is intelligent, articulate, and humble. This CD, in my opinion, does not have a forgettable song on it. From rock (Bar-ba-sol), to soulful ballads (Permanent), there is something for everyone sung only as David Cook can sing. He has incredible range and sings with a passion that is unmatched. He has put his heart and David Cook is not only a wonderfully gifted musician and songwriter, he is intelligent, articulate, and humble. This CD, in my opinion, does not have a forgettable song on it. From rock (Bar-ba-sol), to soulful ballads (Permanent), there is something for everyone sung only as David Cook can sing. He has incredible range and sings with a passion that is unmatched. He has put his heart and soul out there for all to hear.… Expand
  54. CyndieE
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    What an addition to the music world this album is. It is written from the heart and the lyrics really let you "feel" the emotion in David Cook's voice. His voice is so very diverse in it's range, some times raspy some time mellow a joy to listen to him sing. The music is melodious with a lot of Davids' signature on it. Love it!!
  55. MissyJ.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    It
  56. KathyP
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    I have been asked which song is my favorite and I cannot give just one, the whole album is wonderful. It is so much better than I could have dreamed possible! It shows David's personality, vulnerability and showcases his vocal range. Gave it a 10!
  57. LindseyS
    Nov 26, 2008
    8
    Nice efforts. I like almost every song from this album. My favorites are Bar Ba Sol, Lie and Permanent. Lyrics are great and meaningful.
  58. Chiqui
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    This record's artist and songs effortlessly transport listener from one intense crest of emotion to another - exhilaration, triumph, wistfulness, melancholia, nostalgia, regret, longing, and even mischief and an attitude. The vocals are excellent and the band is superb. Very well put-together record considering the short period the production was accomplished.
  59. MegW
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    So amazing that he was able to write on this and put it together so quickly. Love his vocals, love the melodic, anthemic songs. Permanent will be legendary. Favorites are Declaration, Life on the Moon, Come Back to Me, Avalanche, Permanent, Barbasol, and Kiss On The Neck. The entire record is wonderful and unique.
  60. YvonneD
    Nov 28, 2008
    9
    David Cook's debut cd shows different sides of his amazing talent...from some mainstream to rocking to a beautiful personal balland with an orchestra. He is a very intriguing, versatile artist and I believe the best is yet to come...
  61. BrandonM.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    The freshman effort from idol-winner David Cook seems somewhat similar in from to DAUGHTRY, but think of it as a better, more vocally capable and diverse DAUGHTRY, no doubts on the success of this album.
  62. GinaW.
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    Intelligent and beautiful lyrics that are sung with passion and emotion. This album flows from start to finish and is great start for this budding artist.
  63. franniew
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    I gave it a ten because I do love every song on the album. It has a variety of songs from ballads to hard edge rock. I love the personal feel David gives each song.
  64. DinaA
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    This album went above and beyond. The lyrics, the music and the voice are all top notch.
  65. StephanieS
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    Amazing album. My personal favorites are Permanent, Heroes, Declaration, A Daily AntheM and Bar-ba-sol.
  66. PattieH.
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    This is best rock album to come along in a long time. Every song is great and every song is different. I never have the urge to skip one, and I listen to the album over and over. David Cook's voice is remarkable in his range and all of the textures from his husky growl to his beautiful clear tenor. The lyrics of all of these songs speak directly to the listener, as they were written This is best rock album to come along in a long time. Every song is great and every song is different. I never have the urge to skip one, and I listen to the album over and over. David Cook's voice is remarkable in his range and all of the textures from his husky growl to his beautiful clear tenor. The lyrics of all of these songs speak directly to the listener, as they were written from the heart. This one is definitely a "10".… Expand
  67. kathyp
    Nov 30, 2008
    10
    Terrific album, almost impossible to have a favorite song with them all so good.
  68. JohnathonH
    Dec 27, 2008
    6
    David Cook is an amazing vocalist and decent song writer. His first album seems to be a conflicting blend of the natural musician in him, and the generic expectations of American Idol popdom. Hopefully he picks up a band name to escape the pressure in spotlighting his name. Look for Cook's next album to be a more genuine effort.
  69. MaryM
    Dec 6, 2008
    7
    I think this is a great, solid, first (professionally produced) album by David Cook. I loved his self-released "Analog Heart" but this has a slicker production and obvious the collaboration and contributions from other writers has added and changed some of the pure David Cook sound...but not too much. I love most of the album....could have done without "Come Back to Me" and "I Did it for I think this is a great, solid, first (professionally produced) album by David Cook. I loved his self-released "Analog Heart" but this has a slicker production and obvious the collaboration and contributions from other writers has added and changed some of the pure David Cook sound...but not too much. I love most of the album....could have done without "Come Back to Me" and "I Did it for You" as I find them too generic and "pop" like...but DC did not write CBTM. I think Declaration, Bar-ba-sol, Avalanche, Permanent, and the hidden track "Kiss on the Neck" are the best songs on the album. DC's voice has incredible range and emotion.....and he can rock out with the best of them, but also sing a ballad that will make you cry. This album has the "19" stamp on it.....but it's not typical AI pap. As he moves away from AI, I expect his music and future albums to just get better and better.… Expand
  70. RE
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    I was surprised by this record. Not sure what I was expecting? It's not just a random collection of songs. There are some great lyrics and riffs. Surprising....
  71. Kelly
    Dec 6, 2008
    9
    Solid album, very listenable. Should do well.
  72. SueR
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    Home run for Mr. Cook. This record has it all from the soft ballad Permanent to the concert friendly rocker Bar-ba-sol. I see numerous singles coming from this album. The only downside is that the hidden track was not included as a main track, but not enough of an issue to lower my rating. Completely enjoyable.
  73. TammyH
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    I just keep listening to this album and it keeps getting better. I think David & band have done a great job. This is a good ROCK album. Love his voice, lyrics, style. Two thumbs up!!!!
  74. LindaT
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    This is my favorite new album this year. Very often I have high hopes for the freshman effort from an American Idol alumnus and find myself disappointed. Finally, an album that surpassed my expectations! There isn't a skippable song on the album. Of special interest: the one two emmotional punch of Permanent, a gut wrenching promise to an ill loved one, followed by A Daily Anthem, a This is my favorite new album this year. Very often I have high hopes for the freshman effort from an American Idol alumnus and find myself disappointed. Finally, an album that surpassed my expectations! There isn't a skippable song on the album. Of special interest: the one two emmotional punch of Permanent, a gut wrenching promise to an ill loved one, followed by A Daily Anthem, a soaring life affirming testament to the human spirt, at the end of the track list.… Expand
  75. LindaO
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    Eclectic and wonderful! The music and lyrics are uniquely David and the voice sells it like only he can.
  76. PeggyS
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    Love every track - there is not a throwaway song on this disk. Even the hidden track "Kiss on the Neck" is amazing....he sings with such passion - he just feels every note and conveys that to the listener. Amazing record.
  77. SusanD
    Dec 7, 2008
    10
    Great Album!
  78. MaggieP.
    Dec 8, 2008
    10
    This is a great album. Every track is good. This guy puts his heart and soul into his music - you can hear it in the heart-felt lyrics. Love his voice. Beautiful.
  79. FranW
    Jan 2, 2009
    10
    Best album from an American Idol contestant ever!!
  80. ChrisF.
    Feb 22, 2009
    7
    Quality sound and vocals by David Cook. The album needs more personality though, because after half way through the songs begin to sound the same and getting to the end becomes tedious. I cannot speak badly of his talent though, and am looking forward to his future work.
  81. julie
    May 11, 2009
    3
    I was a huge Cook fan during his A.I. run. Am very disappointed by the album and its, as USAToday's Brian Mansfield put it, "formulaic, tune-averse tracks... the soft/hard formula that grunge and angst-rock have ossified for the past 15 years." I hope now that DC has gotten through the first album process, he will write or find himself some more interesting, nuanced material for his I was a huge Cook fan during his A.I. run. Am very disappointed by the album and its, as USAToday's Brian Mansfield put it, "formulaic, tune-averse tracks... the soft/hard formula that grunge and angst-rock have ossified for the past 15 years." I hope now that DC has gotten through the first album process, he will write or find himself some more interesting, nuanced material for his more nuanced musical sensibilities and singing capabilities.… Expand
  82. KerriO.
    Nov 19, 2008
    1
    This album is awful. I thought he was going to be unique or something...at least that is what he said about his album. There are maybe 2 songs on there that I can even listen to and they sound like all the other rockers out there. He is a throwback as far as I am concerned.
  83. NancyB.
    Nov 19, 2008
    2
    This sounds like every other rocker except bad. He screams throughout the album and most of the songs all sound the same. Even some of the cook fans don't care for it. I used to like him but when he put out LO I knew his album was not what he promised....so I don't care for him anymore. This album is really awful.
  84. NicoleH.
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    An outstanding debut from a very promising rock artist. The vocals are top-notch, the lyrics are intensely personal and far more creative and original than many "generic" rockers, and every song has something unique and surprising. Every song is radio-friendly and has insanely catchy hooks. Considering what this album had to be to many different people, this is a tremendous effort.
  85. Brooke.
    Nov 19, 2008
    3
    Not what I thought he'd put out. He didn't sing stuff like this on idol, did he?? I'm almost mad at him.
  86. MinetteC.
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    Not a single skippable track on this CD (except for the obligatory Time of my Life).
  87. kayd.
    Nov 21, 2008
    8
    Smart, romantic, full-throated rock with that unique Cook mix of growl and soar. The album is highly addictive, but strangely enough, I'm gonna say you may want to get into this so guy so you can check out his act live. Early live performances by Cook and his band (a reformatting of local heroes The Midwest Kings) have been stellar.
  88. TrishR.
    Nov 20, 2008
    7
    Great first big-time commercial effort. Hoping in the future, when he doesn't have so many VIPs to cater to, he can make something that sounds a little more independent/alternative. He has a fantastic voice, though. Most of these songs will sound great in a concert setting.
  89. MaryH.
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    Absolutely love this album. There is something for everyone. Love his voice and the lyrics!
  90. MariaS.
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    This album is has exceeded all my expectations. The lyrics are awesome and David sings with such emotion, especially in Permanent...pulls at your heart. Great job David Cook
  91. KatherineM.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    Maybe I'm biased because I am a hardcore fan, but this is the best album to come from any Idol alum. It has a good mix of upbeat pop songs and ballads as well as some harder-rocking stuff thrown in, and the songwriting is simply stellar. Here's hoping for only better things to come.
  92. JoeB.
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    Best album I've heard in a very long time.
  93. AmyK
    Nov 22, 2008
    10
    I am a huge Cook fan, I love this CD.
  94. PiaD.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    Great collection of post-grunge pop-rock songs. "Bar Ba Sol" will rock your socks, "Lie" will move you and "Permanent" will break your heart.
  95. StephanieL.
    Nov 22, 2008
    1
    Hated it.
  96. JordanW.
    Nov 22, 2008
    10
    This album exceeded my expectations. It's eclectic, the lyrics are beautiful and the songs extremely radio-friendly.
  97. KristynG.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    This CD is amazing for the amount of time he had to work on it. I'm really proud of what he accomplished. Love Permanent and Ba Bar Sol
  98. LiliB.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    Can't skip a song and songs are smartly sequenced on this album. Great melodies, lyrics and performances.
  99. BethP.
    Nov 20, 2008
    8
    It's no secret that debut albums from American Idol winners (and runners-up) are typically produced and rushed to market with pre-processed hits and little to no input from the artists themselves. But 'David Cook' the album stands out (much as the man himself did on the show) as clearly the most introspective and eclectic debut ever to come from the Idol franchise. Cook It's no secret that debut albums from American Idol winners (and runners-up) are typically produced and rushed to market with pre-processed hits and little to no input from the artists themselves. But 'David Cook' the album stands out (much as the man himself did on the show) as clearly the most introspective and eclectic debut ever to come from the Idol franchise. Cook himself wrote or co-wrote 10 of the 12 tracks on the album, and the lyrics are extremely personal and raw, touching on the support of his family, the inner-conflict that comes with sudden fame, and dealing with loss. Cook has proven himself to be an extremely versatile vocalist, but the focus here seems to be highlighting the arena-filling upper range of Cook's voice, which can make the hair on your neck stand on end. But there are a few delicate moments where Cook is able to utilize the rich timbre that sets him apart from many other rock vocalists. One such song is the standout track "Permanent" (written for his brother who is fighting brain cancer) - it features just piano, strings, and a tender and wrenching vocal. On the other end of the spectrum is the driving urgency of the heavy riff-rocker Bar-ba-Sol, which is probably the best track on the record. It's obvious that some compromises had to be made in order to satisfy the 30 million fans who watched him sing covers on Idol every week. There are a few fairly generic pop-rock tunes ('I Did it For You' and 'Come Back to Me' most notably) which may become big hits in the Daughtry mold. But produced by the highly-respected Rob Cavallo, the album is for the most part a cohesive rock record with several songs that are both representative of the artist as well as radio-friendly. Under the circumstances, an imperfect but nonetheless impressive debut from the clearly talented Cook. I look forward to seeing him break the Idol mold and stretch even further on his next album.… Expand
  100. LenR.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    I love each and every song especially Lie and Permanent.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    70
    David Cook [is] remarkably similar to the debut of his AmIdol forefather, DAUGHTRY, but where Chris Daughtry wallows in his stylized amorphous angst, Cook is a friendly puppy dog, eager to please.
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  2. Billboard
    70
    Much like his predecessors' quick-turnaround debuts, Cook's is fairly generic, but its rock edge is dirtied up with crunching guitars and the artist's tuneful growl.
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  3. Boston Globe
    70
    Indeed, it's hard to distinguish Cook's sound from that of his own idols, like Our Lady Peace and Better Than Ezra.
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