My, how “American Idol” time flies! It’s hard to believe that six seasons have passed since Chris Daughtry showed the Idol stage his stuff, and sold more records as a runner-up than most Idol title holders. Ever since Bo Bice in Season 4, those who rock and sing the blues, including one named Bowersox, have built a fan base on the talent franchise, but somehow never muster the appeal or the numbers to grab the gold. Season 10 seemed a solid lock for Scotty McCreery after a handful of Josh Turner notes met their baritone match, and bolstered support nearly immediately even from Bronx native judges! James Durbin joins his more established alum from the Idol world, Chris Daughtry, in releasing a highly anticipated album, and critics are ready to bite, but can the kudos convert to a hard rocking Idol win?
Chris Daughtry’s “Breaking the Spell” dropped Monday (Nov. 21) to nothing short of raves from critics, with Billboard’s Gary Graff essentially naming it better than Bon Jovi, and equivalent praises coming in from the Washington Post and USA Today. It is noted that the band does not seem to be having much fun on this musical offering, but maybe that’s being left to another heavy metal heartthrob, James Durbin. Durbin’s effort, “Memories of a Beautiful Disaster” dropped this week, too, but takes itself much less seriously. Though over a decade younger than Daughtry, Durbin takes listeners even farther back in tone, with raging power ballads ala the 80s. Daughtry has the critical clout, and Durbin has the look, but why hasn’t all that transferred to an Idol rule? Baby boomers love the old rock ‘n roll, but the sticking point may be appeal, and it may be the times. Country is cool and country is reigning in music now, as evidenced by another sweep for Taylor Swift at last weekend’s American Music Awards. Songs like hers aren’t defined by the 80s or the 90s, and sink themselves into the subconscious of grandmas as easily as grade- schoolers. If there’s a universal rocker out there with that draw, bring him on for Season 11-because that’s what it takes.