cletta1201's Full Review: Justin Guarini by Justin Guarini
The more times that I listen to Justin Guarini’s debut album – the more I start to think it might have been a blessing in disguise that he didn’t win American Idol. Sure, he might look like a cross between Michael Jackson and Sideshow Bobfrom The Simpsons – but make zero mistake, the boy can sang.
Of course, there are going to be comparisons to the debut album of his defeater Kelly Clarkson and honestly there is just no competition. Guarini is an afro above anything Clarkson was able to accomplish with her mixed-bag of rock and pop. While Clarkson set out to prove to the world that she was whatever it is she thinks she is – Guarini made a truly solid album full of excellent ballads and mid-tempo head-nodders that stake his claim as a true musical talent.
Those more familiar with the R&B genre will remember another white boy soul singer by the name of Jon B. Guarini definitely channels the musical soul of Jon B. and it does him well. ”One Heart Too Many” begins the musical voyage and it’s definitely one of my favorites. The spotlight is on Justin and only Justin, although the music is a beautiful accompaniment. He has one of those voices that make it sound like singing is effortless and so it never feels like he’s trying too hard.
”I Saw Your Face” makes me smile because it sounds like Justin is right at home with R&B’s elite. Smooth, seductive and the song just feels good, right down to the cheesy speaking break – it all works. ”Be A Heartbreaker” has a Hip-Hop undertone to it, and the tempo of the album slows down just a bit to show yet another side of Guarini’s vocals. ”Sorry” is the closest that Justin ever gets to rock and by close, I mean a world away. The track does have a thumping drum and synthesizer back to it that calls for your attention – but it never takes away from the vocals.
”Inner Child” feels almost like the R&B that comes out of the U.K., it has a bit of a dance edge to it and if I heard it in a dance club – I wouldn’t be shocked, nor do I think it would clear the floor. For ballad lovers – there is no need to despair. There are plenty of tracks to be happy about. There is Justin’s remake of ”Unchained Melody” which is nothing short of beautiful as well as Idol hit Oleta Adam’s”Get Here”. ”Condition Of My Heart” is another excellent ballad that maybe isn’t the best written track, but it sounds great. ”Thinking Of You” is another well-done ballad that perhaps isn’t the best written material – but because Justin has such a great voice, you can look past it and enjoy the track.
Justin shows he’s got sex appeal on ”Doin’ Things (We’re Not Supposed To)”. The second time I heard this track, it dawned on me that at times Justin also reminds me of Joe, another R&B heavyweight. Not so much in sound, but perhaps the texture of his voice and his style. ”If You Wanna” sounds like a reject from Justin Timberlake’s album, and that’s okay – because Justin G. manages to make the busy production work for him.
Of course, this album ain’t an album without an appearance by another American Idol performer, in this instance - Kelly Clarkson for the perfect ”Timeless”. If Clarkson’s vocals had been as understated as they are here, her album would have been better – but as it stands, the two blend together effortlessly for a power ballad that pleases over and over.
- Final Thoughts -
In some ways, my musical conscious wants to make me feel guilty for loving this album, but I know better and I won’t allow that to happen. It’s already the middle of the year and the overwhelming majority of music that has been released as been less than stellar. There hasn’t been any album that I can say that I liked/loved every song on the album – and then Justin saved the day.
Sure, Guarini might have been on one of the most annoying shows in television history [even though, we all secretly watch it] but talent supercedes that. This is the best album I’ve ever heard all year, probably all year. Well-produced, well-arranged – everything about it falls perfectly in place and for that, he gets my nod and five stars.
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