CD Review: Do you have the Katharine McFever?

03/08/07 - What do Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee all have in common? They were all contestants on last year's season of American Idol. Corny, yes I know, but it is interesting to see how these singers have all made it in their own distinctive ways. Daughtry has made a name for himself with his new hit single, "It's Not Over." His rugged and scratchy voice has attracted many fans, and who can forget his dreamy looks? Who wouldn't fall in love?

As for Taylor Hicks, well you know, he's just the same old crazy guy with grey hair. We have not really heard anything spectacular from the show's winner, but America picked him, so there must be something great about the guy, right?

Now, Katharine McPhee has something to say for herself. With the release of her new self-titled album, McPhee is sure to see success on the horizon. The album features a fun, flirty and sophisticated vibe that really highlights McPhee's singing talent.

Her first single, "Over It," has yet to make the Top 50 on the Billboard charts, but hey, Kelly Clarkson started out rough, and look where she is at now.

"Over It," a semi-slow song with a little zing to it, is about a girl who no longer has feelings for a particular guy. The song really accentuates Katharine's signature range.

If you know anything about Katharine McPhee, you will know that her rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was one of her best vocals on American Idol. The tone of her voice that was heard in that song can easily be picked up in "Over It."

Other songs like "Open Toed Shoes," "Love Story," "Do What You Do" and "Not Your Girl" show off McPhee's fun and flirty side, which for many of her fans is quite refreshing.

Throughout American Idol, McPhee had a reputation of being the "good girl," so to be able to hear a more feisty sound really proves that McPhee is a versatile singer. Other singers simply stick to poppy songs or slow, relaxing songs.

Have no fear though. If you are into sappy love songs, Katharine has definitely not let you down.

Her sweet and sensitive side really shines through on "Better Off Alone." Although it is another song about being lonely to add to the list, this song may just be what gets Katharine's fame train rolling. Its smart sound and easy roll are nice reminders of what Katharine's fans on American Idol are used to hearing from her.

So maybe Katharine McPhee isn't going to be the next Christina or Britney for that matter (pre-bald head and K-Fed mess, that is), but she certainly has potential to really make it big.

With the help from her American Idol success, McPhee has been able to fulfill her dream of creating a record, and who knows? Maybe she will surprise us all and make it bigger than both Christina and Britney!