David Cook

David Cook was a favorite on American Idol as soon as he sang a version of Lionel Richie's "Hello" that was haunting instead of maudlin. He continued to bring surprising arrangements to light, even if borrowed, and showed himself to be a performer worth pinning some hopes on. Even his finale song was soaring and inspiring.

And now we have his first album. What a disappointment. Cook sounds like a dozen other current performers. He's lost his distinctiveness. The songs range from the forced to the monotonous, with only one or two rising to the level of listenable or interesting.

I'm willing to write this off to the pressures of hectic touring and recording, and the whirlwind this must represent. However, if he's going to become an artist worth watching, he has to do better than this collection of me-too production values on top of uninteresting songs with flat arrangements.

I own this album and really like it. Puts me more in the mood for a great day by the pool or summer road trip versus enjoying the snow today; however, it is a great first album and "true" to the David Cook everyone got to know on American Idol...there were no surprises...just good old fashion rock and roll. If you like Daughtry, Nickelback, etc. you would like this album.

He was my favorite from the beginning of Idol last season. So happy that his album is finally out. His voice sounds fabulous. He is a real professional and has fabulous technique. A real talent. I think he will find his sound even more as he is given the opportunity.

I can't seem to stop listening to this new album by David Cook. It is all that I had hoped for from this artist. There is not a bad song on the album. I have a new favorite musician to add to my personal list.

One note: One of the tracks is 15 minutes long. It contains two songs, one at the beginning and another at the end of the track. It took me a week to figure out how to configure itunes and my ipod so that I could easily listen to the hidden track "Kiss on the Neck". So if you get an album like this, it is not a "bad album", you just need to remove the dead space between the songs via your options menu.

I remember my initial reaction to David Cook on American Idol earlier this year and it was pretty lukewarm. Little by little I warmed to his style and personality and ended up solidly in this David's camp. Now that I have heard his first CD I know I chose wisely. He is still searching a little for his style but what he has given us here is real and mostly very good. I love the musicality of Bar-Ba-Sol, the lyrics and the beat stick in your head - and it is different, quite different. Lie is my next favorite-who has not found themselves in that situation at some time or another. Let me live my fantasy just a little longer so just look me in the eyes and lie, lie, lie!! Yes David, well said. And of course Permanent just breaks your heart and seriously shows off the full range of his beautiful voice.
I recommend it to everyone of all ages and musical preferences--I am sure you will find something you like, I know I did!

I find it pretty irritating, when the majority of people who have written reviews here, would give David Cook 5 stars if he burped into a microphone for 60 mins straight. This is by NO MEANS a 4.5 star album, as the current amazon rating system suggests. I love David Cook more than anyone else (and voted for him 100's of times), but let's be serious about this review, shall we?

I've waited a few weeks, waiting for the album to really absorb into me, before writing my views on it. I didn't want to jump the gun and write a review on the first day, like so many did, because that's just a first impression.

With that said, while this debut David Cook album wasn't a complete BUST, it's not very good. I'd give it 2.5 stars out of 5, but I'll give DC an extra half star, since amazon's voting system is faulty in that regard.

This album has a rushed feel to it. Seems like all of the songs were hurried together, and David isn't emotionally connected to any of them, for the most part. The only exceptions are "Life on the Moon", and "Permanent", which he definitely had a connection to. The other songs, he's just merely going through the motions. Basically, looking at a song sheet that someone else wrote, and singing Karaoke-style over music that he didn't come up with either. He was able to pull it off terrifically on Idol, but not on his debut album, sorry to say.

That's basically the theme of this entire CD... just no connection to any of the songs. I wanted to LOVE this album. This was honestly one of my most anticipated albums in several years (besides Guns N' Roses Chinese Democracy). Unfortunately, I feel like this album should have been delayed a number of additional months, so he could develop some kind of emotional bond with the songs.

Stand out songs on the album, like I said, are "Life on the Moon", which is truly a great song, "Bar-ba-sol", which is the only 'hard rock' song on the CD, and "Permanent", which is a gut-wrenching song, most likely written about his cancer-stricken brother.

"Light On", as we all know from being his first release, was actually a Chris Cornell throwaway. He didn't write it FOR or WITH David Cook. He tossed it, just like Christina Aguilera tossed "Breakaway" to Kelly Clarkson. Light On is a good song as well.

2.5 stars out of 5, in my opinion. David Cook can do SO MUCH better. It's a shame they released this album prematurely, before David could get a feel for the songs, and develop an emotional connection with them. I wouldn't recommend this album to anyone but a HARD CORE Cook fan. Don't believe the many 5-star reviews. This is one of the only legitimate reviews on here, as far as I see it.

David Cook's debut album is probably the best from all the winners of American Idol. As soon as I saw David Cook on Idol, he was my favorite and I am so glad he won! He and Kelly Clarkson are the only Idol winners that are the real deal. His voice on this album is stellar, I was worried his strong lungs would not translate well in a recording studio - boy was I ever wrong! David belts his rock/pop heart out on tracks like Declaration, Bar-ba-sol, A Daily AntheM, and Life on the Moon. My favorite tracks include Permanet, Avalanche, Come Back to Me, and the first single Light On written by Chris Cornell. Cook's songwriting isn't brilliant but the melodies and his voice make this album a standout. I highly recommend it!

I enjoyed David Cook's performances on Idol. I was looking forward to his debut CD. However, after hearing the full length previews, I'm sadly disappointed and have made a decision not to buy it.

He needs to stick with songs that compliment his voice, like Time of My Life, for example. That's where he shines.

A lot of the tracks are rather redundant. They sound too similar to each other.

I'm not impressed with his songwriting. It's too avant garde for my tastes.

I wish him good luck with his career.

I really wanted to love this album because I love his voice, but the album is a bit boring. 'Light On' is a great song and a couple others are pretty good but overall it's just ok. Hopefully the next album will grab me more.

David Cook's new album "Lights On" is the best CD I have heard in a long time. Every song is GREAT... SO GREAT... I can't pick my favorite song. Every song is meaningful and the lyrics are outstanding... I can't wait to see him in concert! GO DAVID GO!! I HOPE YOU DO WELL with this CD and others to come.

The typical Idol debut record is cranked out within 6 months of the end of the TV show to capitalize on the holidays and to mitigate the effects of the public's short-term memory and the impending next season of Idol.

As a result, the typical Idol debut record is fairly predictable (gotta keep the Idol stable of writers/producers busy!), safe (have to appeal to grammas and tweens who watch the shows) and engineered for maximum Top 40 single appeal (The Man gotta get paid!) Consumers get Another Idol Record - 2.5 Stars, good enough to tide over till next season's favorite, but nothing memorable.

This is not the typical Idol debut record, despite being subject to the same time and corporate strictures as previous Idol records. Firstly, David Cook was not handed a sheaf of prewritten songs to sing -- he has cowrites on 9 of the 12 tracks and a solo credit on the closing track. Secondly, the music is not the same old generic spun-sugar pop -- it's rock, it's big and epic, and omg there are actually a couple of sexy songs on there. Thirdly, the lyrics are heartfelt and intelligent, with some nice wordplay and music of their own going on with the sounds of the words.

The songs range from delicate piano/string ballad "Permanent", to 80s throwback powerballad "Light On", to high-energy bright "Declaration", but tying it all together is David's distinctive, strong voice and intuitive delivery. Credit should also go to producer Rob Cavallo for engineering a disc with a cohesive flow and identity.

The two critiques I have are that some songs suffer from overproduction (10 guitars is not always better than 2) and that a string of midtempo songs make the CD sag near the end. Apparently the label was insecure about preserving what they thought Idol viewers wanted. I think they should've just let David and Rob Cavallo loose. The fun hidden track "Kiss On The Neck" (12 minutes into track 12) and swagger-rock track "Bar-ba-sol" hint that there's harder stuff waiting in the wings, once we cut this silly Idol umbilical cord. Let's make a date for the sophomore album, yes?

As promised by Mr. Cook, this album has many surprises, twists and turns. Pure music to our ears!

i thought considering it was an american idol winner's album, it would be cheesy, like most other winners, but this one is very authentic and very david cook

I don't listen to records anymore. I hear a single. I like it. I buy it. I don't bother with the record because I never end up liking more than a couple songs. With David Cook. I can honestly say that I like almost every song. Especially the Easter Egg. My favorites keep changing and I even go back to a song I might not have been hot on at first and find something I like about it. The songs on this record are crying to be heard live, in an epic concert atmosphere. Stand out Tracks: Bar-ba-Sol, Lie, Mr. Sensitive, Declaration, Heroes, Kiss on The Neck, Avalanche, Permanent, Come Back To Me and the epic closing song A Daily Anthem.

Bought this for my 10 year old as he loved David Cook on America Idol.
He listens to it every night. Great for a David Cook fan.

It's no secret that debut albums from American Idol winners (and runners-up) are typically assembly-line productions that are 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, dealing with loss, and the inner-conflict that comes with sudden fame.

Cook has proven himself to be an extremely versatile vocalist, but the focus here seems to be on highlighting the arena-filling upper range of Cook's voice, which is so searing it 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. He also moves effortlessly into his lovely falsetto for 'Avalanche,' one of the more straightforward love ballads on the record.

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. Cook is a born performer who commands the stage and knows how to work both the camera and the crowd. Bar-ba-Sol plays to this strength - it is a song that demands to be heard live with a beer in hand.

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 ultimately 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. In addition to those mentioned above, I particularly like 'Lie,' 'Declaration,' 'Life on the Moon,''Light On' (co-written by Chris Cornell), and the rough and sexy easter-egg track 'Kiss on the Neck' which appears after several minutes of silence following the strong closer 'A Daily AntheM'.

Under the circumstances (written and recorded in just 10 weeks while in the midst of a 53-city tour), the album is an imperfect but nonetheless impressive debut from the clearly talented Cook. I look forward to seeing him continue to break the Idol mold and stretch even further on his next record.

So I decided to actually write a CD review of my new favorite record and put it out there into cyberspace. Unless, you have been hiding under a rock, you have heard the name David Cook. I am what you would call a die hard fan of his since his appearance on the show back in the spring. So I was very excited to hear his major label debut record. (His second overall because he release an indie record Analog Heart in 2006.) So here it goes.

This record overall is very eclectic. Ir has some power ballad, a gritty rock song and a piano ballad. I really think that this record has something that will peak many musical tastes. Personally, I would have liked a little more edge but I understand why he chose the songs he did. If I had to pick two favorite tracks, it would have to be "Bar ba sol" and "Permanent" These two songs are the two extremes from the record. "Bar ba sol" is a very heavy, gritty song which I love to blare in my car. Then we have "Permanent" which is a bare piano,strings and vocal ballad written about Cook's brother who is battling brain cancer. I cried when I first heard it and still get goosebumps when I hear it.

Now on the art of the power ballad. I am in my 20s but I have a great appreciate for great 80s power ballads. I think David has crafted some great mid=tempo power ballads. "Declaration" and "A Daily AntheM" are two of my favorites and I really think they will get some commercial airplay. Also, the single "Light On" is a great piece that was penned by Chris Cornell. It has alot of rock influences and is a great song that I think will stand up over time. It has not been performing that well on the Top 40 charts but I think people will remember it. Besides rocks stars sell albums not singles.

Some of the other critics out there have called his CD "predictable" or "Daughtry 2.0." I think they are way off. In my humble opinion, I think he is a breath of fresh air to hit pop/rock in a long time. He has a great set of pipes and is a great performer. I think his album is quintessentially him and can stand on its own. Chris Daughtry did help pave the way for him on Idol but musically they are different people. Interestingly, I looked back at some review of Daughtry's debut and some of the same things were said. Some called him "a Nickelback ripoff" or "generic". All I have to say is that David Cook is a great live performer and Nickelback is not. Part nof what makes a great rock artist is great live performances. So there you go. I give this record an A- and 4 stars.

I think this album is just great. Good lyrics, good sound, and good voice. It is just the way I would want David Cook's first album to sound like. Light On is written well by Chris Cornell. Lie is one of the best songs. I think it is so cool that he help write so many of the songs because that is not always the case with today's artists. Every song is great to my ears. I can not wait for more to come from Mr. Cook.

I cannot stop listening to his songs. I have it in my car and at work. It was the first CD I bought in a looong time. Thanks for a great album DC

I have been anxiously waiting for David Cook's new album to release and it did not disappoint. I love this album. Can't wait to see him live!

I discovered Analog Heart while David was on AI and I only hoped that this album would be just as good. I was pleasantly surprised and happy to find that this album was just as good. It's obvious that David had a large role in producing this album as it's totally his sound and style. I've always feared the overproduced garbage that 19E tends to push on it's AI winners but they didn't this time. Perhaps they saw how AH was doing so great on Amazon before it was yanked?

Anyway, I loved this whole album. The ballads are moving, rockers are rocking and the songs were well written and arranged (and performed!). Faves include Life on the Moon, Come Back to Me, Lie, Permanent & Declaration. The only song I didn't totally love was Barbasol - just because it seemed a little disjointed from the rest of the album. This song seemed more like something I would have expected to hear on an Axium album (his old band). I have 2 of the Axium albums but actually prefer Analog Heart. It's the AH sound I was hoping for and I was not disappointed! Looking forward to hearing many more albums from DC in the future!

This is a great album, let alone a gread DEBUT album. This is a cohesive record and shows the incredible talent and depth to Cook's abilities. Its kind of amazing to listen to and I heard it through the first time and the only criticism I could even come up with was the basic-ness of the track right after Light On, and it turns out that was one that Cook did not write for himself, so my cricism isn't even ABOUT Cook. I look forward to his next album WITHOUT the hum-drum songs written by other people. This guy has some serious talent and should have been left alone to make his own record the way he wanted to. I'm glad they let him have as much freedom as they did.

I must be honest that I might not be able to express myself as well as Lance, from the Midwest did. That review was beautifully written, and speaks for many of us, so thank you.

Cook, for lack of a better word..conquered me when I first saw him on Idol. His fierce intensity, infectious smile, warm spirit, and ferocious voice knocked me right off my feet. It was quite honestly, instant devastation.

I went right into investigation mode trying to find everything that this man had ever done. Finding Analog Heart, the amazing albums created with Axium, along with other songs not found on these albums..I became completed addicted to this man. (Also MWK, although, the solo endeavor and the work with Axium spoke to me much more)

I was amazed how this man and his enrapturing voice could both excite and move me. From heart pounding rock songs, to soft soulful ballads, it was as if there was a song for every mood.

David has delivered this feeling yet again. This album is amazing.
"Bar-Ba-Sol" takes me back to the feeling that I got when I heard "Thought You Knew", the live version from "Alive in Tulsa". A pulse racing, blood boiling effort that literally had me rolling down the windows of my car blaring it at maximum volume.

Then to "Mr. Sensitive" and "Lie", which had me quietly savoring each word. Each song had something that grabbed me in some way.

David does show his heart in this effort. Often in his lyrics, in several songs over the years he has spoken about wearing his "heart on his sleeve". We see his heart on his album as well. Powerful ballads that speak to us all, it's as if he has a song for every human emotion. Whether he is writing, co-writing, or singing someone else's words, in the end, it is HIS voice that will have to deliver the song.

I love this album. Some may say that the album is uneven, that some songs may not fit..I disagree. There is a song for every emotion. As people we have ups, downs, times when we feel strong, and when we feel weak. This album covers it all. It dips us into a full sink of emotion, and wrings us out at the same time.

I found myself in tears listening to "Permanent". While it's been 2 years since I lost my Mother to Cancer, it feels like yesterday. Being closer to her than anyone else in my life, and being the one who cared for her during the last few months, the pain is not felt just with the person who has the disease within their body. It is a fight shared by all those who love that person. And even if you are not in the room at one moment, your loved one should never feel alone..for you are always there with them. This song, without any childish exaggeration, is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. Perfectly crafted, piano, strings, and a passionate voice.

I find myself emotionally, and physically exhausted after listening to this album. I laughed, singing catchy lyrics, I closed my eyes, savoring, and quietly wept while listening.

This is only the beginning. We have only been given a taste of what David Cook is capable of. Rockstar..goofball..poet. Thank you for bringing music back to life for this chick. I can't wait to see what you do next.

David Cook's debut album is well worth the wait. For those who watched him on American Idol, this album is EXACTLY what you would expect. For the most part, David sticks to his strengths of rock ballads. "Lie", "I Did It For You" and "Permanent" are absolutely amazing rock ballads! If you liked David Cook on American Idol, this CD is a MUST HAVE!

High expectations for this release, and David did NOT disappoint! So much to choose from, twists and turns (just as David promised), somehow neatly packaged into this achingly beautiful, soulful and OMG-HOT rockin' cd! No fillers or skip-overs on this one.... every song is perfect in its own, unique way... and I can't wait to hear these LIVE!!!!!
No need to list the songs, as others have already done this. My list of 'favorites' grows longer each time I listen, so I won't try to list those either(:
***BE SURE NOT TO MISS the *hidden* track... I'm not sure if everyone is hearing that one, and you really won't want to miss this gem! It comes after A Daily AntheM, but doesn't start until the 12 minute mark of that track. (Since A Daily AntheM ends at around 4:26, there is some silence... don't advance to the next track!!) If the wait is too long, just use your search/ff to forward through to the 12 minute mark, and the treat waiting there is well worth the extra effort!! (Gulp! kissontheneck......fans self with David Cook cd booklet.... thud.)

Okay, I'm back(:

A big thanks to David, not only for pouring his heart and soul into this record, but for allowing us to be a little part of the crazy-amazing journey he's been on. Quite a ride... and the best is yet to come, I'm certain. Looking forward to it...

I watched American Idol each week and watched him grow as an artist and entertainer. He has a voice that can sing most anything. He is one of the greatest singer to come off of American Idol. He is right up there with Carrie and Kelly, and Clay. I believe we will see great thing from him in the future. I have his Finale CD and I love it. I am looking forward to his first complete CD.

American Idol Season Seven should have been named "A Tale of Two Davids", and whether you liked the cherubic, golden voiced Archuleta, or Cook, the more mature "aw-shucks" boy next door, it didn't really matter because they're both winners.

This song was written by Regie Hamm, who won this year's songwriting competition, but you get the feeling that even though the single went to Cook, that the syrupy ballad would be more suited to David the younger.

Cook is obviously a man who likes his rock songs and monster ballads, and if you watched the show you'll know what I'm talking about. His versions of "Billie Jean", "I'm Alive", "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "The Music of the Night" proved that he can adapt popular songs to his own special style and carry it off with panache. (Think Daughtry, minus the eye-liner, plus an appealing self-effacing nature)

Still, this is a good first single, in that it's extremely radio-friendly and at some point you're going to hear it on a radio station near you. Let's hope that his album includes some genre-bending material and that he gets an opportunity to rock out.

As the lyrics say, David Cook is having the time of his life, and Idol fans will be watching him every step of the way.

"And I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time
To be more than a name
Or a face in the crowd "





Amanda Richards, June 6, 2008

I will not waste time on the cheese factor, all coronation songs are. What is great about this one is David's voice pulls you up out of the lyrical syrup and actually makes it enjoyable. Then again, the man made me like a Mariah song. The devil is still in his parka over that one. If you have heard David's solo album and his work with Axium then you know what this man can do. I can't wait for his album. For the first time in AI history, I am going to buy a winners cd!

This man has a great gift. In my opinion probably the best American Idol ever. Love the guy, love the voice, love all his songs. This song is beautiful, cant get it out of my head and he sings it wonderfully. HAD TO HAVE IT. Good investment. Simply amazing. Look forward to follow up music from him.

His voice is simply incredible. It's got that rock sound but he can sing anything and make you want more. The song "Time Of My Life" isn't as bad as previous American Idol winner's songs but it is a little cheesy. We've all come to expect that though and David Cook sounds great even with an average song. I voted for him since the top 24 and knew all along he would win. Congrats man, you've earned it!

I didn't watch this season of American Idol until the finale. I WAS BLOWN AWAY by this young man's voice. I absolutely LOVE this song, and cannot wait for his first album to see how it is. With a voice like this, he has a promising future ahead of him!

I usually watch this with my wife and tell her who wins each week as she loves to keep up with it. I have never gotten my predictions right lol but when I started watching as it went into the top 12 I saw DC and I was like man I can listen to this guy. I am a guy and his version of some songs blew me away the way he made them his. I started voting for him and I have never voted for any idol. I kinda like Blake last year. But this guy was awesome. And this song is just awesome to listen to I know he will make alot better though.