Snap judgment: Katharine McPhee's new music

lass Thu, Feb 15, 2007 at 06:12 AM EST

i recently got the album. love it so much... it's awsome!!!

Gloria Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 06:52 PM EST

I think the songs are ok..not a fan but I won't criticize her because she went out and tried to do something while you other people just put her and all the other idols down that YOU don't like...such ashame to do that to a person. these people have moved on past idol to their own style so whatever you perceived in your own mind is not them...lol even the worst singer in idol history has made a million dollars..

Deena Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 12:26 AM EST

um, the spice girls were awesome. :]

Erica Fri, Jan 26, 2007 at 03:36 PM EST

Well, I've heard the complete album on VH1 and I gotta say... this girl's gonna turn heads in the next weeks. GREAT BALLADS, cool up tempo tracks. And her voice sounds even better than before! I predict atleast a Grammy for Best New Artist. Excellent in my opinion.

amy Wed, Jan 24, 2007 at 10:12 AM EST

you all can go to vh1.com and listen to all her songs for free.
her opening songs are okay, with "over it" being the best--very catchy. But it is on her other sings, Ordinary World, Home, and Better Off Alone that she is absoulutely awesome!

This girl will make a career--be it music or acting or both. She will be successful. Whether you like her or not is irrelevant--enough people do!

Mary Cowell Fri, Jan 19, 2007 at 12:41 PM EST

She's very overrated. Not just in looks, but in talent. I don't think she can sing. She offers nothing to the industry and sounds like every other singer trying to be Whitney or Mariah or Celine or Christina and failing. Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Chris Daughtry are the only people who are talented enough for my attention.

Kat Fan Mon, Jan 8, 2007 at 08:58 AM EST

I'm so tired of all of the hate mail! Stay off the websites if you can't give constructive criticism. So many people are jealous of Kat and she has such a beautiful voice. Ilove Over It and her range is amazing. she can hit all the low notes and high ones too. I really like Open Toes. It's carefree and cute. Love Story is lively and haven't heard the others. She's paid her dues. Leave her alone if you don't like her and pick on Idols of lesser abilities (K.P. and T.H.).

jason Fri, Dec 29, 2006 at 01:44 PM EST

i like "love story" it reminds me of 1990 mariah carey, and that's a good thing. "each other", and "it's over" do sound the same, and "open toes" is just supposed to be silly and fun, so i'm on the fence. i think they wanted to do a more standard pop sound for kat but they knew it had NO chance of selling. unfortunately for soemone like kat it was sell-out or sell nothing. maybe down the line she'll make a name for herself, who knows. taylor stayed true to his sound and it's causing his sales to drop sharply. i'm glad he didn't sell out, but he's in big trouble slipping from 2 to 15 in only his second week, and that was Christmas week, we'll see what the future holds.

Where y'at,Dawlin'? Thu, Dec 28, 2006 at 07:31 PM EST

Could Ms. McPhee be a closet SAINTS fan????? That's clearly a "WHO DAT" dress.........GEAUX, Black & Gold!!!
Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints? Who Dat? Who Dat?

Kat Thu, Dec 28, 2006 at 02:38 PM EST

The songs are ho-hum. "Open Toes" is awful, "Over It" and "Each Other" are forgettable, and "Love Story" has a great beat but sports an oddly weak vocal from Kat.

I love all the retorts from her fans along the lines of "she's beautiful" and "she'll sell a million records." First of all, it's lovely that she's beautiful, but beauty isn't going to carry her to a long musical career. Think of the people with staying power, regardless of whether you're fans of them or not: Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Steven Tyler. None of these people are going to win any beauty contests. Sure, there are lots of beautiful singers out there with longevity, like Whitney Houston, but they're not coasting on beauty alone. You need the pipes to back it up, and Kat is no Whitney.

Second, I agree with the poster upthread who said that jus tbecause Kat is marketable or will sell the most doesn't mean she's the BEST. And personally, I can't respect a girl (or a guy) who doesn't care at all about the music and just wants to see her album at number one. I'll support someone's music, or their acting ability for that matter, but I won't support someone's naked desire for fame.

Jason Thu, Dec 28, 2006 at 09:22 AM EST

Fantasia's album fell into the 60s in its 2nd week. Next!

The IDOL people who seem to be carving out a career are Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Possible career artists are Jennifer Hudson (let's see if she goes beyonf DREAMGIRLS) and Chris Daughtry (his album is a hut on its own merits).

Nancy Walker Thu, Dec 28, 2006 at 01:43 AM EST

Elli: Do you really think Jennifer Lopez has such an awful voice? I did not say that to be vicious.

jay marie Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 11:21 PM EST

She is pretty and has a ok voice but nothing special. She sounds to me more of a Christina Aguilera wannabe. I remember on idol when they compared her to christina and after hearing it again took it back.

Michael Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 11:10 PM EST

Slezak, I love you buddy, but you're wrong on this one. First off, this girl should have won out over Hicks, hands down. And though I've only given the songs one listen through each, I'm already totally digging 'Love Story' and 'Open Toes'. These songs show there's no need to break China glasses with every note, as her voice is just as strong when singing normal notes.

And finally, 'Open Toes' a rip-off of 'Red High Heels'???! You've got to be KIDDING me. 'Red High Heels' is possibly the worst song I've heard all year, no exaggeration. 'Open Toes' is funny, fun, and has a great beat.

P.S. On a completely unrelated note, I am just as big a nut as you are Slezak about Idol...can you believe Season 6 is almost here?? AAAgh!

bootsycolumbia Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 10:47 PM EST

Geez, who wrote these songs?? They're horrible! Poor Katherine. I liked her on Idol--not at first, but I thought she improved weekly. It's too bad she got stuck with such sub-par material. Hopefully her next album will be better, but I'm not holding very high hopes for this one.

Taymate Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 10:00 PM EST

Katharine is a gorgeous woman with loads of talent. These songs are great but she's still too good for them. I can definitely see her having a long term success, unlike the winner, what's his face?

Daughtry Doll Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 09:51 PM EST

Thanks for the tidbit about Chris, John!

Jimmy Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 09:14 PM EST

Slezak, you were wrong about Carrie and you will be wrong about Katharine. Her music represents the "in thing" and will sell big. Unlike, for example, Taylor Hicks, who is already fading fast.

bb Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 08:27 PM EST

These kids cannot possibly live up to the over-hyped images perpetrated by American Idol and the media. Every utterance that escapes their lips is examined, dissected, parsed and conjugated for the slightest hint of dissonance. Their looks and physiques are critiqued beyond all reason and they are lambasted for the tiniest imperfection. Let the blogger who has never sung an off-key note or had a bad hair day cast the first comment.

Ellipsian Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 07:28 PM EST

Alright, Mrs. McPhee--er, I mean, Corran, we get that you like you daughter--er, Katharine. To be fair, Jillness never said Katharine "only" wanted to be an actress; you "stuff"ed those words into her mouth.

Corran Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 06:58 PM EST

I'm a Kat fan, and Kat doesn't ONLY want to be an actress. Please don't stuff words into her mouth about her career path.

Jillness Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 06:40 PM EST

"Most Marketable" doesn't always mean that it is the best. It just means that it fits into a package nicely.

I would rather listen to "odd" music like "TV on the Radio" anyday. Don't just eat what if spoon fed to you, people! Kat wants to be an actress anyway...let her, so she can stop making boring fluff.

Corran Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 06:03 PM EST

Damn, the people I rooted for this season are either doing great (Chris) or going to do fantastic (Kat). YAH! I always said Chris and Kat were most marketable.

John Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 04:59 PM EST

The songs sound like hits to me. If she does her round of talks shows, puts out a kick ass video, she will sell, and a LOT.

Did you guys hear? Chris, on his fifth week, outsold Taylor on his second week. OUCH!

Corran Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 04:00 PM EST

I thought that was considerate. She could have come out during the show and gained sympathy votes, but she didn't let it interfere with her idol run.

Stephanie Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 03:56 PM EST

I don't, that is correct, but what I meant was that the way she presented herself. Immediately after Taylor Hicks won, she came out about her eating disorder. Was that her idea or her publicists? So she was a bit heavy, big deal. She looked perfectly fine.

Corran Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 03:14 PM EST

You don't even know her. How can u automatically judge she has a bad attitude?

Joe Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 02:28 PM EST

anybody else think each other sounds like mariah carey's we belong together?

Stephanie Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 02:19 PM EST

You know, when I first heard her I thought that she sounded like Linda Rondstat. I am going to correct myself. She has Rondstat's attitute problem not her voice. She is a carbon cut out pop music copy, nothing compared to Joss Stone, etc.

Ellipsian Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 01:56 PM EST

Okay Nancy Walker, I'm no McPhan either, but comparing her voice to Jennifer Lopez?! Now that's vicious. Girl (no, the other one we're talking about. The one that's NOT J. Lo) can sing, but clearly these new songs don't do a good job of showcasing her voice. (Sorry, I can't be bothered to listen. Hey--I already TOLD you I wasn't a McPhan!)

Sandy Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 01:32 PM EST

She sounds like so many others. There is nothing special about the Kat. And she looks like she is posing for a nudey magazine.

Corran Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 01:18 PM EST

This is ridiculous. Slezak always makes negative blogs about Kat and in you face I LOVE FANTASIA blogs to force us onto her. I like Tasia too, but the girl can't sell records Slezak; get it thru ur head. No amount of bashing Carrie and Kat and praising Fantasia will ever change that! Slezak is right, he was completely biased and hates Kat's guts. An unbiased reviewer should be writing these blogs, not a person who has detested Kat. Remember, Slezak was the one who wrote up Carrie as most overrated Idol singer ever. And look at how successful she has become.

tinawina Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 11:48 AM EST

Oh for the love of all that is holy, will the fan wars ever stop! LOL! How did Taylor vs Chris find its way into a message board about Katherine McPhee! Get it together, people! Geesh.

Anyway, I have to side with Slezak on this one. Kat is Way, WAY better than this material. I am so disapointed. Which doesn't mean she won't sell, of course. It sounds enough like what's already out that if she just films a good video, she should have a decent hit on her hands. She's so pretty that her image alone will move a few copies. Sigh. Marketers:1, Music:0

Vanessa Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 10:28 AM EST

She is beautiful so she has it made. I also like the fact that she has a normal womanly figure and isn't a stick figure.

Ron Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 10:28 AM EST

Another flavor of the month pretty girl with a so-so singing voice. Booooring!

Lene Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 10:24 AM EST

That's the lightest bit of fluff I've heard in a long time - and not in a good way.

And why does every picture on her page look like she's... um... well. There's a difference between sexy and posing for a men's magazine. Lingerie? The boots? The bumblebee pose? C'mon! Where did her class (and her voice) go?

I got the Taylor Hicks album and it's aiight. Why must the Idol machine strip its winners of any shred of personality and oomph?

kM Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 10:17 AM EST

I never liked her from the beginning and this cd will be forgotten soon enough just like her - she really is forgettable

JJ Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 04:17 AM EST

For me, the best track is "Love Story." Very danceable, catchy, fun. I like its urgency. "Each Other" isn't my personal taste, but it will be a hit.
"Open Toes" stinks (no pun intended). McPhee's lower register disappears on "Over It."

Kim Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 02:33 AM EST

Taylor Hicks sales are going to drop so fast it's not even funny. where the heck is the guy? has anyone even seen him or heard from him recently? by tomorrow we'll know that Daughtry hit platinum. poor Taylor

rbk Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 02:16 AM EST

love her, like the songs — nothing I'd be averse to having on my ipod during a subway ride or in the background while I write a paper. and as depressing as it may sound, that's all I really look for in pop music. definitely looking forward to hearing the more ballady stuff when the album comes out.

p.s. I'm suprised no one has yet compared these songs to anything taylor hicks has put out...I haven't heard any of his stuff, so I can't say. but I'd bet that I wouldn't want his voice coming out of my earbuds.

Kim Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 02:03 AM EST

omg the lyrics for Open Toes are hilarious!! I cant stop laughing. I gotta admit though the beat is hot.

Laura Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 01:34 AM EST

'Dangerous' and 'I Lost You' are incredible, but where the hell are they? This is ridiculous. What the **** is going on?
You guys should really listen to these two songs, they are much, MUCH better than the 4 songs she has on her myspace.

John Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 01:27 AM EST

I've seen her recent photos at events and only have one question: Where have the McTaTas gone? Where's the killer bod? Her legs her wonderful, but please, we want the mctatas back. Someone give her a sandwich.

Ed Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 01:04 AM EST

Never was a McPhee fan, didn't understand the appeal. This albums going to suck!

Melissa Wed, Dec 27, 2006 at 01:00 AM EST

Okay, I listened to all the songs. And while I'm not suprised, I'm definitely not impressed. It's clear that she didn't write much of the material because the songs mostly, don't sound like her. "Open Toes" just sounds like Christina Aguilera rip off. The lyrics are awful but Xtina probably could've pulled the song off just on the strength of her vocals, which Kat does not have. "Love Story" has too much R&B vibe for her bland voice. That's like, Beyonce territory. "Over It" it's kind of cute but, again, sounds like it came from Kelly Clarkson's reject pile. "Each Other" probably was the closest to fitting her vocal style and persona and probably will be a hit. Her voice is decent and she's a beautiful girl-so she's already starting off with more than half of the bimbos holding down spots on the Billboard 100 as we speak. She just needs to take control of her career and find her authentic voice. No pun intended.

ericalina Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 10:44 PM EST

you're kidding, right? there isn't really a song that has lyrics about shoes click-clacking right? because that's sort of awful.

Christina Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 09:33 PM EST

Open Toes is crap, right up there with the crap Gwen Stefani and Fergie release. However, I like the other songs. Does Kat's voice sound generic, yes, but I think they took the "we want our songs to actually be heard route" instead of loading an album full of ballads. Of the songs I really like "Love Story" and "Each Other." I'm kind of indifferent on "Over It."

Krystal Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 09:05 PM EST

Bravo, Jake. I agree with everything you said.

Jake Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 08:55 PM EST

I like "Love Story" and "Each Other". "Open Toes" is cheezy and is intended to be...that doesn't mean I love it, but it is what it is. "Over It" is probably my least favorite of the four. I agree that the four tracks (except for possibly "Open Toes") don't really show off what Katharine is able to do vocally. I know for a fact though that there will be ballads. She worked with The Underdogs (Beyonce's "Listen") and Babyface, so I expect a lot from them. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly disappointed with these songs, but I'm waiting to judge them in context with the rest of the album. I for one find it refreshing that she doesn't have to power-note her way through the entire album.

Listen to her rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful" if you're looking for a strong vocal from her:
http://katharinemcphee.com/xmas_song/index.html

jane Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 08:35 PM EST

When I posted look out Carrie and Jennifer H, that was a joke. Kat is a joke. Get it.

Adrian Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 08:13 PM EST

These songs are sure hits. They are catchy and upbeat and she may surprise a lot of people, in a good way, with the new sound she is going for. I love them.

Den Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 07:56 PM EST

It's a shame when someone who had a blank slate and the chance for greatness delivers something so disappointing. She's a very nice, pretty girl but there's no flare or edge to her image or sound. This is a waste of time.

Mindy Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 07:22 PM EST

Jane you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but Carrie and Jennifer have nothing to worry about as far as the vocals go, and Carrie is a beautiful girl. Jennifer Hudson is a big girl that knows how to carry her weight, and she has beautiful skin tone. She has nothing to worry about either. Hope she wins as many awards as possible too.

Mitchell Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 07:22 PM EST

Katharine is a beautiful girl with enormous talent. It would be a waste to see her disappear because of these terrible songs. I would be pissed off, along with every other straight men, if that should happen. Come on Kat, you can do better than that. Open Toes? Give me a fricking break! The album cover is sexy though. I'll still buy your album, in hopes of hearing better songs.

Traci Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 07:16 PM EST

Love Story & Over It are my favorites. I think Katharine's album is going to be awesome.

Jeff Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 07:09 PM EST

I was a huge fan of McPhee on Idol, but these songs don't do a thing for me. I liked her for her ballad singing, jazz-infused reworkings of songs, but these RnB-tinged songs sound like anything else you'd hear on the radio. Blah!

Steve Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 07:08 PM EST

These songs are pretty decent. Each Other is probably the best. But if this is best she has to offer, I'm sorry but her career will not catapult as so many people suspect.

Nancy Walker Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 07:01 PM EST

She has a decent voice, nothing special. She reminds me of Jennifer Lopez. She is a beautiful girl and did not need to cheapen herself by the trashy pose.

Lynn Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 07:00 PM EST

She sounds fantastic. I can't wait to pick up her album.

ChrisBrown Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:48 PM EST

Lift up that skirt honey, reveal the goods. DAMN you fine!

celeste Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:47 PM EST

so not much vocal on the 4 tracks on her myspace, who's to say their won't be any ballad-esque ones on her album? I quite like Love Story and Eachother(Ihope those ar ethe only one of the 4 that make the album). the other two not so much. Open Toes does give me a good laugh though. oh and she looks hott on the cover.

It's not over Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:44 PM EST

Katharine McPhee is HOT! The songs are OK. But she's still.... HOT! And that's all that matters right? HOT! I would still buy her CD... HOT!

chocho Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:33 PM EST

I see Kat's bitter haters have hit this one early. Way to follow her closer than her fans do guys.

Lets reserve judgement until we have heard the entire album.

yawn Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:32 PM EST

Ho Hum.

jane Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:30 PM EST

Sounds like a thousand other girls. And she gets props for hiding her crotch with her dress. WOW. A true American Idol. Carrie and Jennifer Hudson - look out.

Jazz Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:25 PM EST

And a note to Dave....Love Story uses all live instruments.

Jazz Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:24 PM EST

I agree with the assessment of Over It. It doesn't featire Kat's voice at all...too over-produced.

But I DO think she does show her voice on Open Toes. She has a very rich tone in that song.

Ooooh...and I love Each Other and Love Story. Love Story would have to be my favorite of the four. Perhaps not upon first listen, but a few more times and it really becomes infectious. I dig it.

Dave Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 06:21 PM EST

The music on all the songs just sound like some preprogrammed tracks that you have on a 40 dollar keyboard. Then when her vocals kick in, you're like "Who is this?" Her lyrics are barely audible and when you can make out the words you kinda wish you hadn't. Plus, what is up with that pic?? Whatever, I want to give her another chance, but she will have to deliver some songs where she actually sings and has some real instruments being played.

beb Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 05:58 PM EST

I'm with Slezak on this one...the songs are just plain hokey ("Open Toes" is awful) and her voice is completely forgettable.

Lora Tue, Dec 26, 2006 at 05:56 PM EST

Sounds like something from a former Spice Girl...