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Snap Judgment: Phil Stacey's "If You Didn't Love Me"

Jan 8, 2008, 01:47 PM | by Mandi Bierly

Categories: 'American Idol', Country Y'all!, Music, Snap Judgment

American Idol Season 6 contestant Phil Stacey sent his first single, "If You Didn't Love Me," to country radio yesterday—and thanks to the folks at Philnatics.com, who put the tribute video below on YouTube today, you can hear it right this very second.

The track, a driving ballad off Stacey's album (due in April), was co-written by Rascal Flatts' lead singer Gary LeVox, and it's obvious. The music has a slow build to a somewhat explosive chorus, while the vocals boast runs that you just know LeVox nailed on the demo. It's nothing new, but it's solid. As is Stacey's voice. I love good ol' country-boy bravado, but it's nice to hear a male artist power through a song on more than guts.

So take a listen, y'all, and tell us whether Stacey will match the success of his fellow AI alums and Lyric Street label-mates Bucky Covington and Josh Gracin. "If You Didn't Love Me" is produced by Wayne Kirkpatrick, who writes songs for Little Big Town. Whether or not Phil makes it—we've yet to see the official video, so we reserve official judgment—it's good to see him hooked up with people who can at least give him a fair shot.

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Excellent blog that represents the stars!
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Robin Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

WIshing You The best Of Luck Phil. Was at the Clay County Fair and you are our down home country boy. Can't wait for your new cd to come out. I loved the concert. Hope to see you back here real soon....Love Ya Phil....Robin

Rachael Tue, Apr 8, 2008 at 07:20 PM EST

i love it and phil stacey i was so sad when he went home last year! i'm glad he has an album now you know i'll be the first one to buy it!

talkin2patty Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 09:51 AM EST

Way to go Phil! I've been waiting for your music to hit the stores. God gave you a gift-now use it. You will have lots of adoring fans and some women think bald is sexy so forget the criticism. Gary: its nice to see you share your talent with the up-and-coming. We will be watching you!!

Brenda Lee Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

Hey all....
Great Great song , Love it ...... Keep up the good tunes phill....
We need more good singers like u ...
brenda Lee

Erin Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 09:14 AM EST

I'm so excited for this song! Really good lyrics and vocal performance. With the exception of Rascal Flatts, no other male in country is giving us this sound. The pop-runs aren't just showing off either, like so many RF songs it makes the song catchy and memorable. Love it! Phil's voice can carry this kind of song and others. I hope he continues to have good writing to sing.

Kirstyn Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 08:16 PM EST

I really liked the single. The video is on CMT.com now and it is great.

Fredda Sat, Mar 15, 2008 at 07:02 PM EST

good!!!!

Ann Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

Boring verses, slightly better chorus. Not blown away. Average singing.

Christine Mon, Mar 3, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

I think he sings awesome! I would buy his CD for sure. Great song, can totally see the Rascal Flatts involvement. Great Job Phil! Hope to see him hit it bigtime!

sam Thu, Feb 28, 2008 at 12:33 PM EST

Wow, great country song! I think Phil was the most underrated contestant of his season. He came out every week & knocked it outta the park, but he didn't fit the producers/judges "vision", so they bashed him. If the guy looked like Tim McGraw, he would have won - it's that simple. Phil's main drawback on Idol was his looks.

sam Thu, Feb 28, 2008 at 12:33 PM EST

Wow, great country song! I think Phil was the most underrated contestant of his season. He came out every week & knocked it outta the park, but he didn't fit the producers/judges "vision", so they bashed him. If the guy looked like Tim McGraw, he would have won - it's that simple. Phil's main drawback on Idol was his looks.

Willie Martin Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

Phil, Alan, Aaron and I are very proud of your acompolishments and wish you the very best for the future. Aaron told me that you should pursue your dream. He told me that he told you that when you were coming to our house while in high school. Good Luck Willie

BayouGirl Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

Phil has a beautiful voice and the soul behind the eyes goes with it. I'm glad that he's out there recording. You go, Phil!

suz Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:35 PM EST

Loved it and actually would buy the record. This is one of those songs that people (adults) will enjoy and sing along with. His voice was great and the power in his voice was wonderful.

Mirillie Thu, Feb 7, 2008 at 06:11 PM EST

I actually like it. I loved Phil on the show and I hope he can have a great career. He is a wonderful entertainer.

the vampire navy boy Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 07:23 PM EST

this guy is a turd, if you like this songs, then that does not surprise me,
because country music is frickin lame
and repetitive....this guy phil is a massive tool, what makes someone country anyways?...i guess no talent is a start....pathetic...

Ballzack Mon, Feb 4, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

This is a borrrrrrring song. Phil's got an OK voice and the posed photos make him look alright -- but he's lacking a certain star quality. He's like an erstwhile sweet goofy big brother you love but are always careful to be nice to because he's so sensitive. I dunno.

jlegend369 Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 01:04 AM EST

Bucky and Josh (blah!) have nothing on Phil Stacey. Phil's an amazing vocalist with a huge range and out of this world runs. Phil will make it big in the country and pop worlds!!!

cg Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

Beat the success of Gracin and Bucky? What success? Did you mean sucksess because all these guys have very marginal talent. Oh what you lemmings will accept!

Diva Has Spoken Mon, Jan 21, 2008 at 06:21 PM EST

HORRIBLE SONG! HORRIBLE SINGER! Phil Stacey blows chunks, and he looks like "Powder". Either Josh Gracin or Bucky Covington can blow the doors off of this clown. I can't believe they let the only singer from Season 6 who was LESS talented than Sanjaya get a record deal AT ALL. Meanwhile, half the divas from that same season who could actually sing haven't been signed! What a ripoff!

Rx Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

Of the three season 6 singles so far, Phil's is the best. That's not really saying much considering how truly bad the other two are. (Why Jordin didn't release the duet with Chris Brown as a single is beyond me.)But the song is pleasant enough and Phil's voice, as always, is gorgeous. He was the single most underrated performer last year and his is the only album I was looking forward to at season's-end.

Maritay Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:28 PM EST

Nice song, but I know Phil can do better. He has a fantastic sound to his voice, smooth and sexy! I can't wait for his new album in April. And with the backing he's got, he's sure to make it big!

Jayne Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

I like his music, I hope he makes it! We need easy listening singers.

Jayne Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

I like his music, I hope he makes it! We need easy listening singers.

Jon Mon, Jan 14, 2008 at 12:25 AM EST

its ok nothing that blows me a way. its too repetitive and would probably sound better as a Rascal Flatts track. Good luck to Phil though

justin Sun, Jan 13, 2008 at 02:55 AM EST

You know what would help him? i-squad.

justin Sun, Jan 13, 2008 at 02:53 AM EST

I'm actually hearing it right now for the first time at live365.com's Idol Waves station. Weird?

Lindsay Fri, Jan 11, 2008 at 07:58 PM EST

I can't wait for this album
i've wondered if he'd put one out
you can kinda tell Rascal Flatts singer Gary LeVox helped out. But i love it. I certainly will buy it
I enjoyed watching him on the concert tour in Duluth GA.
PHILNATIC 4 LIFE

JAmy Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 09:44 PM EST

Phil was my favorite from the boy's camp. Song a little repetitive. Also i think Phil can do better. I think he can make it more distinctive. He's got a (good) voice to make it happen.

Connie Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 06:30 PM EST

Phil was one of my favs on AI and I really like this song. I hope it does well. You go boy!

Connie Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 06:30 PM EST

Phil was one of my favs on AI and I really like this song. I hope it does well. You go boy!

Amanda Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 05:01 PM EST

I just love the song. My favorite band Rascal Flats helped with this album and boy does Phil sound wonderful. I always loved him last season. Great to see you are making it! I will purchase the CD.

Good job!

jenn Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 03:34 PM EST

this song is alright but its not phils fault, its the writers'. i dont even care though i am just so happy phil has a new song and i love it and i love him soooooo much and cant wait till april!!!!!!!

Carole Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

I like it and on the basis of this song I will purchase the album. Phil came off AI looking like the best man, personality wise, and he has a gorgeous smile.

Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

I think Phil is sexy, and the song, which he is clearly singing to his wife, is amazing! It sounds like Phil has a great career ahead of him. I predict he'll be the biggest seller of season 6

Karen Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

It's an alright song, but like others have said Phil's voice is just nice; not great and it isn't distinctive. I found myself getting a bit bored half way through the song.

Gwen Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

I like it, and I think Phil will do well. Can we just get a winner from Season 6, because it clearly wasn't Jordin or Blake!

ORKMommy Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

I found the beginning kinda boring and he sounded off key to me. Once the song built and he was able to actually use his great voice, the song definitely changed and I think it will be a hit!

jodeb Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

Too bad Rascal Flatts didn't sing this song. It's very repetitious, but at least the Rascals would have brought a distinctive sound to it.

Unfortunately, Stacey's voice is very mediocre. No comparison to Bucky Covington who has a true country sound complete with a rock growl. We won't even get into the looks department. Somebody nailed it already. Nosferatu still lives! Where is my stake?

Alison Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 09:16 AM EST

The song itself is nothing special, but AI alums have typically done well in the country music scene, so I think Phil will do just fine.

Cari Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 08:05 AM EST

I think he has a good shot with this one. Nice smooth country voice. Just needs to rev up his visual image a bit. Baggy clothes have got to go. I hope his video kicks butt!

jason Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 01:14 AM EST

i'll give it 6 out of 10

lilbluebird Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 12:42 AM EST

absolutely love it!!! Phantastic job Phil!!

Jackie Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 12:40 AM EST

Love it. I actually like the fact that he worked with Rascall Flatts. One of my all time favorite country bands. Im excited to hear Phils first single and look forward to April when his cd comes out. I know he will deliver great music for us all.

Jule Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 12:35 AM EST

i'm not a country music fan but i like his voice. good song.

Barbie Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 11:13 PM EST

We're proud of you, Phil! Your song is awesome!! We do love you!!!
Not to change the subject, but your rendition of the national anthem on YouTube is perfection! (Nov. game)

Danny Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 10:39 PM EST

Fantastic song!

Go Phil!

Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

This song sounds like a hit!!!

C. Sartain Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 09:37 PM EST

I really like this song and I especially appreciate the skill Phil Stacey brings to it. He's got a great voice and a fantastic range and sings with power and feeling!

Danielle Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 07:59 PM EST

It's non-offensive. I kind of like it, a little. And I do not like country! Unlike Jordin's "Tattoo" and Blake's "Break Anotha" it doesn't assault my ears. Phil can definitely sing and he's pop enough of a singer that non-country people can digest it without gagging.

Emilie Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 07:51 PM EST

this song is great! phil sounds amazing on it. his album will a hit for sure. i love phil so much!!!>3

about phil Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 07:22 PM EST

I'm surprise that he was signed even if by a small record label. I did not know there was such a high demand for country singers that look like Nosferatu. The fact that he looks like Nosferatu is the only reason i even remember him.

Vicki Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

I LOVE the song. Phil has a wonderful voice and I think this is the first of many hits for Phil Stacey!! I can hardly wait to hear more. Way to go Phil!!!

Patricia Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

Love Phil's new single. It's Awesome! Will definitely buy it.

Patricia Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

Love Phil's new single. It's Awesome! Will definitely buy it.

Stephanie Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

GREAT sound! I LOVE it! I will be standing in line to buy his CD in April!

Bev Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 06:27 PM EST

This song is GREAT!! When does my local radio station get it? I can't wait to start hearing this one!

Diane Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 06:13 PM EST

I think this song suits Phil's voice really well and the music is very catchy. I am looking forward to hearing more from Phil. Can't wait until his CD is in the stores.

PDub Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 06:08 PM EST

you just had to tell me RF's Gary Levox wrote this, didn't you? Now I hear it with Gary singing it!! And unfairly compare Phil to Gary (no comparison there...sorry Phil). That being said, it's a nice start for him and he has a nice crew around him to propel his career.

Dawn Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 05:34 PM EST

I absolutely LOVE it! I don't think there is anyone in country music that has this sound. He has the power notes of Flatts but with a mixture of smoothness and grit. LOVE IT! Can't wait to hear more.

bb Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 05:32 PM EST

Um, a little bit to much protools on that one, listen you can hear the his voice vocodering up to the notes, and yes it does sound way to Rascal (crappy) Flats for my taste. Rascal Flats used to sound good, now they sound redundant.

nancy2008 Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 05:15 PM EST

Hey! BUT it is NEW YEAR now, how to enjoy the wonderful day? you love to try something new? interracialsinlgeonline.com you will be surprised there...

Judith Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

Love it, love it! His voice blends so well with the music. He knew country is his genre, and you can tell it suits him. And I love the message, too.

Paul M Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 05:13 PM EST

Any woman who wants her man to truely appreciate her will love this song. Phil's pure voice and style makes this song a tribute his wife Kendra. I've heard this song on the radio and it sounds even better. Phil is off to a great start!

Janine Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 05:03 PM EST

Great song! He couldn't have made a better choice to start his country career. His voice carries the music. It's nice to listen to such a great voice. Way to go Phil!

charlotte Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 05:01 PM EST

Wow! It's great! Even better than I expected. I can't wait to see the video

tallisman Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 05:00 PM EST

I think it's great. I'd buy this. And I don't listen to country.

Jamie Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

Phil's voice is 100 times better than Bucky Covington's and look how well Bucky is doing. This song is excellent. It has just the right tempo and feel to it. Phil is going to go very far.

Liz Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

This song is very good for Phil's voice and I can see it doing very well on country radio. Country music is moving more towards this kind of pop-country music and I can't wait to hear more!

Corie Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

This is something I could get into. He has the makings of a star. Good Job Phil!

childlikefaith Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 04:40 PM EST

It is very catchy. I can definitely imagine it playing on the radio and look forward to seeing Phil at the top of th charts

Melissa Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

I absolutely love it. I can't wait to hear the whole album. I will be requesting it regularly on my local country station.

Aleecia Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 04:37 PM EST

I actually think this song is amazing. Phil's voice is perfect for it. And I can see it being sung to his wife. <3 He's gonna go far! And do big things!

Jenn Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 03:45 PM EST

It's ok. Typical Idol debut single. I love Phil so I'm hoping that he gets better material.

Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

yuck

Heather Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 02:43 PM EST

It's okay. I'm happy for him that he's got his shot.

Now I just want to know why Phil's got an album coming out and we have no Melinda CD!!!!!

Gillian Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

This song might've been better if it had been recorded by someone with a more distinctive voice, like Gary LeVox. Phil's voice is nice, but there's nothing about it that really grabs my attention. In terms of American Idol alums who have gone country, I prefer Josh Gracin. He sounds great on "Brass Bed" and I enjoyed seeing him in concert a while back.

Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 02:18 PM EST

definitely could see the rascal flatts in it. the very beginning is absolutely horrendous. he doesn't really bring any personality to the song. it gets better as it goes, but not by a whole lot. just kinda blah overall.

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