Of course being an American Idol winner does involve some compromise. And for David Cook that compromise is his first single “Time Of My Life.” “Time Of My Life” was the winning song in the American Idol songwriting contest and would have been released as a single if it had been David Archuleta who won. Basically the song was not meant for David Cook, it was meant for the Idol winner, whoever that turned out to be.
The song itself is not great, but not all that bad either. It has been decent hit for Cook, debuting at #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, and is currently having a lot of success on the adult contemporary charts. Cook, who must sing the song every night of the Idol tour, has done enough with the song that it shows off his strong vocals. Nonetheless, it still does not quite fit in with the grunge/modern rock sound Cook is going for. So should the successful single go on his debut album or not?
It looks like it might not make the cut. Cook told EW.com that he is not resisting the song but his “goal is to make a cohesive record, and I don't want any song to stick out like a sore thumb. But in every meeting that I've had with 19 [Management] and RCA [Records], they've been very supportive of what I want to do with my record."
On the one hand a successful single can help drive album sales, but on the other hand a song that is not a representation of the artist’s style could compromise their image in the long run.
While it remains to be seen whether David Cook will become a bona fide rock star, he is giving it his best shot. With his massive Idol popularity, a few chart hits already under his belt, and the backing of a major producer like Rob Cavallo, the future looks pretty bright for Cook.
Article comments
1 - Steph
Yes he can! :)
2 - Jenna
Great article. Very well informed and I couldn't agree more with your final conclusion. Nothing is guaranteed in life, but David is giving it his all, and judging by his previous work (both his solo album and his band's) I can honestly say this is my most anticipated album release in years. David is very talented, and if he gets the right promotion and support, he could very well be a very successful musician for many years to come.
3 - Paige
IMO, David Cook will go on to become a brilliant rock musician, just as Carrie Underwood has proven to be a legitimate, brilliant country artist. I am of the opinion that TOML will not be on his record. I like what he has done with the song in his live performances, especially the acoustic version he did at the Walmart Shareholders meeting, but I think he's done all he's going to do with that one.
4 - Cookgirl
Isn't Daughtry AI's first rock star? I love DC, but he would be the second. Just sayin.
5 - Sherry
Yes, I did address Daughtry in the article - see below. Cook is the first winner to go the rock route. Being the winner is different, because ther is the possibility of less control and more ties to the show.
"Idol has produced one rock star in season five contestant Chris Daughtry, who finished in fourth place on the show. Daughtry's debut album has gone five times platinum and is still producing chart topping singles. Cook, however, will be the first winner to go the rocker route."
6 - Lynn
He will be the most successful! Absolutely. He is so talented. American Idol will never be the same without him and his talent. All who come after will never compare to him!
7 - LAURIE
This man is a true rock star. Seeing him perform live has convinced me of this. His talent far outreaches American Idol. His voice is amazing. But it is his heart and soul that takes this man to another level. He is headed for major Super Stardom. If anything, David Cook brings a new level of credibilty to American Idol. Now his song The Time of my Life is being played at the Olympics, the most prestigious athletic event there is. This is only the beginning for this great talent. He has managed to catch the ear and heart of multiple generations, not just his own. I can't wait for his album. I was never a fan of the show, but David Cook made me a fan of his voice for life!
8 - laureen
this man is a true blooded musician.. he sings from the heart.. i think he can make it.. with his determination and to his love of music he can make it.. david cook rocks!!!
9 - suze
We know David Cook has musical talent, compassion, and intelligence. I hope he keeps that level head and isn't swayed by fame. He has so much to offer the world. I would also like people to know the story behind the writer of Time of My Life, Reggie Hamm. He deserves to be mentioned more.
10 - James
Considering the quality of music David turned out on his own before Idol, I have no doubt that his album will be incredible with the kind of resources that are now available to him. He should have been a famous rock star years ago - I'm so happy that Idol gave him the platform (although it comes with baggage) to really make it big. He is a musician who has toiled away for years for a break like this.
11 - Den
David Cook, not Daughtry, is the first and only "rocker" to affect me...in a good way. I don't like rock, never have. But DC, I love! I cannot wait for the masterpiece he puts out this fall. Will it outsell Daughtry? I think so.
12 - Celia
I have never watched AI previously but this season I have watched it religiously because of David Cook. He will definitely be a successful rock star. I will definitely purchase his album this fall. I too think he will outsell Daughtry.
13 - ricky barnes
He is a better singer than his guitar work. He should just cocentrate on singing and hang up the guitar!
14 - terry
u can try mp 3 n u can fell how good ear the david cooks song