It's been quite the year Phillip Phillips. The 22-year-old singer/songwriter claimed the American Idol crown this past May and this week he's releasing his debut record, The World from the Side of the Moon.
Shortly after coming off of the American Idol Live! Tour this past September, Phillips, along with his producer Gregg Wattenberg (Daughtry, Goo Goo Dolls), collaborated on a collection of music that captured a genuine snapshot of the talented singer/songwriter. From Phillips' signature raspy vocals to his intricate guitar playing and solid songwriting, The World from the Side of the Moon is a legitimate lead in towards long-term success for the Leesburg, Georgia native.
The title of the record is pulled from the first line of the opening track, "Man on the Moon." Written prior to Idol, the guitar work really sets the overall tone of the song that touches on the theme of staying true to yourself, which is something Phillips personified during his time on the show.
Following up "Man on the Moon" is Phillips' now-double platinum hit single, "Home." Initially recorded as his Idol coronation song, "Home" was also featured during this summer's London Olympics, and has kept Phillips' presence alive and well on the music charts.
"Gone Gone Gone" is a sweet love song about being there no matter what for your special someone. Being one of the three songs that Phillips didn't contribute writing credits to, it fits nicely within the track listing. Phillips' seemingly heartfelt delivery of the lyrics and the lively uplifting music arrangement is sure to make this track a fan favorite.
The tracks on the record that I found myself gravitating towards were the up-tempo "Get Up Get Down" and "Drive Me."
"Get Up Get Down" really took me by surprise. The song starts out with a mid-tempo melody, which builds into a more aggressive chorus that gets in your face with the addition of horns to the overall arrangement. The breakdown towards the end of the song will no doubt lend itself to an onstage jam when performed live. "Drive Me," which Phillips co-wrote with his brother-in-law Ben Neil, has a real nice groove to it and is going to make people want to dance. Vocally, Phillips utilizes his range, which enhances the overall tone of the track. Both songs show a lyrically confident and sexy side to Phillips, and shows off a bit of the singer's southern rock soul.
Article comments
1 - EBET BACON
WELL MOST OF THE CD BUYERS WERE THE VIEWERS FROM FROM THE SHOW ITSELF.