Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 07/15/2008
Few
American Idol contestants have ever seemed to come straight from central casting as much as
Ace Young, that long-haired, non-threatening hunk blessed with the good looks of one of
Samantha Jones' interchangeable boyfriends on
Sex & the City, and a name to match.
Young tries a little bit of
everything on his eponymous debut, all the better to fit on some radio format somewhere. Most of the time, he rides a
Michael Jackson-inspired groove borrowed from
Justin Timberlake -- the
JT of
Justified, not the cold robotic loverman of
FutureSex/LoveSounds -- a sound that does have its appeal, particularly as the disco-fied rhythms are immaculate and warm. When he's not in this mode,
Young switches over to arena-filling, radio-devouring power ballads that prove he does indeed bear some responsibility for
DAUGHTRY's success (he helped pen
DAUGHTRY's hit
"It's Not Over"). Both sides of the coin are well-crafted sonically and structurally -- and they're both tied together by a slight '80s obsession, as both the dance tunes and power ballads feel indebted to the heyday of
Michael Jackson,
George Michael, and
Bon Jovi -- and although
Young's blandly handsome voice is lacking personality, he does succeed in being slick and sweet.
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Average Review:

  Number of reviews: 4
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Fran
from Dallas, TX
Definitely worth the wait!
Ace Young fans have been waiting a long time for this CD, and he did not disappoint. From the funkiness of Fast Life and Young Money, to the tenderness of You Redeem Me and How You Gonna Spend Your Life, this CD offers something for everyone. Ace poured his heart and soul into this project, and it shows. I cannot recommend this CD enough buy it, I promise you wont be sorry!
Candace
from Warner Robins, GA
ACE is amazing in his music
the CD starts of with the first single Addicted...from the haunting strings to the driving beat... it is an amazing moving song.. And the Party starts from there...WOW!!! the mix of songs and words. The moving The Letter to what has to be autobiographical Hard Hand to Hold. And what can you say about Dianne Warren's You Redeem Me. The Vill on Fast Life was an inspirational shining moment. and the funk of Young Money is awesome. the sung words of How You Gonna Spend Your Life are haunting and beautifully presented. The Girl That Got Away makes you want to be that the girl that stayed.. the horns in Dirty Mind no words do it justice and the The Gift...the dance floor vive is amazing...well worth the long wait and I am now patiently waiting for the tour so I can hear them live...Thank You Ace...Job well done...
Tinydolly/youngville.com
from Las Vegas, NV
Emotional Journey!
I love music that speaks to me and makes me think and feel when I listen to it. This CD has something for everyone. There is atleast one song that you can relate to. It takes you through many different emotions and I love the stories that go with each song. I love the powerful ballads, the funky dance songs, and some with a rock edge. Ace put his heart and soul into this CD and it shows.... A PERFECT mix!!!