Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 06/23/2009
During his time on
American Idol,
Michael Johns' strongest performances always emphasized the bluesy side of his voice, culminating in a nuanced, slow-smoked cover of
Dolly Parton's
"It's All Wrong But It's All Right." Two years after his unexpected elimination,
Johns makes his post-
Idol debut with
Hold Back My Heart, a surprisingly strong album that finds him doing what he does best: soul, Southern rock, and contemporary blues. The album title is unfortunate, of course -- more appropriate for
David Archuleta's teenaged pop than
Johns' thirtysomething songcraft -- but that's the worst thing about
Hold Back My Heart, which sounds looser and less calculated than most albums by
American Idol's alumni. While none of
Johns' own songs can quite measure up to
"Heart on my Sleeve," a stand-out ballad composed by
John Shanks and
James Morrison, his own compositions are perfectly acceptable, showcasing his coarsely scrubbed baritone and preference for earthy melodies. Organ, horns, and background vocals enhance the vibe, but
Hold Back My Heart is essentially a showcase for
Johns' voice, which sounds better here than it ever did on television.
~Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide
;)
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