Album review: Allison Iraheta's 'Just Like You'

On the cover of her new album, Allison Iraheta's signature red mane has been emblazoned with purple and fuchsia. That spitfire spirit carries over into the most electrifying moments of "Just Like You," a batch of tuff-girl tunes for the torn-fishnets set, but too much of it sounds impermanent, like so much Manic Panic rinsing down the drain.

The collection, which comes on the heels of efforts from "American Idol" winner Kris Allen and glam panther Adam Lambert, is too derivative of the Pat Benatar, Pink, Kelly Clarkson trifecta; by the time the 17-year-old Iraheta, the youngest of the final four contestants on the last season of "Idol," blows her deliciously husky voice into these songs -- written by a veritable city counsel of pop scribes -- there's not much left to stamp as her own. After all, what new depths can be plumbed in a song titled "D Is for Dangerous"?

To her credit, Iraheta is ever-present, ever-willing on every song, including a dud from "Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi, but especially on "Robot Love" and the Max Martin-penned single "Friday I'll Be Over U." Both are playful romps into the teen psyche, where the calendar week is as long as it takes to mend a broken heart, and the biggest bombs are dropped in 150-character texts.

Part of the pleasure of watching "Idol" is to see how the TV entertainment juggernaut shapes performers and what they, in turn, do with that persona. Unfortunately, Iraheta doesn't emerge with enough of a singular identity.

It's a sure bet that by next Tuesday, she will have herself a new boy -- but her own scrappy individuality might be harder to come by.

-- Margaret Wappler

Allison Iraheta
"Just Like You"
19 Recordings/Jive Records
Two stars (Out of four)

Comments

[Mar]

I think this album is so much more than what I expected, coming from Jive and 19E. Allison still managed to hold on to her identity and her signature sound. This is Allison's voice, this is her. Taking into account how these albums are put together, in the middle of tour and in a period of three months, what Allison does is precisely that, make these songs completely her own by virtue of her "deliciously husky" voice.

[Alyssa]

She had no individuality? Really? I seriously did not get that from listening to her entire album. Personally, she brought to the table exactly what she brought on Idol (her ability to understand and feel mature songs, her vocal power, and her range). The songs scream Allison's personality. It's real..it's about things that happen in real life. Allison's all about that. The more "poppy" songs (Friday I'll Be Over U and Robot Love) show her young side..while the ballads (Scars and Trouble Is) really bring out her vocal power and range while showing her mature interpretation of the songs. She's being herself on the album..in a recent interview conducted by Lyndsey Parker..Allison even states she wanted to do a an album on "real" things that happen in life and things she's been through. It's who she is..not something she's trying to be.

[Don]

Seems like much struggling to find comparisons where none fit all that well. Allison's voice is unique and distinctive. As an album it's at least a B+ if not an A- which is quite an accomplishment in this short time period. Comparisons are unnecessary since you can listen to the album stream and know exactly what you will get when you purchase. The Kara, Greg, Pink track "No One Else" is no dud to others including me. The chorus rocks out a hook that won't let go and is mentioned as a favorite by some. Early favorites for me were the title track"Just Like You" and Don't waste the pretty". Scars is one that draws you in emotionally and anybody can identify with. Pieces soars again and will be in your brain when you are no where near a music player. Tonight Holiday is rocking my world and I'm happy to rock on from there with "Still Breathing". "Trouble is" is a tune that builds gathering color and dimension until she soars to some amazingly high notes in the chorus leaving you with a shiver up your spine. No One Else smoothly takes you backup up there and this is another one that returns to your mind over and over when there is no music player around outside of your brain. Beat Me UP rocks out some more and is about a tempestuous relationship. It's not about physical abuse at all. The Album finishes up with You Don't know me which is all about Prejudgment. What a great finish.

A sure sign of a strong album is when you have different reviewers choosing different songs as their favorites. What one reviewer doesn't care for another thinks is one of the best. The "Just Like You" CD I'm listening to this evening is packed with chart material and sounds better on my Audio system than the album stream that has been available over the past few days. I'm very happy with my purchase. As I listened to the full album stream over the past few days my favorite has varied only with my mood at the time.It ranges from pop to sold rock and over all it has a rock feel. Allison is displaying a vocal range you don't expect and every performance is solidly emotionally connected. After playing it a few times you notice that all of the songs have a hook that make you want to return for another play. Set aside your preconceptions, sit down, relax, crank it up and give it a spin. You will be glad you did.

[Ada King]

I loved the entire album! What a voice! What emotion for someone so young! My personal favorites are Still Breathing, " I need an aspirin after you ?" and Scars.
I honestly believe that there is a song on this album for everyone, and that is more than I can say for a lot of recording artists today. Well done Jive and Allison, you have certainly knocked this one out of the park!

[Jean-Pierre Pellissier]

I've listened to it a few times now on the cell phone at work. At the beginning, I did think the first single the only good thing to come of it. But as I gave it a few more tries, I realised this album not to bore in the long run, but grows and grows the more you give it a try.

The voice is unmistakable Allison, and that's what we remember of her from Idols. I did wonder which direction she would go for, because I got the impression from her song choices and vocalization on Idols that Allison would have fitted perfectly in the mid 80's with other rockers, especially female singers like Heart, Pat Benatar, etc.

I hope the record company is prepared to throw some weight behind Allison, because she will need the direction and guidance to become as great as Kelly Clarkson. Okay, yeah, Allison didn't win Idols whereas Kelly did, but to lose a voice like Allison's due to weak publicity would be a shame.

I give the album as mentioned a B+, leaving room for improvement in the future.

[smc]

She's nothing special..nothing new. She may have a decent voice, but she always reminds me of a gwen stefani/kelly clarkson wannabe. Her attitude for her age is just way overkill, and there isn't really anything unique about her. I dont think many 21 year old women like me will be making much effort to go get this cd.

[Lauren]

What does by "by next Tuesday, she will have herself a new boy" supposed to mean? Maybe it is too early for me :) I am thrilled for Allison on her debut album much like the other commenters. It is starting to feel like Kelly Clarkson and Pink are the only ones who are allowed to release pop/rock music. Just because she is a female singing this type of music and has a powerful voice like these two doesn't mean that she sounds exactly like them. I hear Allison in all of these tracks and I am thrilled for that. My favorite songs are "Don't Waste the Pretty," "Scars," and "Just Like You." I say great job to Allison on her debut album (especially as Mar said, in such a short time period).

[Mitch]

YOU FAIL!
This album is amazing!

[derek luck]

in three months... allison has made a great record. and for the sake of arguement. whats makes 'no one else' a horrible song?? i do think it's pretty damn awesome. and in my opinion, friday i'll be over you is the worst song on the album. AND it's not even bad.... so she's made a near perfect FIRST album, can't wait for the others. have to say beat me up, scars, AND you don't know me (which she co-wrote) are probably my favorite tracks on the album. hopefully she'll cowrite some more songs... because she did a great job with it!! congrats (:

[AEvangelista]

Margaret: Exactly what kind of "singular identity" did you have at age 17? Let me guess, you were screwed up and you smoked pot.

Identity doesn't come until later when you encounter something called real life. Until then, you're just supposed to have fun.

[fan]

I agree this album grows on you. I hate how some writers plagiarize what other popular mainstream magazines have written without either one having really listened to the cd or having a clear opened ear. Well I'm going to save this article but I'm going also show it to this retarded writer when Allison gets really famous. He's going to eat his words for not having any original thoughts of his own and just following a certain train. People will discover this album and make you eat your 2. By the way if this album is a 2 then Adam is a -4 and kris is a -1. This album really is that good. Go to lala.com and find out for yourself people!!

[jade leonard]

like it, its really awesome.

[Melissa]

I loved allison's album. I thought her voice was so mature for her age and cant wait for the next cd. I listened to Adam Lamberts and Kris Allen's cd online and felt Allison's cd was so much better and fun to listen to. Go Allison!!! I cant wait for her to come on tour. I rock in my car to work to Allisons cd and her songs make my morning so much better.

[Victoria]

Allison is amazing! This definitely deserves more that 2 stars. :) She has the best set of pipes out there.

[Spudikins]

What I love about Allison's album is that what she sings about is true. She sings about life. She has such a unique voice. It's amazing. If you haven't heard her album, you need to listen to it! You don't know what you're missing!

[Danny]

I personally am a huge fan of Allison's, and I think the album is fantastic! Not only are the songs themselves incredible, but also the way she sings them, with such emotion and feeling. She just comes across as being so genuine. Not to mention her unbelievable vocal ability and that undeniably awesome personality! She blew me away with "Just Like You," I definitely recommend it to anyone!

[tara]

allison ur music is soooo awsome every day for 6 hours i listen to ur music because u can never get tired of listening to the sames songs over and over again.i really wish i could meat u and tell u how awsome u r and i really hope one day i could meat u and tell u i want to be ur friend forever.i also am your #1 fan and i always will be forever.

[Lilalu]

Allison Iraheta did not have a HOT SALES, because the managers at 19 Recording and Jive Record Company are not helping Allison. Allison is only 17. She has the talent and the voice, the manager are not helping her, so she can get the right exposure.
My opinion is that Allison needs some stage training. Also when she is invited to have interviews, shows on TV etc. They should introduce her name and her album. "JUST LIKE YOU". Also, many stores are not selling Allison Album. Why?

[Maribel]

It is too bad. Allison Iraheta sales of her album are not hot. If only 19/Jive help her to be on TV, and call the Radios so they can play her songs, I am sure she will sell more albums
Every day I listen to the radios 100.7 FM and 93.3FM play Kris and Adam songs, but they never hear that they play Allison songs. I like Allison voice better than those two.
Is it because she is Latina? that they are not helping her as they do with the other two?

[Maribel]

It is too bad. Allison Iraheta sales of her album are not hot. If only 19/Jive help her so she can be on TV, and call the Radios so they can play her songs, I am sure she will sell more albums
Every day I listen to the radios 100.7 FM and 93.3FM play Kris and Adam songs, but I never hear that they play Allison songs. I like Allison voice better than those two. I am wondering if it is because she is Latina they she is not receiving the right help from her managers?