All I Ever Wanted

The idea of compiling songs for an album fascinates me. There are millions of songs to choose from out there. Thousands that could be sung by the artist doing the album. I love collecting every album from an artist and hearing them grow. American Idol contestants add extra pleasure due to their overly structured contracts. The first album is seldom the best. They really shine when they are allowed to find themselves. The executives at RCA make money from the debuts simply from the show's success. The artist within the singer doesn't come out until they are freed of their Idol chains. I've recently bought albums from two show alums, Kellie Pickler and Kelly Clarkson.
Pickler's first album was cute and fun. It played heavily on her country roots and less on true emotions. "Red High Heels", the first single, was co-written by Kellie and in my opinion the best representation of her as an artist. Although there is something to be said for "I Wonder", also written by Kellie. Such a personal song rarely makes such a splash on the charts. She recently released her follow up. The self titled record paints a more personal and whole picture. The album manages to have fun, but still be real. My personal favorites are "Going Out In Style" and "Rocks Instead of Rice".
Kelly Clarkson just released her fourth album. In true Idol fashion, Kelly was made to represent "Thankful". Kelly didn't make it. Execs did. They got their money. When "Breakaway" rolled around and Kelly showed off her writing talents true hits were made. What I love about Kelly Clarkson's music is that it is growing with her. She had a rough time in her life. She turned the angst into "My December". "All I Ever Wanted" just hit my CD player and it will not be leaving for sometime. It is the perfect mix of emotions within the same genre. I hate artists that sound rock on one song and country on the rest. The rock song always gets released and becomes a hit. When you buy the CD you are completely let down with the rest of the repertoire. "Headstrong"by Trapt comes to mind. The hit single completely unrepresentative of the album.
The best plan of action with American Idol contestants is to listen for the singles from the first album and save up for the entire second, third, etc. albums.

A&R is calling my name the more I think about the career world.