Daughtry
Daughtry

Chris Daughtry is a talented American singer and guitarist who participated in the famous American talent show American Idol where aspiring singers, after tough selections, compete and are voted on by the public. In short, it's a show similar to Italian programs like Amici or X-Factor, with the difference being that in the latter, you find pseudo artists lacking personality, all alike, good-looking, with the same haircut and a slappable face and with a standard voice that's a mix between Ramazzotti and Baglioni, ready to sing boring neo-melodic songs. However, American Idol produces artists, even diverse in the genre they propose, of the caliber of Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood, and no one is afraid to pick up a guitar and play good, solid old rock. This is what Chris Daughtry has done, who, after showing everyone his qualities by doing well in the program, managed to form his own band, simply calling it "Daughtry." In 2006, the group's eponymous album was released and met with incredible success, selling millions of copies.

Pure rock, intense tracks alternating acoustic guitars with strong and gritty riffs, captivating melodies, sometimes dark, sometimes romantic and sweet atmospheres, all seasoned by Chris's charismatic voice: in summary, this is the first work by Daughtry.

The opening track, also the first single, is the wonderful "It's Not Over," a vigorous and at times melancholic track. It then transitions to the more immediate and melodic "Used To." The true gem, however, is the next song "Home," an emotional and romantic ballad. It's incredible how the structural simplicity of this song captivates and moves the listener. It then moves to the splendid "Over You," a classic rock radio track centered on a captivating and engaging melody; the chorus is one you'll never tire of listening to—it gets stuck in your head and you won't forget it. Things change with the next track "Crashed": heavy and slow guitars, an angry and depressed atmosphere in a piece reminiscent of Nickelback, where Chris showcases all his high note abilities; the final high note is spine-tingling. "Feels Like Tonight" is another relaxing pop-rock ballad, while the following "What I Want" catapults us into an electrifying atmosphere; the piece features the collaboration of the great Slash who, of course, delivers a fine solo in the second part of the song; incredible vocal power from Chris and flamboyant guitars: spectacle.

"Breakdown" is the unexpected track, slow and melodic at the beginning to prepare the listener for a tough and raw second part. Then comes the beautiful following "Gone," slow verses characterized by enveloping acoustic guitars contrasting with a pounding and powerful chorus. A stunning bass line opens "There And Back Again", the most driving and incendiary track on the album, characterized by sturdy riffs, a thunderous drum, and above all by a stunning performance from Chris that excels with high notes. "All These Lives" brings us back to an apparently classic and calm sound which is only a prelude to an uncontrollable and explosive heavy-grunge chorus. The closing is entrusted to the sweet, melodic, and emotional "What About Now."

A great debut for Daughtry, an intense work that never loses its tone; all the tracks could be potential singles. The lyrics are quite good, not the most original but full of emotion, with love and feelings in general being the dominant themes. A non-innovative post-grunge album where one transitions from moments of melodic acoustic pop to alternative rock and hard rock atmospheres. What is surprising is the fascinating vocal timbre of Chris Daughtry: warm, sumptuous, powerful, captivating voice. The singer has great technique but above all extraordinary expressiveness.

It's incredible how in Italy the true talent of those who have worked their way up is ignored, and who deserves at the edge of thirty to publish their debut work, while mediocre young bands like Tokio Hotel continue to get space and adoration.

I may be an idealist, but at least when it comes to music, I still believe in talent and not in trends.