Spark of talent (Jordin Sparks)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	Jordin Sparks
Date:	22/06/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Voice, songs

Disadvantages: A couple of weaker links

**Introduction**

Former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks did not come to my attention seriously until she released her debut album, looking back at the sixth series I remember her but was not that impressed by the quality of many of the other performers so did not keep watching. I wasn't actually aware that she had won the sixth series of American Idol until she released her debut single.

**The Album**

This self titled debut album was recorded between June and October of 2007 and she released the album in November of the same year. Her album features a collaboration with Chris Brown and production from Stargate, Jonas Jeberg, Cutfather, Robbie Nevil, The Underdogs, Erik "Bluetooth" Griggs, Bloodshy & Avant, Espionage, Emanuel Kiriakou, Klas Ahlund and finally Stephen Lipson.

1.) Tattoo

This is a pretty good track to open the album with, It features a catchy drum beat and some gentle keyboard tones with the addition of the strings in the background. This track is summed up by these lyrics "just like a tattoo I'll always have you. You can understand her feelings.

2.) One Step at a Time

This beat sounds a little like Jennifer Hudson's massive hit If this isnt love. I like the way that this track flows as it's rather catchy and has a very natural flow which adds to the overall appeal of this track. This is about taking a relationship as slow as it needs to go so you get things right. Good stuff.

3.) No Air

I am not a fan of Chris Brown but I have to say he puts in the best performance of his career on this wonderful track about how you feel when someone you loved has left you. This was one of the best hits of 2008 and is one of the best tracks on the album for sure.

4.) Freeze

This track brings the album into a more uptempo feel with a catchy dance beat and some atmospheric sounds. This track showcases the natural quality of her voice. Once the track gets into full swing you start to hear the soft piano tones which add a nice touch alongside the catchy dance beat.

5.) Shy Boy

This is a funky track which has a dance feel to it, It opens with some great dance loops and then develops through the beat and some very interesting computer sounds. This track works rather well and is a pretty decent uptempo track with a good melody.

6.) Now You Tell Me

This is a beautiful piano led ballad which sounds a little like early Christina Aguilera mixed with a litte Pink rock chick. This is a very good track which shows the natural flow of Jordin Sparks' voice. This is One of the best tracks on the album.

7.) Next to you

This is a very good ballad which has a nice R&B beat which works well with the keyboard tones. Her voice is emotive yet understated. This track is about wanting to spend time with someone. This is one of the best showcases of her talent and is a pretty good track.

8.) Just for the Record

This is an interesting track which believe it or not opens like Guns and Roses. It then changes with the R&B beat. This is a very nice track which is about letting each other have their say in a relationship. This is a great indication of her vocal talent.

9.) Permanent Monday

This is one of the best tracks on the album and features a guitar intro which reminds me a little of Jeff Buckley. This was co-written with Walter Afanasieff who previously worked with the likes of Savage Garden and Mariah Carey amongst others. This is a slow rock ballad which works very well indeed.

10.) Young and in Love

This track was co-written by Cathy Dennis and has a recent Madonna sound to it in terms of the electro beat and the vocals are similar to Britney Spears on her latest. This is a decent uptempo track with some great electro hooks which give the track a very catchy feel.

11.) See My Side

This is a lovely ballad which opens with some gentle music box like sounds and these are accompanied by a very interesting hook that would be more at home on a drum and bass track but somehow it works superbly here. A very interesting track which takes on the same kind of feel as Justin Timberlake's My Love in the combination of Ballad like vocals and uptempo music.

12.) God Loves Ugly

A very strange title you may say and I would agree. This track opens with gentle guitar and soft keyboard tones. Sparks' voice comes in beautifully and this song is about having self confidence despite all the knocks you may get in your life. A very good ending to the album.

**Overall**

Jordin Sparks was the sixth American Idol winner and she has just released her second album. I have not heard it yet but on this evidence she certainly has a very promising career in music if she carries on producing quality like she has one some of these very promising tracks. If you liked the singles then give the album a go as there's more stuff to get your music buds going. This is A very solid debut from Jordin Sparks.

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