American Idol Season 5 Encores

Description

American Idol: Season 5 Encores features the top 12 finalists singing their best performances from this season. Rocker Chris Daughtry offers his take on Bon Jovi s "Wanted Dead or Alive." Kellie Pickler contributes her special version of Patsy Cline s "Walkin After Midnight." And, Taylor Hicks sings the classic Doobie Brothers hit "Takin It to the Streets."The rumors were true--as a showcase for raw vocal chops, American Idol has gotten better every season. The good news for buyers of American Idol Season 5 Encores, then, is that to a one, each of the dozen tracks collected here is easy on the ears: Kellie Pickler s Patsy Cline re-do, "Walkin After Midnight," clip-clops along with a pleasing North Carolina sweetness. Melissa McGhee proves she was voted off too early with the belt-a-holic opener "What About Love," and Kevin Covais makes a case for his inclusion on a future Disney soundtrack with the wistful "When I Fall in Love." If this disc launches thousands Web discussions, though--and it probably already has--it ll be for its final-fiver selections. Paris Bennett s "Midnight Train to Georgia" singlehandedly snaps preconceived notions about the show s talent caliber, even if you re not familiar with the spunky 17-year-old singing it. Chris Daughtry s "Wanted Dead or Alive" may not have a lot on Bon Jovi s version, but it showcases his rock-god pipes to maximum benefit. By far the best vocal arrives on track nine, though: Elliott Yamin s "Moody s Mood for Love" outshines everything around it. If Taylor Hicks fans are pleased with his straightforward, husky-voiced rendition of "Takin it to the Streets" here, chances are they re equally glad he was handed the crown. But for some, Elliott s track may be strong enough to incite cries for a first-ever AI recount. --Tammy La Gorce