Jump to content

Kris Allen (album): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Alliebk (talk | contribs)
No edit summary
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Added date. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Spinixster | Category:2009 debut albums | #UCB_Category 141/534
 
(50 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 8: Line 8:
| recorded = 2009
| recorded = 2009
| venue =
| venue =
| studio =
| studio =
* Phantom Studios (Westlake Village, California)
* Cookie Jar Recording (Studio City, California)
* [[Sunset Sound]] and [[Conway Studios]] (Hollywood, California)
* [[NRG Studios]] and [[Larrabee Sound Studios]] (North Hollywood, California)
* Harmony Studios, Swing House Studios, DeathStar Studios and Chalice Recording Studios (Los Angeles, California)
* Glenwood Place Studios (Burbank, California)
* Strawberrybee Studios, Legacy Recording Studios and Germano Studios (New York City, New York)
* Mix One Studios (Boston, Massachusetts)
* MixStar Studios (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
* Modern Dirt Laboratories and [[Olympic Studios]] (London, UK)
* Studio Elevator Nobody (Göteborg, Sweden)
| genre = {{hlist|[[Pop rock]]|[[alternative rock]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Pop rock]]|[[alternative rock]]}}
| length = 48:05
| length = 48:05
| label = {{hlist|[[Jive Records|Jive]]|[[19 Recordings|19]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Jive Records|Jive]]|[[19 Recordings|19]]}}
| producer = {{hlist|Andrew Frampton|[[Steve Kipner]]|[[Greg Kurstin]]|[[Mike Elizondo]]|[[Toby Gad]]|[[Eg White]]|Mike Flynn|[[Warren Huart]]|Tobias Karlsson|[[Joe King (guitarist)|Joe King]]|[[Salaam Remi]]}}
| producer = {{hlist|Andrew Frampton|[[Steve Kipner]]|[[Greg Kurstin]]|[[Mike Elizondo]]|[[Toby Gad]]|[[Eg White]]|Mike Flynn|[[Warren Huart]]|[[Tobias Karlsson (songwriter)|Tobias Karlsson]]|[[Joe King (guitarist)|Joe King]]|[[Salaam Remi]]}}
| prev_title = Brand New Shoes
| prev_title = Brand New Shoes
| prev_year = 2007
| prev_year = 2007
Line 28: Line 39:
}}
}}
}}
}}
{{Album ratings
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |title=Review: ''Kris Allen'' |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1671565/review|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |accessdate=22 November 2009}}</ref>
|rev2 = [[Entertainment Weekly]]
|rev2score = (B-)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20319051,00.html|title=Kris Allen|publisher=}}</ref>
|rev3 = [[Salt Lake Tribune]]
|rev3score = (D)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13850593?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com|title=Salt Lake Tribune review|publisher=|access-date=2009-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604212340/http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13850593?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com|archive-date=2011-06-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev4 = ''[[Slant Magazine]]''
|rev4score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="slantmagazine">{{cite web|first=Jonathan|last=Keefe|title=Kris Allen: ''Kris Allen''|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1933|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|accessdate=November 22, 2009|publisher=Slant Magazine|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125055256/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1933|archivedate=November 25, 2009}}</ref>
|rev5 = [[Sputnik Music]]
|rev5score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=33542|title=Review: Kris Allen - Kris Allen - Sputnikmusic|website=www.sputnikmusic.com}}</ref>
}}<!-- Automatically generated by DASHBot-->


'''''Kris Allen''''' is the major-label album debut (second overall) from ''[[American Idol]]'' [[American Idol (season 8)|eighth season]] winner [[Kris Allen]]. The album was released on November 17, 2009, through [[Jive Records]].
'''''Kris Allen''''' is the second album from ''[[American Idol]]'' [[American Idol season 8|eighth season]] winner [[Kris Allen]]. The album was released on November 17, 2009, through [[Jive Records]].


==Background==
==Album information==
Allen has writing credits on nine of the twelve tracks on the album, including one solo credit for "Red Guitar", a song that he wrote prior to participating in American Idol. "Is It Over" was written by Allen with Cale Mills, who is an Arkansas friend of the ''Idol'' champ.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=17734|title=Is It Over by Kris Allen Songfacts|website=www.songfacts.com}}</ref> According to a preview of the album,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/279432/preview-alert-reality-rocks-kris-allen-listening-session/| title=Preview Alert: Reality Rocks Kris Allen Listening Session| publisher=music.yahoo.com}}</ref> the tracks are {{Cquote|...big, widescreen adult-alt-pop records reminiscent of VH1 house bands like [[Carolina Liar]], [[Maroon 5]], or [[Augustana (band)|Augustana]], all full of huge hooky choruses ridiculously readymade for radio. The album is positively teeming with potential hits, and the folks at 19 will have a tough job selecting a follow-up single for the already-released '[[Live Like We're Dying]]'.}}
Allen has writing credits on nine of the twelve tracks on the album, including one solo credit for "Red Guitar", a song that he wrote prior to participating in ''[[American Idol]]''. "Is It Over" was written by Allen with Cale Mills, who is an Arkansas friend of the ''Idol'' champ.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=17734|title=Is It Over by Kris Allen Songfacts|website=www.songfacts.com}}</ref> According to a preview of the album,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/279432/preview-alert-reality-rocks-kris-allen-listening-session/| title=Preview Alert: Reality Rocks Kris Allen Listening Session| publisher=music.yahoo.com}}</ref> the tracks are: {{Cquote|big, widescreen adult-alt-pop records reminiscent of VH1 house bands like [[Carolina Liar]], [[Maroon 5]], or [[Augustana (band)|Augustana]], all full of huge hooky choruses ridiculously readymade for radio. The album is positively teeming with potential hits, and the folks at 19 will have a tough job selecting a follow-up single for the already-released '[[Live Like We're Dying]]'.}}


In a break with [[American Idol]] tradition, Allen's Idol "coronation song", "[[No Boundaries (song)|No Boundaries]]", was not included on his major-label debut, becoming only the second Idol winner album to do so after [[Taylor Hicks]]' self-titled album. Instead, a newly recorded version of "[[Heartless (Kanye West song)|Heartless]]", covered by Allen during his run on Idol, was included as a bonus track.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/10/23/kris-allen-track-listing-debut-c/| title=Kris Allen: We exclusively reveal the track listing for his self-titled debut!| publisher=entertainmentweekly.com}}</ref> There has been speculation that this was because "No Boundaries" was already included on the Walmart exclusive season 8 compilation album,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11303869 |title=American Idol: Season 8, Various Artists: Pop |publisher=Walmart.com |date= |accessdate=2012-02-27}}</ref> which is the first time the winning single was included on the season's compilation since [[Kelly Clarkson]] in 2002 and is the first new compilation since season five. However, it has been included as part of the deluxe album version at [[iTunes]].
In a break with ''American Idol'' tradition, Allen's ''Idol'' "coronation song", "[[No Boundaries (song)|No Boundaries]]", was not included on his major-label debut, becoming only the second Idol winner album to do so after [[Taylor Hicks]]' self-titled album. Instead, a newly recorded version of "[[Heartless (Kanye West song)|Heartless]]", covered by Allen during his run on ''Idol'', was included as a bonus track.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/10/23/kris-allen-track-listing-debut-c/| title=Kris Allen: We exclusively reveal the track listing for his self-titled debut!| publisher=entertainmentweekly.com}}</ref> There has been speculation that this was because "No Boundaries" was already included on the Walmart-exclusive season 8 compilation album,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11303869 |title=American Idol: Season 8, Various Artists: Pop |publisher=Walmart.com |date= |accessdate=2012-02-27}}</ref> which is the first time the winning single was included on the season's compilation since [[Kelly Clarkson]] in 2002 and is the first new compilation since season five. However, it has been included as part of the deluxe album version via [[iTunes]].


The album was released in the [[United Kingdom]] on November 16, 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002UI4B1Y |title=Kris Allen: Kris Allen: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-02-27}}</ref> making its official release before that of the United States.
Allen previewed three songs from his album "Written All Over My Face", "Can't Stay Away," and "Before We Come Undone" at a [[Miami Dolphins]] tailgate-party before their game against the [[New Orleans Saints]] on October 25, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mjsbigblog.com/kris-allen-miami-tailgate-party.htm| publisher=mjsbigblog.com| title=Kris Allen - Miami Tailgate Party - VIDEO}}</ref>


==Promotion==
[[AOL Music]] began streaming the full album on November 9, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mjsbigblog.com/kris-allen-first-listen.htm| title=Kris Allen's Self-Titled Album Now Streaming on AOL| publisher=mjsbigblog}}</ref>
Allen previewed three songs from his album "Written All Over My Face", "Can't Stay Away," and "Before We Come Undone" at a [[Miami Dolphins]] tailgate party before their game against the [[New Orleans Saints]] on October 25, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mjsbigblog.com/kris-allen-miami-tailgate-party.htm| publisher=mjsbigblog.com| title=Kris Allen - Miami Tailgate Party - VIDEO| date=25 October 2009}}</ref>


The album was released in the [[United Kingdom]] on November 16, 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002UI4B1Y |title=Kris Allen: Kris Allen: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-02-27}}</ref> making its official release before that of the United States.
[[AOL Music]] began streaming the full album on November 9, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mjsbigblog.com/kris-allen-first-listen.htm| title=Kris Allen's Self-Titled Album Now Streaming on AOL| date=9 November 2009| publisher=mjsbigblog}}</ref>


==Release==
In general, the album has received mixed reviews, gathering a rating of 52 out of 100 on Metacritic, which assigns a rating for albums based on cumulative reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/allenkris/krisallen?q=Kris|title=Kris Allen by Kris Allen|publisher=}}</ref>
===Singles===

* "[[Live Like We're Dying]]", a cover of [[The Script]]'s song, was released digitally via [[iTunes]] on September 25, 2009.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/news/%E2%80%9Clive-we%E2%80%99re-dying%E2%80%9D-out-now| title="Live Like We're Dying" Out Now| publisher=krisallenofficial.com| access-date=2009-10-23| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713170912/http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/news/%E2%80%9Clive-we%E2%80%99re-dying%E2%80%9D-out-now| archive-date=2011-07-13| url-status=dead}}</ref> The music video for the single was released on November 6, 2009 on [[AOL]]'s PopEater.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.popeater.com/2009/11/06/kris-allen-live-like-were-dying/| title=Kris Allen 'Live Like We're Dying' Video Premiere| publisher=PopEater}}</ref> The song peaked at number eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100, number ten on [[Pop Songs]], twenty-one on [[Christian Songs]], and other Billboard charts. It also charted internationally in Canada and New Zealand.
==Singles==
* "[[Live Like We're Dying]]", a cover of the [[The Script|Script]]'s song, was released digitally via [[iTunes]] on September 25, 2009.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/news/%E2%80%9Clive-we%E2%80%99re-dying%E2%80%9D-out-now| title="Live Like We’re Dying" Out Now| publisher=krisallenofficial.com| access-date=2009-10-23| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713170912/http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/news/%E2%80%9Clive-we%E2%80%99re-dying%E2%80%9D-out-now| archive-date=2011-07-13| url-status=dead}}</ref> The music video for the single was released on November 6, 2009 on [[AOL]]'s PopEater.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.popeater.com/2009/11/06/kris-allen-live-like-were-dying/| title=Kris Allen 'Live Like We're Dying' Video Premiere| publisher=PopEater}}</ref> The song peaked at number eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100, number ten on [[Pop Songs]], twenty-one on [[Christian Songs]], and other Billboard charts. It also charted internationally in Canada and New Zealand.
* "[[The Truth (Kris Allen song)|The Truth]]", featuring [[Patrick Monahan]], the lead singer of the Grammy award-winning rock band [[Train (band)|Train]], was released as the CD's second single in May.
* "[[The Truth (Kris Allen song)|The Truth]]", featuring [[Patrick Monahan]], the lead singer of the Grammy award-winning rock band [[Train (band)|Train]], was released as the CD's second single in May.
* On October 6, 2010, Allen revealed on his [[Twitter]] account that the third single of the album will be "Alright with Me".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/KrisAllen/status/26579451807 |title=Twitter / Kris Allen: The next single will be "A |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2010-10-06 |accessdate=2012-02-27}}</ref> He posted an unofficial music video for the song on his website on November 18, 2010 to thank his fans for their support.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/news/kris-allen-alright-me-fans-video |title=Kris Allen - "Alright With Me" (For The Fans) [VIDEO&#93; &#124; The Official Kris Allen Site |publisher=Krisallenofficial.com |date= |accessdate=2012-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312093642/http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/news/kris-allen-alright-me-fans-video |archive-date=2012-03-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* On October 6, 2010, Allen revealed on his [[Twitter]] account that the third single of the album will be "Alright with Me".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/KrisAllen/status/26579451807 |title=Twitter / Kris Allen: The next single will be "A |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2010-10-06 |accessdate=2012-02-27}}</ref> He posted an unofficial music video for the song on his website on November 18, 2010 to thank his fans for their support.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/news/kris-allen-alright-me-fans-video |title=Kris Allen - "Alright With Me" (For The Fans) [VIDEO&#93; &#124; The Official Kris Allen Site |publisher=Krisallenofficial.com |date= |accessdate=2012-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312093642/http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/news/kris-allen-alright-me-fans-video |archive-date=2012-03-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
|MC = 52/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/kris-allen/kris-allen|title=Metacritic Review|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref>
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="AM">{{cite web |title=Review: ''Kris Allen'' |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/kris-allen-mw0001505694 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]|last=Thomas Erlewine|first=Stephen |accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[American Songwriter]]''
|rev2score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://americansongwriter.com/kris-allen-kris-allen/|title=American Songwriter Review|website=[[American Songwriter]]|last=Zollo|first=Paul|date=November 17, 2009|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref>
|rev3 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev3score = B−<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/11/11/kris-allen/|title=Entertainment Weekly Review|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|last=Pastorek|first=Whitney|date=November 11, 2009|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref>
|rev4 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''
|rev4score = {{Rating|1.5|4}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/album-review-kris-allens-debut.html|title=LA Times Review|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|last=Wood|first=Mikael|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref>
|rev5 = [[Salt Lake Tribune]]
|rev5score = (D)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13850593?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com|title=Salt Lake Tribune review|publisher=|access-date=2009-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604212340/http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13850593?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com|archive-date=2011-06-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev6 = ''[[Slant Magazine]]''
|rev6score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="slantmagazine">{{cite web|first=Jonathan|last=Keefe|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/kris-allen-kris-allen/|title=Slant Magazine Review|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=November 22, 2009|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref>
|rev7 = Sputnik Music
|rev7score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=33542|title=Review: Kris Allen - Kris Allen - Sputnikmusic|website=Sputnikmusic|date=November 19, 2009|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref>
}}
''Kris Allen'' was met with "mixed or average" reviews from critics. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a weighted average rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, this release received an [[weighted arithmetic mean|average]] score of 52 based on 8 reviews.<ref name="MC"/>

In a review for [[AllMusic]], critic [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] wrote: "Unhip it may be by design, at least Kris Allen delivers the goods: it's tuneful and likeable, melodic enough to merit a close listen, ready to slip into the background at a moment's notice."<ref name="AM"/>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
Line 65: Line 86:
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title1 = [[Live Like We're Dying]]
| title1 = [[Live Like We're Dying]]
| writer1 = {{hlist|[[Steve Kipner]]|Andrew Frampton,|[[Danny O’Donoghue]]|Mark Sheehan}}
| writer1 = {{hlist|[[Steve Kipner]]|Andrew Frampton,|[[Danny O’Donoghue]]|[[Mark Sheehan]]}}
| extra1 = {{hlist|Frampton|Kipner}}
| extra1 = {{hlist|Frampton|Kipner}}
| length1 = 3:29
| length1 = 3:29
Line 115: Line 136:
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = International bonus track
| headline = International bonus track
| collapsed = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title13 = [[Heartless (Kanye West song)#Kris Allen version|Heartless]]
| title13 = [[Heartless (Kanye West song)#Kris Allen version|Heartless]]
Line 124: Line 144:
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Japan bonus track
| headline = Japan bonus track
| collapsed = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title13 = [[Heartless (Kanye West song)#Kris Allen version|Heartless]]
| title13 = [[Heartless (Kanye West song)#Kris Allen version|Heartless]]
Line 137: Line 156:
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Walmart bonus track
| headline = Walmart bonus track
| collapsed = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title14 = Send Me All Your Angels
| title14 = Send Me All Your Angels
Line 145: Line 163:
}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Justice bonus track
| headline = iTunes pre-order bonus track
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| collapsed = yes
| title14 = From the Ashes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| writer14 = {{hlist|Allen|Robbins|Gad}}
| title14 = From the Ashes
| extra14 = Gad
| writer14 = {{hlist|Allen|Robbins|Gad}}
| extra14 = Gad
| length14 = 4:06
| length14 = 4:06
}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = iTunes deluxe edition bonus track
| headline = iTunes deluxe edition bonus track
| collapsed = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title15 = [[No Boundaries (song)|No Boundaries]]
| title15 = [[No Boundaries (song)|No Boundaries]]
Line 163: Line 179:
}}
}}


==Credits and personnel==
== Credits and personnel ==
<ref name=allmusic>{{AllMusic |class=album |id=mw0001505694 |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |accessdate=May 31, 2017}}</ref>
<ref name=allmusic>{{AllMusic |class=album |id=mw0001505694 |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |accessdate=May 31, 2017}}</ref>
;Performance credits
*All vocals – Kris Allen
*Background vocals – Billy Sollox, Eg White


* Kris Allen – vocals, guitars (6, 13)
;Instruments
* [[Steve Kipner]] – keyboards (1, 5)
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Andrew Frampton – keyboards (1, 5), acoustic guitar (1, 5), programming (5), electric guitar (5)
*[[Bass guitar|Bass]] – Mike Elizondo, Sean Hurley, Tobias Karlsson, Greg Kurstin, Danny O'Donoghue, Salaam Remi
* [[Greg Kurstin]] – keyboards (2), programming (2), guitars (2), bass (2)
*[[Cello]] – Victor Lawrence, Mats Lindberg
* [[Mike Elizondo]] – keyboards (3, 11, 14), programming (3, 11, 14), electric guitar (3), bass (3, 8, 11, 14), acoustic guitar (14)
*[[Drum kit|Drums]] – Randy Cooke, Robin Diaz, Victor Indrizzo, Bill Lefler, Glen Power, Salaam Remi, Aaron Sterling
* [[Zac Rae]] – keyboards (3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14), acoustic piano (7, 10), synthesizers (7, 10)
*[[Guitar]]s — Paul Broucek, Mike Elizondo, Jon Foreman, Andrew Frampton, Paul Inder, Tobias Karlsson, Bill Lefler, David Levita, Danny O'Donoghue, Tim Pierce, Joel Shearer, Mark Sheehan, Michael Ward, Eg White, Jordan Wright
* [[Toby Gad]] – programming (4, 12), instruments (4, 12), arrangements (4, 12)
*[[Keyboard instrument|Keyboards]] – Johan Carlsson, Mike Elizondo, Andrew Frampton, Steve Kipner, Greg Kurstin, Zac Rae, Salaam Remi
* [[Eg White]] – instruments (6), guitars (6)
*[[Percussion instrument|Percussion]] – Victor Indrizzo
*[[Piano]] – Zac Rae
* [[Carolina Liar|Johan Carlsson]] – keyboards (9)
* [[Salaam Remi]] – keyboards (13), bass (13), drums (13), arrangements (13)
*[[Saxophone]] – David Ralicke
* Paul Inder – electric guitar (1)
*[[Synthesizers]] – Zac Rae
* [[Mark Sheehan]] – electric guitar (1, 5), programming (5)
*[[Trombone]] – David Ralicke
* Joel Shearer – electric guitar (3, 11, 14), acoustic guitar (3)
*[[Trumpet]] – Christopher Bautista
*[[Viola]] – Irene Bylund
* [[Tim Pierce]] – guitars (7, 10)
* [[Michael Ward (musician)|Michael Ward]] – electric guitar (8), acoustic guitar (8)
*[[Violin]] – Mattais Bylund, Jim Sitterly
* Jordan Wright – guitar solo (8)
{{div col end}}
* [[Tobias Karlsson (songwriter)|Tobias Karlsson]] – additional guitars (9), bass (9)
* Bill Lefler – guitars (9), drums (9)
* David Levita – guitar solo (10)
* [[Jon Foreman]] – acoustic guitar (11)
* Paul Broucek – guitars (13)
* [[Danny O'Donoghue]] – bass (1, 5), backing vocals [credited as Billy Sollux] (1, 5), programming (5), electric guitar (5)
* [[Squeeze (band)|Sean Hurley]] – bass (7, 10)
* [[The Script|Glen Power]] – drums (1)
* [[Randy Cooke]] – drums (2)
* [[Aaron Sterling]] – drums (3, 8, 11, 14)
* [[Daughtry (band)|Robin Diaz]] – drums (4, 12)
* [[Victor Indrizzo]] – drums (7, 10), percussion (7, 10)
* Larry Greenfield – violin (4, 12)
* Jim Sitterly – violin (4, 12)
* Mattias Johansson – violin (9)
* Mats Lindberg – cello (9)
* Victor Lawrence – cello (12)
* Irene Bylund – viola (9)
* [[Mattias Bylund]] – string arrangements (9)
* [[Dengue Fever (band)|David Ralicke]] – baritone saxophone (10), tenor saxophone (10), trombone (10), horn arrangements (10)
* Chris Bautista – trumpet (10)


;Production
=== Production and Technical ===
* Jeff Fenster – A&R
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Dan Frampton – engineer (1, 5)
*[[Artist and repertoire|A&R]] – Jeff Fenster
* Ted Paduck – engineer (1, 5)
*[[Arrangement]] – Toby Gad
* Spike Stent – mixing (1, 5)
**Horn arrangement – David Ralicke
* Greg Kursitn – recording (2)
**String arrangement – Mattais Bylund
* Eric Weaver – vocal recording (2)
*Editing – Mattais Bylund
* John Hanes – mix engineer (2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12)
*[[Art director]]s – Maria P. Marulanda, Jackie Murphy
* [[Serban Ghenea]] – mixing (2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12)
*[[Creative director]] – Keki Mingus
* Adam Hawkins – engineer (3, 8, 11, 14), mixing (3, 8, 11, 14)
*[[Audio engineer|Engineer]] – Christian Baker, Dan Frampton, Craig "The Regulator" Frank, Toby Gad, Warren Huart, Greg Kursitn, Ted Paduck, Franklin Emmanuel Socorro
* Toby Gad – engineer (4, 12)
**Assistant engineer – Phil Allen, Brent Arrowood, Robin Holden, Graham Hope
* Christian Baker – engineer (5)
**String engineer – Mattais Bylynd
* Warren Huart – engineer (7, 10), recording (7, 10)
**Vocal engineer – Eric Weaver
* Craig Frank – engineer (9)
*Instrumentation – Toby Gad, Eg White
* Mattais Bylynd – string recording and editing (9)
*[[Audio mastering|Mastering]] – Tom Coyne
* Franklin Emmanuel Socorro – recording (13)
*[[Mixing engineer|Mixers]] – Serban Ghenea, Manny Marroquin, Spike Stent
* Manny Marroquin – mixing (13)
**Mixing assistant – Christian Plata, Tim Roberts
* Tim Roberts – mix assistant (2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12)
*[[Record producer|Producers]] – Mike Elizondo, Mike Flynn, Andrew Frampton, Toby Gad, Warren Huart, Tobias Karlsson, Joe King, Steve Kipner, Greg Kurstin, Eg White
* Brent Arrowood – assistant engineer (3, 8, 11, 14)
*[[Production coordinator]] – Chiara Krammer
* Phil Allen – assistant engineer (7, 10)
*[[Programming music|Programming]] – Mike Elizondo, Andrew Frampton, Toby Gad, Greg Kurstin, Danny O'Donoghue, Mark Sheehan
* Robin Holden – assistant engineer (7, 10)
*[[Photographer]] – Eric Ogden
* Graham Hope – assistant engineer (7, 10)
*Project coordinator – Jolie Levine
* Christian Plata – mix assistant (13)
{{div col end}}
* [[Tom Coyne (music engineer)|Tom Coyne]] – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York, NY)
* Chiara Krammer – production coordinator
* Jolie Levine – project coordinator
* Keki Mingus – creative director
* Maria Paula Marulanda – art direction
* Jackie Murphy – art direction
* Eric Ogden – photography
* [[Simon Fuller]] – management
* Stirling McIIwaine – management


==Chart performance==
==Chart performance==
Line 215: Line 258:
==Charts==
==Charts==
===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Chart performance for ''Kris Allen''
|-
|-
! Chart (2009)
! Chart (2009)
! Peak<br>position
! Peak<br/>position
|-
| Canadian Albums Chart
| style="text-align:center;"| 50
|-
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|11|artist=Kris Allen|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}
| U.S. ''Billboard'' 200
| style="text-align:center;"| 11
|}
|}


Line 234: Line 274:
|-
|-
|US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]
|US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]
| style="text-align:center;"|115<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/the-billboard-200 |title=Best of 2010 - Billboard Top 200 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media, Inc]] |accessdate=2010-12-31}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|115<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/the-billboard-200 |title=Best of 2010 - Billboard Top 200 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media, Inc]] |accessdate=2010-12-31}}</ref>
|}
|}


Line 272: Line 312:


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==

Latest revision as of 08:00, 9 December 2024

Kris Allen
Studio album by
ReleasedNovember 17, 2009 (2009-11-17)
Recorded2009
Studio
  • Phantom Studios (Westlake Village, California)
  • Cookie Jar Recording (Studio City, California)
  • Sunset Sound and Conway Studios (Hollywood, California)
  • NRG Studios and Larrabee Sound Studios (North Hollywood, California)
  • Harmony Studios, Swing House Studios, DeathStar Studios and Chalice Recording Studios (Los Angeles, California)
  • Glenwood Place Studios (Burbank, California)
  • Strawberrybee Studios, Legacy Recording Studios and Germano Studios (New York City, New York)
  • Mix One Studios (Boston, Massachusetts)
  • MixStar Studios (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
  • Modern Dirt Laboratories and Olympic Studios (London, UK)
  • Studio Elevator Nobody (Göteborg, Sweden)
Genre
Length48:05
Label
Producer
Kris Allen chronology
Brand New Shoes
(2007)
Kris Allen
(2009)
Thank You Camellia
(2012)
Singles from Thank You Camellia
  1. "Live Like We're Dying"
    Released: September 21, 2009
  2. "The Truth"
    Released: May 11, 2010[1]
  3. "Alright with Me"
    Released: October 13, 2010

Kris Allen is the second album from American Idol eighth season winner Kris Allen. The album was released on November 17, 2009, through Jive Records.

Background

[edit]

Allen has writing credits on nine of the twelve tracks on the album, including one solo credit for "Red Guitar", a song that he wrote prior to participating in American Idol. "Is It Over" was written by Allen with Cale Mills, who is an Arkansas friend of the Idol champ.[2] According to a preview of the album,[3] the tracks are:

big, widescreen adult-alt-pop records reminiscent of VH1 house bands like Carolina Liar, Maroon 5, or Augustana, all full of huge hooky choruses ridiculously readymade for radio. The album is positively teeming with potential hits, and the folks at 19 will have a tough job selecting a follow-up single for the already-released 'Live Like We're Dying'.

In a break with American Idol tradition, Allen's Idol "coronation song", "No Boundaries", was not included on his major-label debut, becoming only the second Idol winner album to do so after Taylor Hicks' self-titled album. Instead, a newly recorded version of "Heartless", covered by Allen during his run on Idol, was included as a bonus track.[4] There has been speculation that this was because "No Boundaries" was already included on the Walmart-exclusive season 8 compilation album,[5] which is the first time the winning single was included on the season's compilation since Kelly Clarkson in 2002 and is the first new compilation since season five. However, it has been included as part of the deluxe album version via iTunes.

The album was released in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2009,[6] making its official release before that of the United States.

Promotion

[edit]

Allen previewed three songs from his album "Written All Over My Face", "Can't Stay Away," and "Before We Come Undone" at a Miami Dolphins tailgate party before their game against the New Orleans Saints on October 25, 2009.[7]

AOL Music began streaming the full album on November 9, 2009.[8]

Release

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
  • "Live Like We're Dying", a cover of The Script's song, was released digitally via iTunes on September 25, 2009.[9] The music video for the single was released on November 6, 2009 on AOL's PopEater.[10] The song peaked at number eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100, number ten on Pop Songs, twenty-one on Christian Songs, and other Billboard charts. It also charted internationally in Canada and New Zealand.
  • "The Truth", featuring Patrick Monahan, the lead singer of the Grammy award-winning rock band Train, was released as the CD's second single in May.
  • On October 6, 2010, Allen revealed on his Twitter account that the third single of the album will be "Alright with Me".[11] He posted an unofficial music video for the song on his website on November 18, 2010 to thank his fans for their support.[12]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic52/100[13]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[14]
American Songwriter[15]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[16]
Los Angeles Times[17]
Salt Lake Tribune(D)[18]
Slant Magazine[19]
Sputnik Music[20]

Kris Allen was met with "mixed or average" reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, this release received an average score of 52 based on 8 reviews.[13]

In a review for AllMusic, critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote: "Unhip it may be by design, at least Kris Allen delivers the goods: it's tuneful and likeable, melodic enough to merit a close listen, ready to slip into the background at a moment's notice."[14]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Live Like We're Dying"
  • Frampton
  • Kipner
3:29
2."Before We Come Undone"Kurstin3:31
3."Can't Stay Away"
Elizondo3:19
4."The Truth"Gad4:40
5."Written All Over My Face"
  • Kipner
  • Frampton
  • O'Donoghue
  • Sheehan
  • Frampton
  • Kipner
3:34
6."Bring It Back"Eg White3:42
7."Red Guitar"Allen
4:27
8."Is It Over"
  • Allen
  • Elizondo
  • Cale Mills
Elizondo3:34
9."Let It Rain"
  • Allen
  • Tobias Karlsson
Karlsson3:29
10."Alright with Me"
  • Flynn
  • King
3:07
11."Lifetime"
Elizondo3:38
12."I Need to Know"
  • Allen
  • Robbins
  • Gad
Gad3:34
International bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Heartless"
Salaam Remi3:42
Japan bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Heartless"
  • Jones
  • Mescudi
  • West
  • Wilson
  • Bhasker
  • McIldowiell
Salaam Remi3:42
14."No Boundaries"Emanuel Kiriakou3:30
Walmart bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Send Me All Your Angels"
Elizondo3:29
iTunes pre-order bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."From the Ashes"
  • Allen
  • Robbins
  • Gad
Gad4:06
iTunes deluxe edition bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."No Boundaries"
  • DioGuardi
  • Dennis
  • Allan
Kiriakou3:30

Credits and personnel

[edit]

[21]

  • Kris Allen – vocals, guitars (6, 13)
  • Steve Kipner – keyboards (1, 5)
  • Andrew Frampton – keyboards (1, 5), acoustic guitar (1, 5), programming (5), electric guitar (5)
  • Greg Kurstin – keyboards (2), programming (2), guitars (2), bass (2)
  • Mike Elizondo – keyboards (3, 11, 14), programming (3, 11, 14), electric guitar (3), bass (3, 8, 11, 14), acoustic guitar (14)
  • Zac Rae – keyboards (3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14), acoustic piano (7, 10), synthesizers (7, 10)
  • Toby Gad – programming (4, 12), instruments (4, 12), arrangements (4, 12)
  • Eg White – instruments (6), guitars (6)
  • Johan Carlsson – keyboards (9)
  • Salaam Remi – keyboards (13), bass (13), drums (13), arrangements (13)
  • Paul Inder – electric guitar (1)
  • Mark Sheehan – electric guitar (1, 5), programming (5)
  • Joel Shearer – electric guitar (3, 11, 14), acoustic guitar (3)
  • Tim Pierce – guitars (7, 10)
  • Michael Ward – electric guitar (8), acoustic guitar (8)
  • Jordan Wright – guitar solo (8)
  • Tobias Karlsson – additional guitars (9), bass (9)
  • Bill Lefler – guitars (9), drums (9)
  • David Levita – guitar solo (10)
  • Jon Foreman – acoustic guitar (11)
  • Paul Broucek – guitars (13)
  • Danny O'Donoghue – bass (1, 5), backing vocals [credited as Billy Sollux] (1, 5), programming (5), electric guitar (5)
  • Sean Hurley – bass (7, 10)
  • Glen Power – drums (1)
  • Randy Cooke – drums (2)
  • Aaron Sterling – drums (3, 8, 11, 14)
  • Robin Diaz – drums (4, 12)
  • Victor Indrizzo – drums (7, 10), percussion (7, 10)
  • Larry Greenfield – violin (4, 12)
  • Jim Sitterly – violin (4, 12)
  • Mattias Johansson – violin (9)
  • Mats Lindberg – cello (9)
  • Victor Lawrence – cello (12)
  • Irene Bylund – viola (9)
  • Mattias Bylund – string arrangements (9)
  • David Ralicke – baritone saxophone (10), tenor saxophone (10), trombone (10), horn arrangements (10)
  • Chris Bautista – trumpet (10)

Production and Technical

[edit]
  • Jeff Fenster – A&R
  • Dan Frampton – engineer (1, 5)
  • Ted Paduck – engineer (1, 5)
  • Spike Stent – mixing (1, 5)
  • Greg Kursitn – recording (2)
  • Eric Weaver – vocal recording (2)
  • John Hanes – mix engineer (2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12)
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing (2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12)
  • Adam Hawkins – engineer (3, 8, 11, 14), mixing (3, 8, 11, 14)
  • Toby Gad – engineer (4, 12)
  • Christian Baker – engineer (5)
  • Warren Huart – engineer (7, 10), recording (7, 10)
  • Craig Frank – engineer (9)
  • Mattais Bylynd – string recording and editing (9)
  • Franklin Emmanuel Socorro – recording (13)
  • Manny Marroquin – mixing (13)
  • Tim Roberts – mix assistant (2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12)
  • Brent Arrowood – assistant engineer (3, 8, 11, 14)
  • Phil Allen – assistant engineer (7, 10)
  • Robin Holden – assistant engineer (7, 10)
  • Graham Hope – assistant engineer (7, 10)
  • Christian Plata – mix assistant (13)
  • Tom Coyne – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York, NY)
  • Chiara Krammer – production coordinator
  • Jolie Levine – project coordinator
  • Keki Mingus – creative director
  • Maria Paula Marulanda – art direction
  • Jackie Murphy – art direction
  • Eric Ogden – photography
  • Simon Fuller – management
  • Stirling McIIwaine – management

Chart performance

[edit]

The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 11 with 80,000 sold for the week.[22]

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Kris Allen
Chart (2009) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[23] 11

Year-end charts

[edit]
Chart (2010) Position
US Billboard 200 115[24]

Release history

[edit]
List of release dates, showing region, formats, label, editions and reference
Region Date Format(s) Label Edition(s) Ref.
United Kingdom November 16, 2009 (2009-11-16) Standard [25]
Canada November 17, 2009 (2009-11-17)
United States
  • Standard
  • Walmart bonus track
New Zealand November 23, 2009 (2009-11-23)
  • Zomba
  • Sony Music Entertainment
Standard

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Slezak, Michael (May 5, 2010). "Kris Allen on the controversy over his new single, 'The Truth" and those added Pat Monahan vocals". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
  2. ^ "Is It Over by Kris Allen Songfacts". www.songfacts.com.
  3. ^ "Preview Alert: Reality Rocks Kris Allen Listening Session". music.yahoo.com.
  4. ^ "Kris Allen: We exclusively reveal the track listing for his self-titled debut!". entertainmentweekly.com.
  5. ^ "American Idol: Season 8, Various Artists: Pop". Walmart.com. Retrieved 2012-02-27.
  6. ^ "Kris Allen: Kris Allen: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-02-27.
  7. ^ "Kris Allen - Miami Tailgate Party - VIDEO". mjsbigblog.com. 25 October 2009.
  8. ^ "Kris Allen's Self-Titled Album Now Streaming on AOL". mjsbigblog. 9 November 2009.
  9. ^ ""Live Like We're Dying" Out Now". krisallenofficial.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
  10. ^ "Kris Allen 'Live Like We're Dying' Video Premiere". PopEater.
  11. ^ "Twitter / Kris Allen: The next single will be "A". Twitter.com. 2010-10-06. Retrieved 2012-02-27.
  12. ^ "Kris Allen - "Alright With Me" (For The Fans) [VIDEO] | The Official Kris Allen Site". Krisallenofficial.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-12. Retrieved 2012-02-27.
  13. ^ a b "Metacritic Review". Metacritic. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  14. ^ a b Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. "Review: Kris Allen". AllMusic. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  15. ^ Zollo, Paul (November 17, 2009). "American Songwriter Review". American Songwriter. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  16. ^ Pastorek, Whitney (November 11, 2009). "Entertainment Weekly Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  17. ^ Wood, Mikael. "LA Times Review". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  18. ^ "Salt Lake Tribune review". Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  19. ^ Keefe, Jonathan (November 22, 2009). "Slant Magazine Review". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  20. ^ "Review: Kris Allen - Kris Allen - Sputnikmusic". Sputnikmusic. November 19, 2009. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  21. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. Kris Allen at AllMusic. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
  22. ^ Brian Mansfield (2009-11-25). "Album sales: Kris Allen fails to make Top 10". Idol Chatter. USA Today.
  23. ^ "Kris Allen Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  24. ^ "Best of 2010 - Billboard Top 200". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-12-31.
  25. ^ "Kris Allen CD". amazon.co.uk. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
[edit]