DETROIT PRESS REVIEW ON KATHARINE > Katharine McPhee Forums

February 02, 2007

Katharine McPhee - Self-titled

RCA Records

Craig Emonds http://thesouthend.typepad.com/tsenews/2007/02/katharine_mcphe.html

In 2006, almost 43 million watched as Ryan Seacrest announced Taylor Hicks as?the winner of the fifth season of “American Idol.” Now, 22-year-old runner-up Katharine McPhee is back with her highly-anticipated first album.?

Even those that did not catch the contagious “McPheever” on “Idol” may be pleasantly surprised by her self-titled debut.

Since performing on the show?McPhee has made a graceful transition into the ideal pop star. With catchy lyrics and powerful vocals, she nails each track, making them all potential Billboard hits.

Highlights from the album include “Home” and “Ordinary World,” both beautiful ballads that showcase McPhee’s colorful vocal range. The relatable lyrics of both are also admirable. Upbeat tracks such as “Open Toes” are sure to be popular in clubs worldwide.

“Open Toes” is one of three tracks that was co-written by McPhee.

And the songs “Better Off Alone” and Babyface-produced “Everywhere I Go” may remind listeners of Mariah Carey. Although Carey has greater range, McPhee proves that she can hang with today’s superstar pop artists.

Although those looking for originality will not find it here, this mix of pop and R&B?tracks is definitely worth the money. McPhee will have “Idol” fans questioning?whether the right person claimed the title in the 2006 finale and fans of modern?pop music and “American Idol” will be far from disappointed.