Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The debut for the American Idol (sixth series) winner was, according to several critics, "rushed" though I can't say I noticed and such gems as "No Air" were, to my ears, as good as pop R&B gets. Now the Arizona native has come bouncing back with another delicious concoction which is produced by a veritable welter of pop and urban studio wizards (namely. . . deep breath. . . Ryan Tedder, Sam Walters, Louis Biancaniello, Wayne Wilkins, Harvey Maron Jr, Lucas Secon, Cutfather, Pilfinger, David Kopatz, Dr Luke, Benny Blanco, Ammo, Scott Cutler, Dapo Torimiro, Anne Previn and Toby Gad). Considering the vast number of producers and studios used the album has a surprising degree of creative focus with an appealing mix of mid tempo R&B (where the full appeal of her delicious phrasing comes out), heart-on-sleeve balladry and even something for the clubbers like Jordin's cover of Shannon's "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)" which is excellent despite being described by one blockhead internet reviewer as "unforgivable". The engaging title track, co-written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, is already a hit and deserves to be, while the feisty interpretation of Fefe Dobson's "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" sounds like the kind of thing that fellow American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson hits with. Jordin's reading of "No Parade" wrings the last piece of emotion out of the memorable song while "Let It Rain" has plenty of those big notes much loved by top divas. Lyrics usually revolve around the tried-and-tested theme of lost romance though there's one inspirational high point with the moving "Faith". Jordin thanks the Lord Jesus on her back sleeve credits and I thank him for giving the pop world such a towering talent.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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