Track Listing

1. Live Like We're Dying
2. Before We Come Undone
3. Can't Stay Away
4. The Truth
5. Written All Over My Face
6. Bring It Back
7. Red Guitar
8. Is It Over
9. Let It Rain
10. Alright With Me
11. Lifetime
12. I Need To Know
13. Heartless

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42 in Music
• Brand: Allen
• Released on: 2009-11-17
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Album Description
2009 debut album from the American Idol Season 8 winner. Kris Allen hails from a town of less than 60,000, but his ability to captivate an audience of millions has undoubtedly put him on the map. As nearly 100 million votes were cast for the Season 8 finale, Kris Allen quickly became a household name nationwide. This much-anticipated release features the first single 'Live Like We're Dying'.

Customer Reviews

Awesome debut from the reigning Idol champion
When I first heard the snippets I wasn't so sure how much I was going to like the album. After listening to the whole album, I have to tell you just how impressed I am with this record. Provided the time constraints, it can be hard to come up with a solid debut album in time for the holiday release date. Nevertheless, Kris manages to do just that and more. Having 9 of the tracks co-written by Kris himself, this album is a great depiction of who Kris is as an artist and the types of themes he chooses to express though his music.

Here are some impressions of my favorite songs:

1. Live Like We're Dying - The first single off the album and a really cool and unique track that gets stuck in your head. I consider this to be a great choice as a first single as it is a fun song to attempt to sing along too (it can be difficult at times since it's a wordy song, haha).

2. Can't Stay Away - I love the funky feel to this song. The energy pumping throughout the track really gives it something special. Check this out for sure.

3. Before We Come Undone - Probably my favorite track on the album! I really think this should be the second single. It feels like the most radio ready song to me.

4. Bring It Back - A complete contrast to the three aforementioned tracks, this slow ballad proves how efficient Kris's voice can be in evoking emotion in the listener. Kris's ability to connect so profoundly to the lyrics makes this track particularly poignant.

5. Alright With Me - A really unique, upbeat track co-written by Joe King of the Fray. It's just a fun, lighthearted song that would be perfect to cheer you up if you're ever feeling the blues.

-Other favorites of mine on the album include Let It Rain, Red Guitar, and Written All Over My Face.

-Two other ballads on the album, The Truth and I Need To Know, also show off Kris's sensitive side and suit the flow of the album quite well.

-My least favorite songs are Is It Over and Lifetime. Nevertheless, I still consider them solid tracks that don't detract from the overall quality of the record.

Last but not least, there's the final track Heartless. Kris became well-known for his acoustic take on the Kanye West hit on Idol, but the version of Heartless on the album is quite different. With a cool, urban vibe instilled in the track thanks to hip hop producer Salaam Remi, Heartless sounds completely retooled from how we last heard it. Nevertheless, the fact that song throws you off guard while also revealing a new side to Kris is what I find most appealing about this track. Not the Heartless I grew to love, but I like it all the same.

All in all, if you're looking for a great pop rock record, then Kris is your guy. With a bit of practically everything, ranging from slow, heart-wrenching ballads to rocking, upbeat tracks, you're sure to find something you'll like on this album. Highly recommended!

Infectious Tunes + Heartfelt Delivery
I've listened to this album a few times since I downloaded it, and I'm happy to say, it keeps sounding better and better. The music is very pop, with good hooks and infectious tunes, and the lyrics are engaging and involving. I find Allen's performance the best part of the album, since he seems to be able to inject emotion and honesty into every song. It seems as if this album and these songs mean a lot to him, and as a consequence, they play well to my ear, as well.

Kris Allen is the Best Idol Debut Album Ever
All the songs are strong.
Kris authentically connects with the music.
You can tell the album is the product of a real musician (Kris has writing credits on 9 songs and plays multiple instruments.
This album is current. I am so glad to hear songs I want to listen to from an Idol. I was expecting the usual over-the-top mid-tempo ballad junk Idol usually churns out. I was very happy to hear that Kris avoided this pitfall because of his organic talent.
This album is a must buy.