The statement in the thread title is a question, not a declarative statement (I haven't even heard the record yet). But judging by some of the early critical buzz I've been picking up on the album (due out on Feburary 3rd), I suspect that may end up being the critical consensus (that it's the greatest album by an American Idol singer).

To those who may not remember, Miss Doolitle was the eternally humble vocal powerhouse, with sublime ablities as an interpretive singer. Doolittle had an amazing run on Season 6 of American Idol, rocking the stage with her vocal chops, till she was uncerimouniously dumped out of the competition in 3rd place. Jordin Sparks was the eventual winner and Blake Lewis the runner-up.

Doolittle was expected to strike while the iron was hot, and quickly put out an album while memories of her amazing run on Idol were still fresh. Instead, being the trained muscian she is, she went off and tried to record a serious album, a process that's taken nearly two years. According to this blurb from the LA Times Pop critic Anne Powers, Doolittle may have made the right decision in taking her time;

LA Times Anne Powers on Doolittle's album;

"Doolittle might have stuck with praise and worship music or tried to update her style with hip-hop beats. Instead she went with vintage soul, and man, does it work. Her solo debut "Coming Back To You" (coming out in Febuary on Hif-Fi Recordings) connects to venerable elders like Gladys, and yes, early Aretha, but instead of sounding trapped within an antique box, Doolittle comes across as vital and vibrant.

Producer Mike Magnini helped Joss Stone launch her career, and with Doolittle, he's found a partner who delivers not only on technique, but powerful emotion. The retro soul trend has primed listeners to appreciate the warmth of live instruments and a strong voice, so Doolittle has a chance to find a place among the airbrushed pop queens of the mainstream".

The USA today AI critic and blogger Ken Barnes has also given a resounding thumbs up to Doolittle's album, which he calls a "soul scorcher". His review is at;

http://blogs.usatoday.com/idol...melinda-deliver.html

And another blogger review of the album, which compares Doolittle vocally to Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, gives the album 5 out of 5 and says that "it's by far the best album to come out of an American Idol alumni to date".

http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/review-melinda-...-coming-back-to.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: simulate,

That was a season I didn't get into, but I remember her being the hands-down best singer in the bunch, and I remember the shock and disappointment when she didn't win.

Given some of those remarks, this is definitely something I'm going to check out.

Melinda Doolittle should have won in her season of "American Idol." I'm glad that her debut album is finally being released, and I hope that it's a great one.

I loved Melinda Doolittle on season 6 of American Idol. I really hope this is the best "Idol" alumni album to date. I hope it doesn't receive lackluster promotion like most of the "Idols" do. She is an amazing talent.

Well, if the reviews continue in same vein as the ones above (and I think they will), it'll definitely make people stand up and take notice. I like how she's getting compared to all the greats (Tina, Aretha, Gladys ect), and no one seems remotely surprised or shouting "sacrilage".LOL!

If she does keep on getting critics ink like this, she could have a real chance at some Grammy nods. If even Mandisa from Season 5 of Idol can score a grammy nod for her album, then Melinda might be able to do some damage with great reviews and respectable sales.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: simulate,

I regard Anne Powers as a musical cretin.

I would put in any credence in anything she writes.

I did think Ms Dolittle was pretty good, but she was unmarketable.

One weakness that was very obvious, she did the entire AI season without hitting one note in falsetto.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Thor,

quote:

Originally posted by Thor:


One weakness that was very obvious, she did the entire AI season without hitting one note in falsetto.

I think Melinda hit a pretty noticable falsetto on semi-final night (when she got knocked out) on the Whitney Houston song "I Believe In You And Me". So I'm not sure that would count as a weakness.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WFYCtOKM-wM

Best news I've heard all day

I am a Melinda Doolittle fan and she was the best thing about the 6th season of "American Idol". I am VERY happy for her! She deserves the recognition she is getting!!!!

And I can't wait to listen to her CD!!!!

This is at the top of my anticipation list for muisic in 09.

My worry is the same worry I had when she was on Idol, which is how do you market Dolittle? I just can't see her being a viable commercial artist.

As much as I like Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle was the best singer during season 6 hands down. I cannot wait until this album is released, and I like the direction that she's taking. I love this style of music and I feel that she can nail it. I will definitely be hitting the store to buy the album when it's released.

Doolittle is easily top 3 in the history of all Idol contestants. I'm glad to see that her album is being released soon and that she actually took her time recording it, unlike many of the previous rushed records that have come from the show's contestants.

I don't see what's so special about her, she has a decent voice and is really humble but that's it, she doesn't seem to have a star quality, she'll have some sucess with the AC audience but I don't think she'll crossover.

Not coming down on anyone, but not everybody is meant to be a "commercial" artist. Melinda Doolittle falls into that category.

There is an audience that is going to love her music. Where do you market her? Based on the early reviews, I'd say she goes in an Elisabeth Withers/Joss Stone type of direction.

I'm not worried about Doolittle being a big seller. I don't care if she crosses over or not. I just love good music, and if those reviews are any indication, that's what Doolittle is ready to serve us. Sometimes it's best not to always dwell on commercial and crossover success. Her music has an audience, and people will certainly flock her way to hear what she's delivering.

Here's the album cover and tracklist:

1. Fundamental Things
2. It's Your Love
3. Coming Back to You
4. Declaration of Love
5. The Best of Everything
6. Wonderful
7. Dust My Broom
8. I'll Never Stop Loving You
9. I Will Be
10. If I'm Not in Love
11. Walkin' Bluew
12. We Will Find a Way
13. Wonder Why

http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Back-You-Melinda-Doolittle...id=1230940553&sr=1-1

quote:

Originally posted by A_Mb88:
I don't see what's so special about her, she has a decent voice and is really humble but that's it, she doesn't seem to have a star quality, she'll have some sucess with the AC audience but I don't think she'll crossover.

In other words, do you think she's a bore?

quote:

Originally posted by dlanefan:

quote:

Originally posted by A_Mb88:
I don't see what's so special about her, she has a decent voice and is really humble but that's it, she doesn't seem to have a star quality, she'll have some sucess with the AC audience but I don't think she'll crossover.

In other words, do you think she's a bore?

Yeah, She doesn't do it for me but to other she might.

Season 6 of American idol was the worst season of AI to date. Though Jordin Sparks maintained succes post idol, I think that she should not have won the title.

Melinda Dolittle is one of the best singers to join American Idol ever and I'm very happy to hear this news. I can't get more excited to hear that she has an album coming up [plus the fantastic reviews].

I haven't heard it yet, but, her WHOLE cd has leaked. That's a shame, because the first single is just getting out there.

Here are snippets of the album on her MySpace page. I like what I'm hearing thus far.

http://www.myspace.com/melindadoolittle