(3.5 Out of 5)

The debut album of the American Idol winner is good, but not great. Daughtry’s debut CD is light years beyond what Cook has created, but it is a good first step. The album almost plays like two separate discs, with the first half of the album a harder rock style reminding one of Creed and Audioslave (Chris Cornell co-wrote “Light On”).  The second half plays a little closer to Daughtry in an Adult Contemporary Rock style.

The problem with Cook’s debut is that it is a bit rough around the edges. The writing is a bit uneven. Along with Chris Cornell, Johnny Reznik (Goo Goo Dolls) also contributes on “Declaration,” a bombastic song that starts the album off with a bang, however, most songs are not terribly radio-friendly and the songs are not the type that have lyrics, which are easily sung along with.

Overall, the album shows promise for the new rock star. Some songs try for that signature ballad, but while the songs complement each other, none of them stand out as the break out track. Sadly, the un-Cook like “Time of My Life” will probably be the biggest hit that debuted as the CD’s first pseudo single. The song does not represent what the album is all about, but had to be included for a number of reasons and for whatever reason, Idol fans liked it. If you liked Daughtry, try David Cook. It is worth a listen,and it takes a few repeat hearings to really catch on.

Suggested listening: “Light On” and “Permanent”

By: Josh Wheeler - Contributing Writer