Album Review: Clear As Day - Scotty McCreery

Let me just get straight to the point and say that I'm NOT a country music lover. I wasn't even a fan of Carrie Underwood until recently. But since I always keep an open mind when it comes to music in general and with a sudden surge of interesting - at least to me - crossover country acts in recent years with Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and American Idol's very own Carrie Underwood, I surprisingly got into it.

And with Scotty McCreery's win in this season of American Idol, I was bound to give it a try for me to be as objective as possible in "reviewing" his debut album, Clear As Day. Of course, I'm well aware that my new appreciation and little knowledge for the genre wouldn't give me any cred for this review, but it is what it is.

Here's my track-by-track review: 

This lead-off track sets the mood for the remaining songs in the album. It's fun, catchy and one of the handful tracks that show a more contemporary sound for Scotty. His vocals add sharpness to the song and there's a sense of conviction to his delivery. Plus, the production of this is quite good. 8/10

Not really a big fan of the song just because of the schmaltzy lyrics, but Scotty really sold this like it's the best one out there. I felt his passion, his voice worked well with the tune and I like how he pushed his vocals towards the end. 6/10

At first, this song just didn't do anything for me. I thought the verses were weak and I found the transition a little awkward. But! After a few subsequent listen, I warmed up to it. His restrained delivery is quite impressive for his age and when the chorus hits, his voice just soared - something I didn't expect. The song in itself is beautiful and Scotty's interpretation makes it even better. 8/10

Sure, this is not the strongest track on the record, but I understand why they released this as his debut single. It's a swoon worthy song that's obviously for his target market. So while the melody lacks a recognizable hook, it's pretty enough to get by. Besides, how this acoustic ballad soared into a full on orchestra at the last minute seriously gave me goosebumps. 7/10

Wow. This song features a good country rock melody coupled with some meaty slide guitar and Scotty's ear catching vocals. His phrasing is astounding and I like how convincing he sounds in this track. Nice playful song. 8/10

Just from the first few chords, I'm sold that this is possibly one of the strongest songs in the album. His vocals are solid, it has that cool vibe to it, the instrumentation is great and the way he tackles the words are pretty fascinating. Yet again, another surprisingly good upbeat track from Scotty. This, to me, has a good potential to be a hit song for him. 9/10

You know what's interesting about this song? It has a good amount of throwback vibe to it, but still sounds incredibly modern. The lyrics are cute and shockingly age appropriate and again, his vocals are solid. Why didn't we get much of this side of Scotty during the show? 8/10

Sunny! Haha. Not a fan of traditional sounding country songs complete with mandolins, banjos, fiddles and whatnot, but this is VERY charming. His country vocal inflections are nice and his throwback style complemented the tune. Outstandingly refreshing. 9/10

A heartfelt narrative set to a well produced and structured music. This is a soft ballad side to McCreery that I really like. It's not incredibly flat, but also not overly dramatic. It has a good balance of emotion, which is outstanding. I guess, mother's will absolutely adore this track. Just saying. 8/10

Incredible phrasing. Catchy melody. Interesting lyrics. What's not to love with the song? It's a nice country ditty that complements his voice to great effect. I wouldn't say it's the strongest track, but still a fun track that's probably a good sing-along song. 7/10

This song sounds a little generic at first, but there's something appealing about it. Maybe because of the obvious connection Scotty has with the song. It sounds earnest and there's a deep sincerity to his interpretation. Above all the technicalities, this is a song where Scotty delivers a true passion-filled vocals I've come to expect. 9/10

I'm not so sure if I like this song or not. Yes, it sounds a little mature, which is kind of refreshing, but there's nothing about it that's incredibly remarkable. It has a good inspirational theme, but that's just about it for me. I don't know. 7/10


Scotty McCreery's debut album, Clear As Day, I think, is a pretty solid effort. It doesn't set out to be the best album ever made and it's not a record that has songs for people to over analyze. It's just an easy listening album about life, love and family - as simple as it may be. At the end of the day, everyone will find a song to which they can relate as this is country music and it tells the story of your life. That is all.

RATING: 7.8/10

Idol Sales: Scotty McCreery's Album Debuts at #1; First Idol Winner In 8 Years To Top The Billboard 200

Wow. While I was expecting this to actually happen, Scotty McCreery proved that Season 9 was obviously a fluke in terms of sales and popularity and that American Idol is still a legitimate talent search after 10 long years.

The numbers are in and Scotty McCreery debuts at #1 selling 197,000 copies of his debut album, Clear As Day. Not only did he topped the charts this week, but he also broke a couple of records:

• First country act to debut at #1 with their first studio album.
• Youngest male artist to open at the top of the chart with their debut release, at 18 years old.
• First American Idol Winner since Ruben Studdard to debut at #1.
• Highest first-week album sales of any solo country artist in 2011.
• First debut by a new country artist to top 100,000 in first-week sales since Carrie Underwood’s in 2005.

Congratulations, Scotty! To be honest, his genre isn't exactly something I’m into, but I'm all for success especially if it's from American Idol. These are impressive numbers after Lee DeWyze's disappointing sales last year. As for you Simon Cowell, suck it! HAHA. It would be interesting to see how well the winner of X Factor US will do after the show.

As usual, I'll post a ranking of all the winners just for comparison. But keep in mind, the numbers are obviously deteriorating from year-to-year because of so many factors like economic situation of the United States, illegal downloads etc. Oh, and people doesn't seem to be into albums recently. So yes, Scotty's numbers are impressive.

RANKINGS AFTER THE JUMP!

DEBUT ALBUM - first week of sales [Winners]

1. Ruben Studdard - “Soulful” - 416,569 (# 1)
2. Carrie Underwood - “Some Hearts” - 314,549 (# 2)
3. Taylor Hicks - “Taylor Hicks” - 298,199 (# 2)
4. Kelly Clarkson - “Thankful” - 297,000 (# 1)
5. David Cook - “David Cook” - 279,578 (#3)
6. Fantasia Barrino - “Free Yourself” - 239,389 (#8)
7. Scotty McCreery - "Clear As Day" - 196,739 (#1)
8. Jordin Sparks - “Jordin Sparks” - 119,119 (#10)
9. Kris Allen - "Kris Allen" - 80,000 (#11)
10. Lee DeWyze- "Live It Up" - 39,000 (#19)

DEBUT ALBUM - first week of sales [All]

01. Clay Aiken - “Measure of a Man” - 612,859 (# 1)

02. Ruben Studdard - “Soulful” - 416,569 (# 1)

03. Carrie Underwood - “Some Hearts” - 314,549 (# 2)

04. Daughtry - “Daughtry” - 303,677 (#2)

05. Taylor Hicks - “Taylor Hicks” - 298,199 (# 2)

06. Kelly Clarkson - “Thankful” - 297,000 (# 1)

07. David Cook - “David Cook” - 279,578 (#3)

08. Fantasia Barrino - “Free Yourself” - 239,389 (#8)

09. Bo Bice - “The Real Thing” - 226,976 (# 4)
10. Jennifer Hudson - “Jennifer Hudson” - 217,185 (#2)
11. Adam Lambert - "For Your Entertainment" - 198,446 (#3)
12. Scotty McCreery - "Clear As Day" - 196,739 (#1)
13. David Archuleta - “David Archuleta” - 183,000 (#2)

14. Jordin Sparks - “Jordin Sparks” - 119,119 (#10)

15. Katharine McPhee - “Katharine McPhee” - 115,761 (# 2)
16. Blake Lewis - “Blake Lewis” - 98,000 (#10)
17. Elliott Yamin - “Elliott Yamin” - 90,439 (#3)

18. Kris Allen - "Kris Allen" - 80,000 (#11)

19. Kellie Pickler - “Small Town Girl” - 79,133 (#9)
20. Danny Gokey - "My Best Days" -  65,000 (#4)
21. Bucky Covington - “Bucky Covington” - 60,814 (#4)
22. Crystal Bowersox - "Farmer's Daughter" - 58,000 (#28)
23. Josh Gracin - “Joshua Gracin” - 57,048 (#11)
24. Justin Guarini- “Justin Guarini” - 57,000 (# 20)
25. Kimberly Locke - "One Love" - 56,894 (#16)
26. Diana DeGarmo - "Blue Skies" - 47,000 (#52)
27. Tamyra Gray - "Dreamer" - 39,091 (#23)
28. Lee DeWyze - "Live It Up" - 39,000 (#19)
29. Allison Iraheta - "Just Like You" - 32,000 (#31)

Album: Clear As Day - Scotty McCreery

Ok. I wasn't really sure if I should have this for download, but since some people are actually requesting for it, I'll have it available but limited to 30 downloads. The link will be removed once I get to that number. So yes, grab your copy now.

Also, the album review for Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day will be posted soon!

1. Out Of Summertime

2. I Love You This Big

3. Clear As Day

4. The Trouble With Girls

5. Water Tower Town

6. Walk In The Country

7. Better Than That

8. Write My Number On Your Hand

9. Dirty Dishes

10. You Make That Look Good

11. Back On The Ground

12. The Old King James

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Music: The Trouble With Girls - Scotty McCreery

Here it is!! The debut single of Scotty McCreery, The Trouble With Girls, which will be including in his upcoming first album, Clear As Day, set to be released on October 4, 2011.

Now, I admit that I'm not the biggest Scotty fan, but this is a decent debut (not counting his coronation single) single. Yes, I was hoping for something more upbeat - in the same vein as Gone - but the song is full of sweet and caring if a bit sappy lyrics that's arguably age appropriate. I think a lot of people, particularly country fans, will like the message of the song and I can see this being a hit country song - think, Jesus Take The Wheel.

Music Video: I Love You This Big - Scotty McCreery

Whoa! Today is jam packed with American Idol music video goodness!! Yesterday, I posted Lauren Alaina's music video for her single, Like My Mother Does. Now, it's American Idol 10 Winner, Scotty McCreery's time! The premiere of his music video for his single, I Love You This Big.

As for the video, I think it looks quite nice. I like the editing and there's something about the look and color tone of the music video that's very country. It's simple, age-appropriate and laid back. Scotty looks absolutely natural on screen - although he needs to work more on lipsynching! Haha - and his charisma is just overwhelming. Enjoy!

Music: Out of Summertime - Scotty McCreery

So this is apparently Scotty McCreery's OTHER coronation song. There were some reports prior to the Finale that Scotty recorded two songs and this was the one he didn't pick.

To be honest, I actually like this better than the cheesy I Love You This Big, but the cheesiness is actually what makes an "appropriate" coronation song. So, I'm not surprised that they didn't pick this. Not to take away anything from the song though because it's actually a nice tune. I'm hoping that his label will release this anytime soon.

UPDATE: I had to take down the full stream of the song. 

Idol Sales: Scotty McCreery's Single Debuts "Big"!

Unlike last year, it looks like this year's American Idol champ, Scotty McCreery, is off to a big start with his coronation single, I Love You This Big. He racks up American Idol's 300th #1 as it begins atop Country Digital Songs. He also has the third best selling iTunes single for the week, the third best selling iTunes album for the week and he has sold 171K units for his coronation single alone.

He also has the record for the best selling debut week for a male country artist download track - recently set by The Voice judge, Blake Shelton’s Honey Bee at 138K. Plus, as per Billboard, this makes him the ninth of the ten winners to launch their debut track at #15 or higher. Scotty's song debuts at #11.

Lauren Alaina didn't do so bad as well. Her coronation single, Like My Mother Does, sold 122K units. This makes her single the second best selling coronation single amongst runner-ups in 10 seasons and the best selling digital runner-up coronation single seller ever - first week numbers. Not too shabby!

Sadly, we don't have the numbers - they didn't release it - for the other songs/finalists unlike the past seasons. I wonder why. Hmm.

Figures after the jump!!

Here is a recap of how each American Idol Winner has fared on the Hot 100 with their coronation singles:

#01 Kelly Clarkson (A Moment Like This)
#02 Ruben Studdard (Flying Without Wings)
#01 Fantasia Barrino (I Believe)
#01 Carrie Underwood (Inside Your Heaven)
#01 Taylor Hicks (Do I Make You Proud)
#15 Jordin Sparks (This Is My Now)
#03 David Cook (Time Of My Life)
#11 Kris Allen (No Boundaries)
#24 Lee DeWyze (Beautiful Day)
#11 Scotty McCreery (I Love You This Big)

Here is a recap of how each American Idol Runner-ups has fared on the Hot 100 with their coronation singles:

N/A Justin Guarini
#01 Clay Aiken (This Is The Night)
#14 Diana DeGarmo (Dreams)
#02 Bo Bice (Inside Your Heaven)
#12 Katharine McPhee (Over The Rainbow)
N/A Blake Lewis
N/A David Archuleta
#72 Adam Lambert (No Boundaries)
#57 Crystal Bowersox (Up To The Mountains)
#20 Lauren Alaina (Like MY Mother Does)

Here are the sales numbers for coronation singles on it's FIRST WEEK:

01. Clay Aiken - This is the Night (393,000)
02. Ruben Studdard - Flying Without Wings (286,000)
03. David Cook - Time of My Life  (236,024)
04. Kelly Clarkson - A Moment Like This  (236,000)
05. Taylor Hicks - Do I Make You Proud (228,418)
06. Scotty McCreery - I Love You This Big (171,000)
07. Carrie Underwood - Inside Your Heaven (170,528)
08. Fantasia - I Believe (142,141)
09. Kris Allen - No Boundaries (134,458)
10. Lauren Alaina - Like My Mother Does (122,000)
10. Bo Bice - Inside Your Heaven (121,423)
10. Lee DeWyze - Beautiful Day  (95,000)
11. Katharine McPhee - Over the Rainbow (74,965)
12. Jordin Sparks - This is My Now (74,303)
13. Diana Degarmo - Dreams (65,000)
14. Crystal Bowersox - Up to the Mountain (49,000)
15. Adam Lambert - No Boundaries (35,984)

• Justin Guarini, Blake Lewis and David Archuleta did not get coronation songs released.
• Katherine McPhee’s Somewhere Over The Rainbow was released as a double A-Side with her coronation single, My Destiny, and since the former outsold the latter on iTunes, sales of the commercial single were all attributed to Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

American Idol 10: I Love You This Big - Scotty McCreery

Here is Scotty McCreery's first single, I Love You This Big. I'm not particularly a fan of the melody - if there's one - but I think the song is a grower. Of course, he sounds better in this recording compared to his live performance. Decent, but a bit bland. Enjoy!

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