CELEBRATE

If you are looking for metal music, or even hard rock music this is not a release for you. I believe James is attempting to get more radio airplay. He talked about sick riffs he and his buddy were coming up with, they aren't here. James has recorded a straight pop rock record, with emphasis on the pop. You don't here much guitar at all. Keyboards and electronics reign supreme. That being said, James is still a very talented vocalist. There are good songs on this release. If he had turned up the guitars he might have pulled off some rock music. I give it 4 stars because by itself it is a good record. It doesn't sound like anything that many James Durbin fans were expecting, but it is a good record. James if this is where your heart is, cool. If it is where your wallet is not so cool. I will listen to this release, but I can't jam to it like your first. Good music, but listen to the samples first. Update: I have listened to this release many times and I am starting to like it more and more. If the guitars were turned up more this would fit very well with the 80's. I am upgrading to a five star review. James is showing some versatility. Is it metal? No. Is it very good? Yes.

Initially when I heard this I was in shock it was very different from his first cd. The first cd kinda I felt a soul tormented CD. His voice was really prominent and it was a hard edge to the music then what this cd is.I wasn't sure I liked it at first. Cause the thing I loved about James was his voice and the cry in it.But I listen to this CD again... And I can't stop listening to it. He is such a talented guy, I fell in love with the lyrics and the up beatness that this music is. Songs I love are Parachute, you Can't Believe, Live right now and celebrate.He wrote 10 out of the 13 songs. Amazing!It is more of a pop music, which I like as well. For me, I am a person who really gets into great lyrics with a great flowing rhythm. Lyrics that aren't just talking about love, sadness but convey a life meaning. Music that gets you going.To me this CD is way more positivity instead of torment like they other CD was. Which I appreciate way more.Extremely talented guy and I look forward to his future CDs.

I liked James Durbin's first album but was very aware that he was trying hard to earn his metal credibility. That's not the case on this album, and it's worked out well. He still rocks but he's just not so obviously trying too hard. I was reminded of early Bon Jovi, in the sense that Durbin has several big anthem pieces (not that I am comparing him to Bon Jovi, as that wouldn't be fair to either of them). A solid second effort.

We followed and appreciated the outstanding quality, sound, and uniqueness of James Durbin's performances all through the Season 10 American Idol competition -- simply loved, loved, loved him! This collection of songs is absolutely amazing, and I find myself playing them constantly. There are so many favorites on the CD, but I am hoping my daughter and her new husband will dance to Celebrate at their reception!!!! Keep up the good work, James!

I love his voice. It is fabulous. But this album is pop. I was expecting rock. The songs on this album is to ordinary. Nothing stands out. You don't remember any of the songs. Unfortunatey.

The songs on this CD are very enjoyable but not what I was expecting. If you are a fan of James' first CD, you will be surprised too.unlike the first one which had a metal sound, this one is very Pop. James sounds great but the CD doesn't showcase his amazing voice as much as I would like but he is still extremely talented, just don't expect a heavy metal sound.

I loved James Durbin when he was in Idol a couple years ago, he has Tourette Syndrome but that doesn't stop him from pursuing his dream and utilizing his talents. I like the fact that he can go from a rocker to a ballad and does them all very well, Definitely a talented artist who deserves the support.

I'll begin by saying if I was looking for a "Pop" album I might be happy to find this one. However, though I listen to a lot of various types of music pop is not really one of them. And "Pop" is not what James Durbin sold me on when appearing on American Idol nor on his debut album which I thought was great. Based on that I purchased this album unheard. Much to my dismay I found James had taken a 180 degree turn from his previous work. Yes artists need to be able to grow and explore as they continue their music. However when you build a fan base on Rock/Metal material as James had your second album should not be this. Way too different, way too soon. It just abandons that fan base all together. So if you're looking for a James Durbin album in the vein of his first album, keep your wallet in your pocket because this isn't it. If you're into Pop and want to give this a spin you might be happy. My rating is not for the talent on this album, It's for the abrupt abandonment of who I thought James was as an artist and what I anticipated this album to be.

Excellent buying experience. Exactly as advertised.

I like this, but it's not a patch on his first album. Admittedly I do prefer the heavier tracks on the first album and enjoyed seeing him sing with Judas Priest, just wish he'd kept to the original style of the first album, this one's a bit poppy...

Total let down after a very promising debut. I actually thought Mr Durbin had a lot of prospective talent. Basically this is a "rock" singer - singing Rhiannon type nonsense.Go buy any of the albums by Swedish Rockers Eclipse.... they actually ROCK!