Below is a look at albums and EPs released by former contestants on The Voice so far in 2016.
If I’ve missed anyone, please drop a line to Voice Views at [email protected] or @VoiceViews on Twitter to let me know. There have been more than 400 singers on the first nine seasons of The Voice, so I’d be amazed if I’ve caught all the new music.
Happy listening! And check back for live blogs throughout Season 11.
See also
2016 singles by singers from The Voice
2016 videos by singers from The Voice
2015 albums and EPs by singers from The Voice
2015 singles by singers from The Voice
2015 videos by singers from The Voice
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Jon Peter Lewis (Midas Whale)
“two thousand ten”
Released: Dec. 23, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 4
A collection of eight diverse covers from Jon Peter, who says the songs where part of a CD mix that helped him get through a rough year back in 2010. The best of the bunch are his versions of Arthur Russell’s “A Little Lost” and the Tom Waits-penned “Anywhere I Lay My Head,” originally recorded by actress Scarlett Johansson.
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“Mike Schiavo” EP
Released: Dec. 16, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 10
A five-song EP that will have you wondering why the pop singer-songwriter didn’t make it past the battle round on the show. “Without You” had been released as a single over the summer. The five tracks also include two fine songs from before The Voice, “Gold” and “Outside the Lines,” a song Mike says is about insisting on being yourself.
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Jessie Pitts
“California Ghost” EP
Released: Dec. 9, 2016
Finish: Top 12, Season 7
The plaintive vocals that carried Jessie to a Top 12 finish on Season 7 are front and center on this four-track singer-songwriter EP, her first major release since The Voice. The standout is the haunting title track. Jessie also released a pop single, “Heart on Fire” last year.
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“Canvas” EP
Released: Nov. 29, 2019
Finish: Top 20, Season 8
The young woman best known for her blind audition duet with her idol, Christina Aguilera, sounds great throughout her six-track debut EP. But the highlights are the ballad “All In” and the most up-tempo song of the bunch, “Contest.” “Guarded Heart” was the lead single.
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Emily Keener
“Breakfast”
Released: Nov. 18, 2016
Finish: 12th, Season 10
Another mature-beyond-her-years project from Emily, who was just 16 when she auditioned, but already had two albums to her credit. Predictably, she’s oh, so more impressive singing her own music. Highlights here include lead single “Elevator,” “Lorelei,” “Fire and Brimstone” and the delightfully whimsical “Waste My Time.”
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“Undeniably Country”
Released: Nov. 18, 2016
Finish: Top 12, Season 1
If the title isn’t a clue that Curtis will be serving up throwback country, the lyrics to “Ten Year Town” are — “I came here to write and sing / not to rap on stage wearing skinny jeans.” This marks his fifth major project since the show. The highlight is the leadoff track: “Everything Hank Did.”
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“Hold On”
Released: Nov. 11, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 9
Cassandra was a worship pastor for megachurches pre-Voice so it’s hardly a surprise that her first post-Voice album is a 10-track gospel/Christian release. Highlights include “Redeemed” and two songs performed as a “Worship Medley” during which Cassandra’s voice soars. The title track was the lead single.
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Fuente (Brian Fuente)
“Castaway” EP
Released: Nov. 11, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 2
A superb second EP from the alt rock group fronted by Brian Fuente, who just happens to be married to another former Voice contestant (Jordan Pruitt from Season 3). This four-track effort will leave you wishing it included more songs. Especially impressive are “Pusher” and “Fainter.” The band released its first EP, “Water,” in late April.
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“Room Full of Fighters”
Released: Nov. 4, 2016
Finish: 3rd, Season 9
You’re not going to struggle finding download worthy tracks on Barrett’s fine post-Voice debut album. He serves up excellent ballads (“What the Hell” and “Pretty Things”), catchy upbeat tunes (lead single “Kiss Me Hello” and “Keep It Real”) and even covers the Cars’ “Drive.” But my favorite might be the album closing “Still Stands.” Pre-Voice, Barrett released a pair of albums and an EP.
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“Crossing Lines”
Released: Oct. 28, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 8
A four-gal group including Brit Willson, Ray Taaffe, former Idol finalist Maddie Walker and Nicolette Mare serve up 11 tracks of pop-country with a twist on their debut album. Highlights include lead single “Firestarters,” the clever “Jimmy Choos,” “Burn Slow” and “One Night Stand.”
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“Recover” EP
Released: Oct. 28, 2016
Finish: Top 8, Season 10
The first contestant we met on Season 10 shows his strong showing on the show was no fluke with an impressive debut EP. Standout tracks on the six-song project include the addictive EP opening “Barricade” (at right) and a lovely vocal on a ballad called “Hands” (I prefer the stripped-down piano version). “Sober” was the lead single.
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“Southern Boy” EP
Released: Oct. 28, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 2
Jordan’s first major release with Broken Bow Records features just four tracks and only two new ones since “Now That I Know Your Name” and the title track, a duet with Jason Aldean, were already released as singles. But both new songs are Jordan co-writes and fans of country with a rock edge will enjoy “Whatever” (listen at right).
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“Disruptive Behavior”
Released: Oct. 8, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 6
A student at Kennesaw State University when she appeared on the show, Brittnee serves up seven tracks of smooth and sexy R&B. She’s released a music video for “11 O’clock.” The other most addictive tracks are “B.A.R.” and “2 Rings.” The EP is currently available on Brittnee’s Soundcloud page.
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“Love Drunk Crazy” EP
Released: Oct. 7, 2016
Finish: Top 8, Season 3
After releasing a pop album post-Voice (“What You’re Looking For” in 2013), Cody goes country, which isn’t entirely new since he once recorded a country single with Season 8 runner-up Meghan Linsey. “Hanging” is the standout track on this five track EP, which includes a cover of Tom Petty’s “Even the Losers.”
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“California Mercy Me” EP
Released: Oct. 7, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 10
The guy who once represented Nashville at the International Blues Festival serves up a debut album that’s a mix of blues and rock and roll. Standout tracks include “Down the Road,” a song that pre-dated his appearance on The Voice, plus “Good As Gone” and the title track.
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“It Never Happens” EP
Released: Sept. 30, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 3
An impressive five-track EP from a singer-songwriter who admits “I wanted to be like other artists instead of finding myself” in his immediate post-Voice days. All of the songs here are download worthy, but “Words to Life” and the glorious “You Don’t Know Me” are the standouts. The latter is clearly about Sam’s Voice experience.
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“Great American Love Story” EP
Released: Sept. 30, 2016
Finish: Knockout Round, Season 8
Paul tells the love story of a couple from the 1950s or 1960s in a five-song collection and, in a neat touch, had fans sharing their own love stories on his Facebook page. Highlights are the opening and closing tracks — “Hey Hi Hello” and “See You Better.” The title for the latter came from an episode of “Mad Men” in which Don Draper left a note for his wife that included the phrase.
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“I am the Storm”
Released: Sept. 29, 2016
Finish: Top 24, Season 10
This marks the second full-length album from an R&B singer who once a member of Prince’s house band and once a member of a girl group that included Beyonce and Kelly Rowland. Highlights among the 13 tracks include the ballad “Gift of Goodbye” and the addictive more upbeat track “I Wanna Be Free.”
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“Some Dreams” EP
Released: Sept. 27, 2016
Finish: Top 24, Season 10
A diverse five-song, first-ever release from a guy who impressed The Voice coaches with his incredible range. With the exception of lead single “Unbearable,” Ryan said the songs are ones “I’ve had in my head for five years, six years. I just never recorded them.” Following an EP release show in Utica, N.Y., Ryan headed to L.A. to pursue a career in music. “Unbearable” begins at the 2:10 mark in the video above.
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“Love on Your Side” EP
Released: Sept. 24, 2016
Finish: Top 11, Season 10
Coming just four months after his impressive run on the show, Owen said his goal was a “a lyric-driven, folk-rock, a kind of Paul Simon inspired” sound on his new six-song album. Mission accomplished. Standout songs include the title track, “When You’re a Lover” and the sensational ballad “No Such Thing.” The EP marked Owen’s third major release, following the 2014 album “Twelve Stories” and the 2012 EP “Never Trust a Man.”
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“Rush in Slowly” EP
Released: Sept. 9, 2016
Finish: 2nd, Season 7
After the record deal he dreamed about yielded just one single, Matt turned to fans to help fund this six-track EP through Pledge Music. The result is a wonderfully diverse collection of songs. Lead single “Bones” is among the best post-Voice songs released this year. Also make sure to check out hard-driving EP opener “Carried Away” and “Hard Day.”
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“Miss Alabama”
Released: Sept. 7, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season
Cary has a great country ache in her voice and puts it to good use on her 10-track debut album. That’s especially true on the standout ballad “Good Enough to Stay.” Cary does upbeat well too. Just check out “Hurricane” and the southern rock tinged “Trouble I’m In” and “Shine Me On.”
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“Teresa Guidry” EP
Released: Sept. 2, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 10
As good as any EP you’re ever likely to hear from someone we didn’t get to hear on The Voice because both of her performances were montaged. Teresa, from Rock Hill, S.C., serves up six fresh country tracks with a dash of sass. Highlights include “Red Wine,” “Just Doing Me” and “The Last Time.”
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“Rockstar”
Released: Sept. 1, 2016
Finish: 2nd battle round, Season 6
On The Voice, she was the Nashville singer who would rather rock than twang. Mission accomplished on her post-show debut EP. She called the fine title track “the story of my life.” “Red” is the best rocker on the seven-song collection; “Hey, Hey, It’s OK,” makes for a fun EP-closing pop-rock track.
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“Freedom”
Released: Aug. 26, 2016
Finish: Top 8, Season 4
The first major post-show release from a singer who turned four chairs with her blind audition. She reminded us why when she dropped “Staring at the Sun” as the lead single for this 12-track album. Other highlights include the country-tinged ballad “Your Next Lover” and the much more up-tempo “All We Want” and “Sky Without Sun.”
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“Monster”
Released: Aug. 19, 2016
Finish: Top 20, Season 8
After three albums with Sarah and the Tall Boys, Sarah moved to Nashville pre-Voice to pursue a solo career. This excellent 11-track effort is one of the best post-Voice albums of 2016, featuring touches of rock, country and blues. Highlights are aplenty, but make sure to check out “Bird,” “The Mountain” and “Up on the Third Floor.” Sarah also covers “Take Me to Church,” superbly.
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“I am Chris Jamison” EP
Released: Aug. 19, 2016
Finish: 3rd, Season 7
Post-Voice, Chris says he found himself signed to a record label and trying to portray a character created on TV, a “sex symbol, lady’s man, heartthrob kind of guy … But that wasn’t me at all.” Freed of the label, he released this four-track EP of songs he wrote. What hasn’t changed: Chris’ amazing range. Highlights are the ballads, “Better Man” and “Heartbeat Away.”
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“Is Everything OK?” EP
Released: Aug. 16, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 9
Post-Voice identical twins Andi and Alex decided to change their name to Queen Hilma. In Andi’s words, they wanted fans “to see us as creative artists, and not just two girls who could sing pretty on TV.” Then they served up this EP of four originals they composed over the past four years. The best track is the uptempo “Drown in You.”
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“Telephone Philosophies” EP
Released: Aug. 16, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 8 (Ashley Morgan)
Faultlines is a California-based, indie-folk trio featuring Todd McCool, John Flanagan and Ashley Morgan, a Season 8 contestant on the show, and this marks their second EP, following 2014’s “Hearts (And Other Things That Break). The standout among the five new tracks is “Starting at the Finish Line,” a song on which Ashley sings lead.
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“Giants”
Released: Aug. 14, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 5
He was billed as a teenage pop heartthrob on The Voice, but the first major post-show release from the native of Romania is a nine-track Christian album. The highlights include a wonderful ballad called “Shadows” and a pair of addictive Christian pop tunes, “Heaven is Waiting” and “Battle Cry.”
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“Feel It” EP
Released: Aug. 9, 2016
Finish: 2nd, Season 4
Michelle wrote, mixed, mastered and produced this six-track EP, her first major release since her 2015 post-Voice “Face the Fire” album. There are two versions of the title track, which Michelle says “is about how music, in general, makes me feel better.” You can check out all the songs on Michelle’s YouTube channel. Her duet “The Wish We Made” duet with Christopher Norman is my personal favorite.
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“Sessions Vol. 2: Muscle Shoals”
Released: Aug. 5, 2016
Finish: 3rd, Season 2
Tony takes another look back at his music career in a three-track EP of songs recorded during a visit to Muscle Shoals, Ala., about 10 years ago. The songs include a cover of Paul Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years,” “Longing” and “It’s You.” Tony describes the latter, first released on a 1997 album, as the song that convinced him to ditch acting and pursue music in his post-Mickey Mouse Club life.
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“If You Knew Me” EP
Released: July 29, 2016
Finish: Top 24, Season 9
The blue-haired singer-songwriter launched a Kickstarter shortly after her run on The Voice and hit her $5,000 goal in just two days. The result is this five-track EP. The highlight is the EP opening “Unraveled,” one of the best post-Voice songs so far in 2016.
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“The Way I Talk”
Released: July 29, 2016
Finish: Top 20, Season 6
Morgan is the Season 6 contestant who was focused on a baseball career until an injury pushed him in the direction of music instead. Now he’s a country artist, one of two signed to a new label, Big Loud Records. His debut EP features fives songs, mostly crowd-pleasers. One of those, “Chain Smokin’,” is at left. Also check out the title track and “Whiskey Glasses.”
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“From the Grave” EP
Released: July 15, 2016
Finish: 2nd, Season 2
The black-winged rocker from Season 2 delivers eight more reasons why she should have won The Voice. The EP is loaded with must-haves, but the most addictive tracks include “Say Hello,” “Trouble Finds You” and “My Last Whiskey Tears.” And Juliet, known for the passion in her music, delivers it big-time on a ballad called “Frances.” One of the best post-Voice releases so far in 2016.
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“Chevonne and the Fuzz”
Released: July 15, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 3
This marks the second release from the New Jersey rock band fronted by Chevonne Ricci, former background singer for Lady Gaga, and it’s tons of fun. How could it not be with songs like “The Higher the Hair (The Closer to Heaven)?” Other highlights: “Flash, Baby, Flash,” “Shade” and “Red Ride,” one of my favorite Voice-related songs of 2016.
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“Above the Waves”
Released: July 9, 2016
Finish: Top 6, Season 9
Singer-songwriter Madi was just 16 when she made it all the way to the Top 6 on The Voice. Now she’s back and sounding great on her first full-length album. Top tracks include “Cool Girl” and “Give and Take.” Fellow Season 9 contestant Darius Scott provides a vocal assist on a track called “Kings.”
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“Hiraeth” EP
Released: July 5, 2016
Finish: 5th, Season 7
The second post-Voice EP from the guy we met when he was working as a barista at the Sniff Dog Hotel. He recently relocated from Portland to L.A., but not before dropping this impressive four-song, singer-songwriter set. There’s not a weak link in the collection, but the best are “Upside” and “Quite Like You.”
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“Justin Whisnant and Cold Water County” EP
Released: July 5, 2016
Finish: Top 24, Season 10
Justin’s pre-Voice band was in the middle of cutting this record when The Voice opportunity came along. Good thing it was released, bbecause it’s a fine seven-track country effort. There isn’t a weak track here, but the standouts are the ballad “Until it Gets Dark” and “Truth or Dare,” both of which clock in at more than 5 minutes.
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Holly Henry
“King Paten”
Released: July 1, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 5
The young woman who created a sensation on The Voice with her cover of “The Scientist” is back with her first full-length album, named after a character she’d pretend to be while playing make-believe as a child. It follows a pair of earlier EPs. Highlights this time around include “Crawl,” “In Between” and an absolutely lovely vocal on “Coriander/Chamomile.”
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“Mia Z” EP
Released: July 1, 2016
Finish: Top 12, Season 8
She impressed as a 16-year-old blues singer on the show. She’s toured extensively with Season 8 winner Sawyer Fredericks. Now Mia is back with her first solo post-Voice release. The eight-song collection stays true to her love of the blues. Top tracks include “Ba Da Dum” and “Drive Me Crazy.”
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“Steel”
Released: June 25, 2016
Finish: 6th, Season 4
The third country album from the Texas gal is her first since The Voice and easily her most mature and accomplished to date. The 13 tracks include a nice variety, from the throwback “Real Good You,” to the fun “You’re in Texas” to the more pop-country sounding “Dallas On Your Boots.”
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“Makin’ My Way”
Released: June 24, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 3
Pre-Voice, Rudy spent eight years performing at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, Calif., and he vowed to keep the Bakersfield sound alive on an album filled with rollicking country tunes. Highlights from the music veteran — he was 46 when he appeared on the show — include “Mini Van,” “Swamp Cooler” and the ridiculously catchy title tune, which features vocal contributions from Hank Williams III, Little Joe and actor Michael Madsen, who also contributes two spoken word pieces.
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“Caroline Glaser”
Released: June 24, 2016
Finish: Top 16, Season 4
With three EPs already to her credit, Caroline serves up her first album-length project, a nine-track self-title singer-songwriter album. Highlights among her originals include “Wishing Well,” “Wolves” and “Rosalee,” a song reworked from her first EP. The Pledge Music funded album features a cover of The Outfield’s 1985 hit “Your Love.”
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“Wild”
Released: June 24, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 10
The gal who paid her dues singing for passengers on the Carnival Cruise line wasted no time getting new music to her fans after her spring stint on the show. But her second album — following 2014’s Acoustic Sessions — sounds anything but rushed, featuring the rollicking “Born to Drive,” a lovely ballad in “The Greatest Thing” and the autobiographical “Am I Crazy.”
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“Tumbleweed” EP
Released: June 24, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 6
A California gal who’s moved to Nashville, singer-songwriter Lindsay serves up her third post-Voice country EP. The lead single is “World Lit Up by You,” but the best of the five tracks is “Homecoming Queen.” This EP follows “Sugarcoated” and “Drive of My Life,” both released in 2014 and also available on iTunes.
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“Stoned to Death”
Released: June 17, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 9
The country singer who decided to buck the trend and join Team Adam returns with his second album and his first post-Voice. He sounds particularly good when he slows things down, like on the title track, “Perfect Time” and “Someday Today.” Want something a little more upbeat>? Check out “Lonesome Alone.”
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“Josh Kaufman” EP
Released: June 14, 2016
Finish: 1st, Season 6
Josh has said the big-label deal he received for winning The Voice turned out to be more of a hindrance than a help. So his first post-Voice release comes independently, two years later. Over the course of six tracks, Josh serves up an impressive array of music. Highlights include lead single “Truth Be Told,” the jazzy and raucous “Paycheck” and the toe-tapping “Digging Deep.”
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“The Journey to Become Nadjah Nicole”
Released: June 10, 2016
Finish: Top 24, Season 9
The nine-track debut from Blake Shelton’s Season 9 comeback artist includes three spoken word pieces set to music. The most impressive vocal is the 30-second a cappella intro to a song about domestic abuse called “And I,” which also happens to be the best song in the collection.
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“Summer” EP
Released: June 3, 2016
Finish: 1st, Season 3
Cassadee’s “Think of You” duet with Chris Young hit number one on the country charts — a first for a former Voice contestant — so Big Machine and the Season 3 winner released a four-track EP as a precursor to a sophomore album. The lead single and title track sounds like a country hit. So does the ballad “Kisses at Airports.”
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“Zach Seabaugh” EP
Released: June 1, 2016
Finish: Top 6, Season 9
The 17-year-old who mesmerized female fans of The Voice with some Elvis-like dance moves serves up a nice mix of fun pop-country and ballads on his debut release. The highlight is the Elvis-like “Home to Mama” about a girl too hot and wild to introduce to mama. Released with absolutely no forewarning, the EP still cracked the iTunes Top 10 on release day.
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“Red, White and Blue Girls” EP
Released: June 1, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 3
Great sing-along country EP from the only mother-daughter duo to ever compete on The Voice. Mother Allison Steel and daughter Krystal serve up two versions of an addictive title track, but the best song among the five tracks might be the clever ballad “The Devil Leads.” The EP also featured “Mad Black Magic,” a single the ladies released last year.
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“Long Way” EP
Released: May 27, 2016
Finish: Top 8, Season 8
This four-song country EP from the 22-year-old will certainly leave fans wanting more. Corey calls the title track about his great-grandfather the most personal he’s ever written. But equally addictive are the catchy up-tempo “You Got It” and a ballad called “When I’m Lonely,” which features background vocals from Hannah Ellis, another Season 8 auditioner.
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“A Good Storm”
Released: May 13, 2016
Finish: 1st, Season 8
Curiously, the debut album from the teen who ran away with The Voice Season 8 crown features only six new songs since four of the tunes here were on an EP released in November. The best of the new tracks from the rootsy singer-songwriter: “This Fire,” “Not Coming Home” and “Shots Fired.” Sawyer’s previously released duet with Season 8 colleague Mia Z called “Stranger” remains the album’s standout track.
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Lyndsey Elm
“Onward” EP
Released: May 9, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 9
The first post-show offering from a California gal who turned four chairs with her blind audition, this four-song EP was produced by fellow Team Gwen Stefani member Tim Atlas. “Nothin’ On Me,” which Lyndsey dubbed “the perfect kiss-off song” was the single and she delivers a lovely vocal on a ballad called “Sweet Serendipity.”
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“Constellation”
Released: May 6, 2016
Finish: 4th, Season 2
Chris’ first post-Voice album (“Roads” from 2012) was chock full of covers. Here, the classically trained vocalist intentionally turns the focus to self-penned tunes and provides plenty of highlights, from mid-tempo numbers like “Comeback” and “Rain Like This” to ballads like “Echo,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Love and War.” Oh, since Chris was playing the lead on the U.S. tour of “Phantom of the Opera” at the time, there is one cover — “Music of the Night.”
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Blind Joe
“By the Fans, For the Fans”
Released: May 5, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 9
“Blind Joe” Bommersbach took down all his pre-Voice music, then released this 12-track album that includes new recordings of his three covers from The Voice, studio versions of a couple of originals and live tracks from some of his shows. Beware: the latter are rough and include a tasteless tribute to Carrie Underwood. The highlights: “Pity Don’t Get Ya Paid” and “Drinkin’ Your Memory Off My Mind.”
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Riley Biederer
“To Me and You” EP
Released: May 4, 2016
Finish: Season 9, Top 20
The young pop singer with more than 24 million views on her YouTube channel has been busy since The Voice, touring with Nick Carter. Then comes this high-energy six-track pop EP. Top tracks include the up-tempo “Out of My Mind” and “Stupid.” Riley also serves up a pair of ballads, the title track and “Game Over,” which you can check out at right.
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Fuente (Brian Fuente)
“Water” EP
Released: April 29, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 2
Brian Fuente was fronting a pop-rock band called Newmatic pre-Voice. Now he’s fronting a four-member alternative rock band that bears his last name and released its first two EPs in 2016. The title track, also made into a music video, is the highlight among these four songs. Brian’s also married to Season 3 Voice contestant and former Disney star Jordan Pruitt.
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“Eclectic Electric”
Released: April 25, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 3
The guy from Minneapolis, who also placed in the Top 16 on Season 14 of American Idol, delivers a 12-track album following a successful Pledge Music campaign. It includes two versions of a delightfully fun song called “Stopping for Green Lights,” and a reworking of the superb “Not Cold But Broken” from his pre-singing show days. You’ll also want to check out “Murphy’s Harp.”
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“Trip”
Released: April 22, 2016
Finish: Top 20, Season 6
The young man with the remarkable range began releasing a song a week — a mix of originals and covers — early in the year, then put all the originals together on this album from Jake Barker and the Blended Babies, a Chicago-based production duo. Keepers include “Crash,” “Perfect” and the oh, so sultry “Ambalance.”
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“First Train” EP
Released: April 19, 2016
Finish: Top 8, Season 5
Blake Shelton called his sound “swampy” and the young man from Louisiana serves up a mix of funk and soul on a six-song EP, his post-show debut. Ray’s at his best when he pumps up the energy level, as he does on the EP opening “One Trick Pony” and the soulful “Right Where You Want Me.”
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Javier Colon
“Gravity”
Released: April 15, 2016
Finish: Winner, Season 1
This marks Javier’s first album since 2011’s “Come Through for You,” which was his post-Voice debut. Javier says “Gravity” “really represents who I am as an artist better than anything I’ve ever done.” The title track is superb (video at right). So is a ballad called “The Hard Way.” Other tracks you’ll definitely want to check out: “Giant,” “Clear the Air” and “Walking Blind.” The 13-track album also includes Javier’s cover of “Hallelujah.”
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Nicholas David
“With These Hands”
Released: April 15, 2016
Finish: 3rd, Season 3
The first full-length album since 2009 for the veteran performer from Minnesot,a who turned a single chair turn into a spot in the finals on Season 3 of the show. If you’re looking for mainstream pop music, look elsewhere. But Nicholas serves up some fine tracks, including “Go To Bed,” “2 Times” and “Moon at Noon.”
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“Audra McLaughlin” EP
Released: April 14, 2016
Finish: Top 8, Season 6
The country singer from Philly turned four chairs with her blind audition cover of “Angel from Montgomery” but goes mostly up-tempo on her five-track debut EP. It features a remix of her lead single, the catchy “Tennessee Cowboy” and the equally addictive “Messin’ with a Heart Like Mine.” Audra slows things down on the lone ballad, “One Last Night.”
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“State of Mind”
Released: April 8, 2016
Finish: Top 12, Season 4
With lyrics like “runnin’ through these bitches like Rambo” on a song called “Rambo,” the high-pitched yikes at the opening of a couple of songs on this six-track EP are entirely appropriate. There’s nothing here as catchy as the best tracks (like “I’m on It”) off Vedo’s 2015 album, “93.” The only track without explicit lyrics is at right.
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Xenia
“Artemisa” EP
Released: April 7, 2016
Finish: Top 8, Season 1
The second EP from Xenia takes on more of a singer-songwriter vibe than her very pop sounding “Sing You Home” from late 2011. The standout tracks are the superb “Window Pain,” released last year as a single, and “Hold Me,” the closing number on the five-track project. As for that title — Xenia Edith Martinez says she named the EP after her grandmother.
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“Where the Ocean Shallows”
Released: April 1, 2016
Finish: Season 7, Top 20
Taylor serves up a 12-track alternative rock album that he calls “the best project I’ve ever been a part of.” It could, however, use a few more tunes that stick with you after a first listen. Standout tracks include “Desire,” “Long Way Down” and the superb “Harvest the Moon,” which was released as a single last summer.
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“Something Beautiful”
Released: March 18, 2016
Finish: 1st Season 9
Released just three months after his victory, this album marked the quickest turn-around ever by a winner of The Voice. It also set records for best Billboard 200 debut (#2) and first-week sales (54,000). Fans who loves what Jordan did on the show will likely love the album because it includes covers of classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Amazing Grace.” Fans looking for a glimpse of Jordan Smith as an original artist will be left wanting. The 12 tracks include just four originals, one of which Jordan co-wrote. Particularly odd is Jordan singing “I gotta be a little crazy” on “Got to be Me.” There’s nothing at all crazy about the album, though Jordan’s voice remains remarkable.
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“Anytime Anywhere” EP
Released: Feb. 26, 2016
Finish: Top 20, Season 9
Veteran musician Keith Semple traveled to Nashville to record his first post-Voice EP, and you can certainly hear the country influence on the five-track collection, especially the ballads “The First Time” and “Take Me Home.” The latter is a highlight on the EP along with the catchy and addictive title track and the rollicking “Taking My Chances on Tennessee.” Just try to avoid tapping your toes to that one.
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“Sessions Volume 1: Sun Studio” EP
Released: Feb. 26, 2016
Finish: 3rd, Season 2
New versions of three previously released songs from Tony, recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis earlier this year. The collection includes “Anchored” from his 2010 “Rendevous with the Angels” album and “Delilah” and “Smoke ‘Em” from his self-titled album from January 2015. Tony calls them “some of my most inspired recordings to date.” The new version of “Anchored” (starts at 2:25 mark in video) sure qualifies.
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“Son of a Working Man”
Released: Feb. 23, 2016
Finish: Knockout Round, Season 8
A standout debut country album from a 21-year-old who calls West Virginia home. Among the 12 tracks, Cody includes a cover of George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the song that helped him turn four chairs on The Voice. But most impressive are the 10 originals, as Cody flexes great range from a country rocker like “Addicted to You” to a ballad like “Better Off” to a fun drinking song called “Three Tequila, Floor.”
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“Side A” EP
Released: Feb. 21, 2016
Finish: 3rd place, Season 6
“Side A” must stand for addictive, because this is one of the best pop EPs we’ve gotten from a former contestant on The Voice. All four tracks are winners and Christina sounds amazing on her first major release since appearing on the show. “Snow White” was the first song released and the first scheduled for a video treatment. Christina: Can we have a “Side B?” Soon? Pretty please.
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“Stratospheric”
Released: Feb. 16, 2016
Finish: Battle Round, Season 9
Pharrell Williams called Manny’s voice “stratospheric” at one point in Season 9, so the veteran rocker borrowed the term as the title of his first-show EP. And Manny rocks outs on a EP that he describes as “my passion placed nicely in a 4-song package.” But the vocal highlight is a power ballad called “Waiting.”
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“8 Track”
Released: Feb. 1, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 4
The third album from Tawnya is also her first since 2010. It features a more traditional country sound on eight songs she wrote. Highlights include the toe-tapping, bluegrass-tinged opening track called “Wander” and a ballad about lost love called “Side Effects.” The latter was co-written by another Voice alum, Amber Carrington.
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“Maybe Monday” EP
Released: Feb. 1, 2016
Finish: Top 16, Season 4
A solid five-track country EP from a guy who just missed the finals on Season 4. Pre-Voice, Justin was part of a Dove Award winning and a Grammy-nominated Christian group called Austins Bridge. Highlights on his second solo EP — following 2013’s six-track “Love for Livin'” — include the catchy “When I Won’t Love You,” about a guy endlessly devoted to his gal, and the fun-loving “Cheap Seats.”
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“Timeless” EP
Released: Jan. 29, 2016
Finish: 3rd, Season 4
This six-track EP marks a solid followup to a successful debut album from the most successful duo ever to appear on The Voice. Top tracks include the ridiculously catchy title song, “Just Another Girl” and “Killing Me.” The EP’s release was timed to coincide with the brothers’ prize gig as an opening act on Carrie Underwood’s “Storyteller” tour. The EP debuted at number 19 on Billboard’s country albums chart.
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Reagan James
“Have a Nice Day”
Released: Jan. 29, 2016
Finish: Top 10, Season 7
Reagan was just 15 when she auditioned for Season 7 of The Voice, and she sounds much older than her years on this sophomore effort, which follows a pre-show album from 2013 (“Remedy”). The R&B / soul influences are also much more apparent on this eight-song collection. Highlights include “Waterfalls,” “Breaking the Bank” and “Lullaby.” Unfortunately, none of the songs are as memorable as Reagan’s 2015 single “Blue.”
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Monique Benabou
“Goin’ Nowhere” EP
Released: Jan. 29, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 2
Don’t remember Monique? She earned a spot on Team Christina way back in Season 2 covering Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All,” but had the misfortune of being paired against Chris Mann in the battle round. This is a four-track dance EP. The highlight is the opening track, “Is That Too Much.” Check it out at right.
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Evan McKeel
“Live Sessions No. 1”
Released: Jan. 19, 2016
Finish: 11th, Season 9
Upon his elimination from The Voice, Evan said he was ready to hit the ground running, with about two albums worth of material ready for release. This seven-song collection came about a month after Season 9 ended. Highlights include “A Chance You Ought to Take” and “Never Get Enough.” If there’a drawback the collection, it’s that there’s not a lot of diversity on the singer-songwriter album.
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“Grayspaces” EP
Released: Jan. 19, 2016
Finish: Knockout round, Season 7
Grant was just 16 when he auditioned for Season 7 and advanced to the knockouts before being ousted in a matchup with fellow teen Reagan James. The EP features four tracks; the ballad “Forever on My Mind” easily being the best of those. Grant says it’s a song he wrote while on The Voice.
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“Dream Chaser” EP
Released: Jan. 15, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 8
Jeremy is the vocalist with the West Point Band who turned heads — and four chairs — when he auditioned with “Superstar.” This pop EP includes just three tracks, none of which seem like the best showcase for Jeremy’s impressive vocals. “Grace Life” is the EP’s most interesting listen.
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Matt Snook
“Guitars, Girls, Green Grass and Guns” EP
Released: Jan. 5, 2016
Finish: Battle round, Season 8
The first post-show release from a prolific country singer who auditioned for The Voice at age 41 and already had three EPs to his credit. Highlights here include the fun-loving title track and a pair of ballads, “A Book Judged by Its Cover” and the especially impressive “Jesus and Jones.”
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“Muzic is Life”
Released: Jan. 5, 2016
Finish: Top 20, Season 8
The first post-show album from Tonya, who was 35 when she auditioned for The Voice and advanced all the way to the live playoffs. It’s an 13-track R&B/soul collection, but with Tonya being from New Orleans, it’s also marked by heavy jazz influences. Says Tonya: “This baby has been brewing for six years.” Highlights include the funky “Music All Over the World” and a pair of ballads, “Destiny” and “Wish You Well.”
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