Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Give Jason Castro credit for this. If Plan A doesn’t work out, he wastes no time moving along to Plan B.

So a few months after releasing a self-titled pop CD, he’s back at it, pushing his new CD/EP on Christian radio.

The slash is there because “Who I Am,” released Tuesday, includes five new songs and five recycled tracks from Jason’s debut album.

And just for good measure, he simultaneously released a five-track EP of live acoustic recordings called “Live from Studio 1290.”

The one EP song you won’t find on either of Jason’s CDs is a cover of Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly.” It’s a great track; Jason sounds like he was born to sing the song.

Among the rest, “Love Uncompromised” benefits from the acoustic touch, especially the a cappella opening.

“It Matters to Me” definitely does not.

As for “Who I Am,” like Jason’s debut album, it’s hit and miss — unfortunately in this case, more miss.

The single “You Are” is getting airplay on Christian radio. And rightfully so.

But three of the other five tracks sound like songs that were rejects from Jason’s impressive debut album.

On the plus side, the new CD includes “Hallelujah” and “That’s What I’m Here For,” two of the best tracks off that album. If you haven’t checked those out, you should.

Because I’ve gotta give Jason Castro credit for this. When he combines that voice with the right song, he’s got this dreadlocked acoustic troubadour act down pat. The result: Pure magic.

He just doesn’t do that consistently enough yet.

Download worthy: “Learning to Fly,” “You Are.”

Grade: C

Jason Castro
“Who I Am”
1. What If I Fall
2. You Are
3. That’s What I’m Here For
4. Changing Colors
5. Who I Really Am
6. Wait for a Miracle
7. It Matters to Me
8. Let’s Just Fall in Love Again
9. This Heart of Mine
10. Hallelujah

Jason Castro
“Changing Colors:
Live at Studio 1290”
1. Changing Colors
2. If I Were You
3. It Matters to Me
4. Learning To Fly
5. Lover Uncompromised