Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Editor’s Note: Regular visitors to this blog will notice a completely different look. But in transferring blogs to the new site, I’ve fallen behind on reviewing Idol music. Now I’m catching up. For capsule reviews of all the Idol CDs released in 2010, go here.

During his American Idol exit interview, Michael Sarver said he had already written more than 800 songs.

The 10th-place finisher from season eight serves up six on his 14-track self-titled debut CD, which was released in July.

Haven’t heard much about it? Well, it peaked at number 58 on Billboard’s country album chart. And the album’s lead-in single, “Ferris Wheel,” never got spinning.

It’s the best track on the album, along with one of Sarver’s tunes, the rollicking “Watch Me,” about a guy determined to make good despite the naysayers.

Two other tracks worth a listen — the ballad “Tell Me,” about a son confronting the father who abandoned his family; and another country-rocker, “Always Surviving,” about another determined underdog.

Otherwise, this is a pretty pedestrian debut effort. Though the bonus track — “Angels Sing” — might provide a hint that the former oil rig worker’s musical future lies in Christian music. It features one of the album’s most inspired vocals.

Grade: C

Download worthy: “Ferris Wheel,” “Watch Me.”

Other reviews:
AllMusic.com: Gives Michael 3 stars out of 5

Michael Sarver
“Michael Sarver”

1. Watch Me
2. Baby I Want You
3. Ferris Wheel
4. Gonna Be a Good Night
5. Sae
6. Give It to Me
7. I’m in the Mood
8. Let Me Love You
9. Cinderella Girl
10. The Way She Loves Me
11. Always Surviving
12. Tell Me
13. You Are
14. Angels Sing (Bonus Track)