Critics deliver high praise for Haley’s Listen Up

May 22, 2012 By Mark Franklin 1

So far, so good for Haley Reinhart.

Because the critics are loving her new album, “Listen Up!”

One reason — it’s unlike anything we’ve heard from a former Idol contestant.

A throwback — the photos in the CD jacket, hula hoop and all, are the first clue — that suddenly seems fresh in the days after Adele.

And Haley, who co-wrote every tune, sounds great with that sexy, sassy voice of hers, especially on “Wasted Tears,” “Undone,” “Keep Coming Back” and “Hit the Ground Runnin’.” The latter is one of the best new Idol tunes we’ve heard this year.

Anyway, enough of what I think. Here’s what the critics are saying.

New York Times: Unrated, but full of praise. “It’s convincing and fresh … It’s unfashionable and a bit out of touch, and what a smart thing that turns out to be.”

Spin.com: Gives Haley 7 out of 10, saying “thank Adele for an Idol album with depth. Thank Winehouse for the dusty soul. Thank Reinhart for the pipes.”

ArtistDirect.com: Gives Haley 4 stars out of 5, saying “It doesn’t matter whether she’s missing a lost lover or calling out the wrong one, that voice remains robust.”

Entertainment Weekly: Gives Haley a B+, saying “The disc’s retro second half is pure funky delight.”

Now, a live version of “Hit the Ground Runnin'”