Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The 10-track collection is called “Oil and Water” and was sitting at number 12 on the iTunes alternative albums chart as of 8 p.m.

It was 78 on the overall albums chart and getting well-deserved rave reviews from Lee’s fans.

Check out some of the comments from his Facebook page.

Pam Fehlling: “You outdid yourself Lee!! What a beautiful collection of music. It’s like ‘Frames’ mixed with ‘Slumberland,’ which equals perfection.”

Annie Ess: “Downloaded my pre-ordered album!!! I’m SO freaking excited. I can’t tell you how much i love this album. Have listened non stop for days.”

Helena Ericsson: “Downloaded and it’s the soundtrack to my day! And weekend. And for the most foreseeable future! Great job once again Lee, beautiful songs, voice and arrangements!”

Like many Idol contestants before him, Lee got pushed in what producers thought would be a more mainstream direction musically after the show and lost some of what made his music so special in the process.

On top of that, his “Live It Up” album from 2010 was not a commercial success.

“Frames,” released in 2013, and the new album are much better. The first four tracks from “Oil and Water” — and that includes the title track — are superb. Highlights on the second half of the album are “Give Me Something” and “Way Too Long.”

Lee is touring in support of the album and will be performing Monday at World Cafe Live in Philly. Head here for ticket info. That tour also includes two other stops in Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh on Feb. 22 and Scranton on March 1.

For a complete list of tour dates, head here.