Idol Chatter & Voice Views

One of the most talented singers ever to be gypped out of a spot in the American Idol finals is about to release her first full-length CD.

Kristen McNamara — or KMAC, as she likes to be called — was a victim of that horrid season eight format in which dozens of the 36 semifinalists were dismissed in a heartbeat.

Had she made it, I can pretty much ensure she would have enlivened a finals that was borderline bad/boring whenever Adam Lambert or Allison Iraheta wasn’t on stage.

Anyway, the business as hand is Kristen’s new CD. It’s named “Pirate” after a catchy dance track that will be the album’s first single. I loved it the first time I heard it.

The CD features 12 songs, including a pop version of “If I Die Young” and “Duval Street,” a ballad previously released as a single that provides evidence of Kristen’s vocal chops.

I just listened to the entire CD — you can, too, here — and came away impressed. Other tracks that grabbed my attention, “Jezebel,” “Walk on Water,” “Last Regret” and “Where You Are.” Well done, KMAC.

Pre-orders for the album are now being taken on Kristen’s website. For the $9.99 cost of the CD, you also get a pair of instant downloads, of “Pirate” and a non-album song, “San Diego.”

Just for the heck of it, here’s some KMAC to listen to, a fine acoustic version of “Pirate.”