Idol Chatter & Voice Views

After winning Season 8 of American Idol, Kris Allen had to rush record his debut album while still on that year’s American Idol summer tour.

To my ears, the result was an album that sounded less like the Kris Allen fans grew to love on Idol and more like Idol-influenced pop.

Well, there was no rushing the second album, “Thank You, Camelia,” which comes out Tuesday, a full three years after confetti fell on Kris on the Idol stage.

And, judging from the sound of the lead single, “Vision of Love,” Kris made good use of the time.

He’s also launched an interesting way to introduce his album on his website — 45-second video snippets in which you hear a short clip of each song, followed by an explanation of the meaning behind it.

For instance, he says “Out Alive” is one of his favorite tracks. It’s a song about a relationship that’s seen it’s difficulties, but in which the couple decides there’s still a chance to make it work.

“The song leaves you hanging at the end,” Kris says, “which I like.”

Kris isn’t leaving anyone hanging. He’s inviting folks to listen to the 11 base tracks on the album by heading here.

His website is also offering a fan edition that includes three bonus tracks that will only be available digitally elsewhere, plus a 5-song acoustic bonus disc.

In terms of promotion for the album, Kris will perfrom at the Apple Store in New York on Monday, and appear on ABC’s “Live with Kelly” on album release day (9 a.m., WHTM locally).

Check back later this week. As reviews of the album become available, I’ll post a compilation of them in this blog.

Now, a live performance of “Out Alive” as performed at The Mint in Los Angeles back in February.