Idol Chatter & Voice Views

It’s that time of year again — time to look back at the best music turned out by American Idol alumni in the past year.

Below are my selections for the Top 5 American Idol albums from 2014.

Altogether, former American Idol finalists released 18 albums or EPs (which I also considered for this Top 5) in 2014.

For a complete list and mini reviews of them all, head here. You’ll also find a list of singles released by former American Idol finalists. If I’ve missed anyone, let me know and I’ll be glad to add them.

I’ve been doing this for a while. So if you’d like to take a look back, follow these links …

Best Idol albums of 2013

Best Idol albums of 2012

Best Idol albums of 2011

Best Idol albums of 2010

Now, this year’s countdown …

5. “Reverie,” Didi Benami

The long-awaited debut from Didi landed in late September and is one of those albums that grows on you with repeated listens. Her haunting vocals will lure you in; then you’ll get songs like “Picture Perfect,” “Heartstrings” and “Til I Find You” stuck in your head. Which is a very good thing.

4. “Testify,” Caleb Johnson

Season 13 winner Caleb recorded this album in just three weeks and it was released less than three months after he was crowned an Idol champ. It flopped commercially, but deserved better. Just listen to the title track, “Devil’s Daughter” and “Fighting Gravity.”

3. “Behind the Light,” Phillip Phillips

Without a smash single like “Home” to propel it, this album wasn’t as successful on the Billboard charts as Phillips’ 2012 debut. But it’s a fine sophomore album, and he has a writing credit on every track. In addition to lead single “Raging Fire,” check out “Lead On,” “Midnight Sun,” and “Don’t Trust Me.”

2. “Horizons,” Kris Allen

In my opinion, Kris’ best post-Idol album yet. Lead single “Prove it to You,” featuring Russian vocalist Lenachka, is the standout track, but far from the only highlight. Check out “Prove it to You,” “Beautiful and Wild,” “It’s Always You” and “Young Love.” And, even though it was released independently, it debuted at number 80 on the Billboard 200.

1. “In This Life,” Elise Testone

Wow! Elise is best known for her cover of “Whole Lotta Love” on Idol. After this superb debut album, she should be known for nothing but her own blues-infused material. The first three tracks — “In This Life,” “Still We Try” and “Never Gave Me Butterlies” — are as brilliant an introduction to an artist as you’re likely to find. And the ballad “I Will Not Break” is simply beautiful.