Phil Stacey

Last year, American Idol judge Randy Jackson predicted that finalist Phil Stacey would find success in country music, joining the likes of Idol alumni Carrie Underwood, Josh Gracin, Kellie Pickler, and Bucky Covington. In an attempt to make that prediction come true, Stacey has now released his self-titled debut, produced by Wayne Kirkpatrick (Little Big Town, Eric Clapton). Fans from the show won’t be disappointed, as Stacey sounds as good as ever on this album. There isn’t much here, though, to grab the attention of new listeners.

Stacey’s voice is well trained – he holds a degree in vocal performance – but sometimes that works against him. The vocals and music together occasionally lean toward the overly polished and generic, especially for a country album. Yet, lyrically, the songs stand strong.

Though Stacey is a songwriter, he decided not to use his own material for this album. (It would be interesting to hear some of it in the future.) The predominant theme of each track is some type of love – romantic love, brotherly love, or the love of God. Sometimes it’s not clear which of the three he’s referring to, allowing listeners to search through the ambiguity for their own interpretations.

The debut single, “If You Didn’t Love Me,” is actually one of the weaker songs on the album. It was co-written by labelmate Gary LeVox, and it includes some vocal runs that recall his own hits as lead singer of Rascal Flatts. Among the better tracks is the album’s opener, “It’s Who You Know,” where Stacey shows more character. It cleverly turns a saying about worldly success into a statement about what matters when we leave this world: “When the walkin’ is over / at the end of the road / it ain’t what you’ve done, son / it’s who you know.” Also worth mentioning is “No Way Around A River,” a melodic ballad about helping a loved one go through difficult times. “You Are Mine” is a sweet, quiet love song that compares its subject to both a muse and a masterpiece. The upbeat closer, “Identity,” is just begging to be a hit on Christian radio.

The album’s stand-out track is definitely the rocking “‘Round Here.” It was written by the members of Little Big Town, and their influence shows through in the energetic instrumentation and thick harmonies. Stacey finally injects some real attitude and grit into his voice here, making the song lively and memorable. Much of the rest of the album is pleasant but forgettable, as the infamous Simon Cowell might say.

Stacey’s debut may be marketed as country, but it’s really more like pop rock with some country and gospel tendencies. This may have something to do with the wide net he is casting – the album includes tracks that will appeal to fans of country, Christian AC, and Christian and mainstream pop. On American Idol, Stacey seemed to have difficulty establishing his own identity as an artist, and he still hasn’t quite accomplished that yet. He has come out with a solid debut that includes a little something for everyone, but will likely leave them wishing for a little more.

↓ One comment

#1 grace on December 10th, 2008 at 4:55 am

i reviewed this one too…totally agree, though i was a bit harsh

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