Adam Lambert 24/7 News

December 30, 2009
A decade of Idol-worthy albums
Mike Ruiz

American Idol has been serious business since it debuted in 2002 -- for the music industry and for fans. Favorites are ferociously defended, even if album sales don't always reflect the devotion.

That's why this list -- the 10 best albums from Idol singers of the past decade -- was tricky. I redid it a few times, left out a few initial inclusions (Daughtry, Fantasia) and ignored some commercial giants (namely Carrie Underwood, whose trio of discs boast killer singles but are weighed down with truly awful filler).

I avoided repeating artists, except for one unavoidable instance. You'll see soon enough. And it seems most of the better stuff was in the latter half of the decade.

Let the bickering commence!

1. All I Ever Wanted, Kelly Clarkson (2009): The original Idol's most recent album ran a close race with her second, Breakaway. But I chose this one because it's the culmination of Clarkson's three previous discs: a little R&B, a little rock, a little country and a consistently terrific listen. Every song sounds like a smash.

2. Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson (2004): How to not include Clarkson's true breakout, which was fueled by a string of fist-pumping singles, led by Since U Been Gone -- the best single from an Idol alum. Even with a few moments of filler, it's miles better than anything put out by Idol's long run of winners.

3. High Hopes & Heartbreak, Brooke White (2009): One of this year's sweetest surprises was this disc, as sunny and crisp as White's TV personality.

4. For Your Entertainment, Adam Lambert (2009): Love him, hate him, envy his hair. Lambert's disc is flashy, campy and fun -- and his fans love him for it.

5. Elliott Yamin, Elliott Yamin (2007): There's something immensely likable about Yamin, and he's also an effortless, soulful singer. That heartfelt single Wait For You became a radio hit was a wonderful surprise.

6. Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Hudson (2008): There was real elegance in several of these songs, including singles Spotlight, If This Isn't Love and Giving Myself. And that voice -- that glorious voice.

7. Heartbreak on Vinyl, Blake Lewis (2009): Lewis parted ways with Arista and released this adventurous, eclectic effort, which nicely showcased his electro-dance kookiness.

8. Just Like You, Allison Iraheta: (2009) Iraheta's debut disc was filled with all the major-label essentials for mass appeal. But it truly soared on her husky vocals, which put singers twice her age to shame.

9. Battlefield, Jordin Sparks (2009): The youngest Idol winner's previous disc turned her into a radio sweetheart. Battlefield refined her sound and showcased more maturity. But radio, if you can play repetitive dance trash from Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga, why not Sparks' vastly superior S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)?

10. One Love, Kimberley Locke (2004): Locke managed an easy balance of pop and soul on her first disc, which spawned several criminally catchy AC-radio hits.



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