Plum-colored locks, destroyed denim, leather arm cuffs and a raspy, Janis Joplin-like vocal range established Season 8 “American Idol” contestant and fourth-place runner-up Allison Iraheta as the show’s resident feisty rock ‘n’ roll chick.
For her debut album Just Like You, Iraheta checks all the boxes on the list of poppy-punk rocker requirements, right down to her black, polished nails and angst-drenched lyrics. Sadly, what results is an album that sounds just like her pop-rock predecessors.
Iraheta impressed “Idol” audiences with her mature vocalization skills throughout the competition, performing tunes like Joplin’s classic “Piece of My Heart,” which seemed beyond her 16 years of age.
However, on this freshman effort, it seems the vocal maturity is still there, but her song lyrics and rhythms detract from her hoarse yet arresting voice, transforming Iraheta from a young Joplin to an adolescent Pink.
The album starts out strong with “Friday I’ll Be Over U,” a sticky sweet girl power punch as Iraheta laments a past tryst wailing, “No, no I ain’t gonna cry/ Go and be with her tonight I really don’t care what you do/ Cause Friday I’ll be over you.”
But this pop delight is followed by “Robot Love,” an upbeat track that attempts to refashion Gary Glitter’s “Rock and Roll, Pt. 2,” the annoying sports rally anthem that simply consists of mismatched and repeated cries of “Hey!”
Although this redesign could have been a unique combination, the lyrics manifest into a cringe-worthy social commentary on how technology can potentially ruin a romantic relationship.
Amidst the motivational roars of Glitter, and that familiar pump-up beat, Iraheta croons, “Technology sucks/ I wish I could change all your numbers/ Put your phone underwater/ And if your gadgets spoke back, I would have to ask/ Why won’t you let up/ You’re such a home wrecker.” Although not exactly heart-stopping prose, the lyrics fit with inane tune.
“D Is For Dangerous” and “You Don’t Know Me” are certified radio-hits that have a sexy kind of aching rock rawness to them that organically highlights Iraheta’s beautifully raspy harmonies.
However, in “Beat Me Up,” Iraheta alarmingly touches on the disquieting theme of domestic violence with upbeat rhythms and background clapping, which seems like inappropriate melodies for such weighty subject matter.
“Don’t Waste the Pretty” is an odd prelude to “Beat Me Up,” with counseling lyrics like, “Don’t waste the pretty on him/ Don’t waste the pretty on pain/ When it gets to much too take, don’t give it away.” Even though this track offers both a compelling pop drumbeat and touching words, it does not engage well with “Beat Me Up,” as Iraheta seems to ignore her own inspirational lyrics.
Iraheta has cited Pink as her favorite female artist, and this respect for the cotton candy-haired vocalist is apparent throughout the album and even in Iraheta’s own choice of magenta tresses. On tracks like “Pieces” and “Holiday,” their vocal resemblance will have you checking your iPod to see which artist you’re actually listening to.
Fans who were sad to see Iraheta depart “Idol” early will savor Just Like You for its pop-rock melodies and spurring, girl power overtones. And for the non-“Idol” followers who appreciate the vocals of Pink or Ashlee Simpson, this album holds some soft rock gems for you, too.
3 stars out of 5.
