Admittedly, I gravitate towards female American Idol contestants, just for the simple fact that I like a female voice more than I like a male voice. Case in point – James Durbin. While watching Season 10 of American Idol, I was not the biggest James Durbin fan. My problem? I thought Durbin was essentially a less flashy and flamboyant version of Adam Lambert. Every performance was “shoutier” than the one before, almost to the point of being screechy. While I had much admiration for Durbin, who was diagnosed with Tourettes and Aspergers, his style of music and on stage persona just wasn’t making a connection with me.
Now that I’ve had over a year to calm my nerves, I have to admit, James Durbin has grown into quite the little rock star. After watching his new(ish) video for single “Stand Up,” which was released on VEVO back towards the end of January, I left a little blown away. American Idol really is a well oiled machine. They know how to turn an everyday “Joe” like Durbin into a star, all the while, preserving his unique essence and voice. I’m very impressed. While “Stand Up” might not be what I typically listen to, I recognize talent when I see it and James Durbin‘s oozing with talent.
Signed to indie label Wind-Up Records, Durbin released his debut album, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster, on November 21st of last year. The album was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (Hoobastank, Papa Roach, Daughtry) and featured collaborations with guitarist Mick Mars, Swedish band Hardcore Superstar, Sixx:A.M. singer James Michael and songwriter Marti Fredericksen. Durbin has released two singles off the album, the first of which, “Love Me Bad” was released November 2nd. Follow up single, “Stand Up” was written for Official Gameday Music of the NFL Vol. 1 and released to rock radio stations. While AllMusic.com said that the album was more pop than rock, it did praise Durbin’s “vocal goods.” The album peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200 and at #8 on the Rock Albums chart.
Download Durbin’s debut album on U.S. iTunes HERE and check out the video for “Stand Up” below.
Check out James Durbin on the web: