10 Post Idol Albums You Should Check Out.

American Idol is my absolute favorite TV show. I have been watching religiously since season 1. Season 13 just began and I can say with confidence this is going to be an amazing season.

As a fan of the show I try to support my favorite artists once they begin their music career. It can be frustrating, because the contestants are so easily forgotten about. People forget about them. But they keep making music anyways. And that is one of the main reasons I love the show.

I own a lot of "post idol" music and I'm always ready to share it with others. So here are the ten post idol albums you should be listening to. Also, I did not include any Kelly or Carrie albums on here because really? That's not fair. And also, if you do not own at least one Kelly Clarkson album, you are seriously making a musical mistake.


 I have included links to Amazon so that you can listen to previews of these great songs.

From the guys: 

 David Archuleta, David Archuleta. Our Season 7 runner up. He is an adorable little nugget who is now serving his Mormon mission so he has put music on hold. He has a couple albums/ep's out, believe it or not, but his first holds a special place in my heart. I'm not sure what will happen with David's music when he returns from his music, but I do know the kid (not so little anymore) has a gorgeous voice. Listen to "Crush", his very first single to make your heart smile, and then listen to "You Can", because it's great.

Jason Castro, Jason Castro.  Jason finished in 4th place on American Idol during Season 7, best known for his "Hallelujah" performance. Jason has actually released a few ep's and albums, but his first one is my favorite. His others are worth checking out too, though, especially if you are a fan of Christian music because that is the direction he took (Jason has never been shy about his faith) after this album dropped. Jason's voice is as smooth as butter, and he is very talented when it comes to musicianship. I have a lot of favorite songs on this CD, but check out "You Can Always Come Home", a duet with Serena Ryder.

 

Phillip Phillips, The World From The Side of the Moon. Phillip took the Idol crown on Season 11. I had this totally irrational dislike for Phillip on his season. Mostly because by that point, I was sick of white guys with guitars getting all the credit, and many of his Idol performances failed to impress me. But when I saw him on tour that summer (yes, I go to the American Idol Live! tours), I changed my mind. I checked out his album when it was released and was surprised to hear how good it was. Phillip has done pretty well on the radio with "Home", and "Gone, Gone, Gone". but my personal favorite track is "A Fool's Dance".

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 David cook, This Loud Morning. Cook won Season 7 of American Idol, and is best known for his post Idol single "Light On". Although you won't hear much from him on the radio these days, he continues to make music and is frequently on tour. This Loud Morning, his second album, is a fantastic pop rock album. "We Believe" is a feel good, powerhouse anthem that I adore.

 

Casey Abrams, Casey Abrams.  If you like the singer songwriter, gritty music, you will love Casey. His album is full of soulful gems. Casey is immensely talented. He plays several instruments, writes his songs, and has a lovely, smooth sound. Check out "Great Bright Morning".

From the girls:

 

Haley Reinhart, Listen Up! Haley was third place on Season 10, losing to Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. She won me over, actually, with her "kiss off" song of "Bennie and The Jets". This album is so rich and full of great pop songs combined with Haley's smooth, jazzy voice. This was one of those albums that I actually bought a hard copy of, and listened to in my car on repeat for WEEKS. Check out "Hit The Ground Runnin'" and "Undone".  

 Megan Joy, Megan Joy. Megan was 9th place during Season 8, otherwise known as The Adam Lambert Season. This one is interesting because I did not like Megan on Idol. I thought she was quirky and kinda fun, and I liked that we had the same name, but her performances were not strong and I wondered what was keeping her on the show. But then something happened. She started posting these short clips of her original songs on Twitter, and I sat there in awe. Where did this girl come from? When she released her first EP in 2012 I bought it and was so impressed. Trust me, listen to "Longing" or "Two Rivers" and you will have ALL THE FEELS. Megan also just recently released another EP that I will be listening to!

Brooke White, Gemini Brooke was 5th place on the best season of Idol Season 7. (But really, can we just agree that it was the best season ever?) Brooke is probably the sweetest contestant to ever hit the Idol stage. After Idol, she joined forces with Jack Matangra to form "Jack and White" and they released Gemini in 2011. It's a bluesy, smoky album full of great songs and wonderful writing. My favorite is "Smoke and Mirrors".

Melinda Doolittle, You're The Reason. Melinda is my favorite Idol contestant of all time, hands down. She landed in third place on Season 6, behind Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis. She just recently released this EP, and I love it so much I listen to it once a day. Melinda is a powerhouse vocalist, and there is no argument there. You cannot listen to her sing and not be moved! All of the songs on her EP are good, but listen to "I Believe in Love". It is a gorgeous song!

 

Jordin Sparks, Battlefield Jordin was our first place winner on Season 6. Jordin's 2nd album, Battlefield, is horrendously overlooked. It is a shame. Battlefield is the PERFECT pop album. There are so many quality songs, but unfortunately, they do not get the credit they deserve. Jordin has a beautiful voice, and awesome personality to match. She's got some movies coming out this year, so keep an eye on this girl because she's not going away! Check out "Let It Rain", my personal favorite tune off the record, but there are so many good ones, it's hard to pick!






Idol fans, sound off in the comments. What is your favorite post Idol album?

God Loves Ugly- Christa Black

Book Review: God Loves Ugly, Christa Black.

I first became familiar with Christa Black in November of 2007, when Jordin Sparks debut album was released. I was a fan of Jordin, and took time to put her album in and listen carefully to each track. When I got to the song titled "God Loves Ugly", I was overcome with emotion. The words touched my heart. I quickly grabbed the CD inset to find out who wrote the song- and read the name Christa Black. I logged onto myspace to find out more about Christa, and when I found her page, I found it was full of compassion and inspiration. I followed her ever since, discovering her incredible writing abilities and the way she related to young women, giving them hope. Most people know of Christa through her work with the Jonas Brothers, as a member of their band on a world tour. During that tour, Christa began writing blogs that touched on topics such as self esteem, eating disorders, faith in God, etc. Those blogs turned into a book, appropriately titled after the life changing song, God Loves Ugly.

Within just the first couple pages of God Loves Ugly, I was completely taken aback by the truth and wisdom in Christa’s writing. So much so, in fact, that I often had to put the book down and take a break. By the middle of the book, I almost didn’t pick it back up again. I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear what I had been shushing all these years. Thankfully, I picked it back up, kept reading, and kept learning about myself. Christa’s writing is not only beautiful, but honest and daring. She shared her story, intertwined with snippets of advice and encouragement. It takes a strong person to be able to pour her heart out the way that Christa did in this book. She did it with grace. Through her stories, her struggle with eating disorders (both a food addiction and bulimia), struggling to fit in, and discovering that she was truly worthy of love, I have found a new hope. The book is relatable, inspiring, and gives hope to all those suffering any form of addiction of self hate that freedom is waiting for them.

I really believe every woman should read this book. While it is aimed at young women and teenagers, everyone will be able to relate to the stories and testimonies. The book will change the way you view yourself, not only with Christa's words of advice and inspiration but the helpful "your turn" section at each end of the chapter, where Christa encourages you to ask the questions that are in the way of finding freedom. I'm not sure that I have ever read a book so hopeful and honest, so invested in its readers and truly wanting them to better themselves and to realize their worth.

Do not be afraid to read this book. I can promise you, it will help you through your struggles. You are loved.

Laurence Carolin

Hello All.

A year ago today, an amazing young man lost his battle to brain cancer. I say amazing, but that is an understatement. Most of you know his story. Some do not. Today I want to share some of the things that made him so special. Please take just a few minutes to read/watch/listen. It may give you something to believe in.

First, I will post the video I made in his memory. It kind of explains a lot of Laurence's life- his dedication to making the world a better place.



BONO

Since a young age, Laurence was intrigued by music. His favorite band was U2, and he credits the band to helping him through his depression and fight with cancer. Laurence originally asked Make A Wish to help him meet Bono, but then changed it. Instead, he wanted the money that WOULD be used donated to the ONE Campaign. Laurence got both. Make A Wish, ONE, and Bono himself were so impressed that they helped out. Laurence ended up raising $5,000 for the ONE campaign. Below are two videos- one of Laurence meeting Bono, and another of Bono giving Laurence a shout out during a concert.



The shout out happens around 5:45-5::50. He says "To Laurence Carolin, a great One Campaigner, who is losing his own life"



As if that wasn't enough, Bono wrote Laurence's parents, Pat and Lisa, a handwritten letter.




The letter says-

Temple Hill (personal letterhead from his home)
Lisa and Pat
Just a note to say how touched myself the band and everyone in the One Campaign was by Laurence. He was and remains a hero to us .. I have just come back from a screening of the U2 360 show from the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles where I sing Amazing Grace and One for him to commemorate a truly special spirit in the world for too short a time but eternal in his impact.
Love and blessing.
Bono

M.A.D. Award

Jordin Sparks is one of my favorite artists. Luckily, I've been blessed enough to be able to get to know her a bit as well. She has one of the sweetest hearts in music. Last year, she announced that she was doing a MAD Award- giving recognition to someone who truly makes a difference. I had to nominate Laurence. Here is my nomination-

He has always been passionate about three things: soccer, music, and raising awareness on poverty. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer at the age of 13, Laurence made it his mission to make every last second count. He was constantly writing letters on the dangers of poverty in Africa, as well as diseases such as malaria. Laurence created facebook groups and student organizations at his school for people to become involved. He has done a range of awareness activities, from food drives at his school to asking the Make A Wish foundation to donate the money he would have used for his wish to the ONE campaign instead. Laurence's original wish was to meet Bono from the band U2. When Bono found out about Laurence's selfless act, he insisted that he meet this young man. In September, Laurence was able to attend a U2 concert and meet the entire band. Bono was amazed. A few weeks later, when U2 did their first ever live broadcast, Bono mentioned Laurence in the middle of "With Or Without You". As Laurence became more and more ill, he has asked for more fundraisers for both the One Campaign and for Nothing But Nets. He set a goal to raise $20,000 for Nothing But Nets. As of January 2010, he has raised over $16,000. Laurence's days are numbered, and soon he won't be with us. However, he has been making a difference in this world since a very young age. He is an angel walking among us, and to say that he is making a difference is an understatement.

Laurence won the award, and his father Patrick was sent a beautiful pack. Jordin also spoke about him on stage in front of an audience full of VIP's. This year, the award was renamed to the Laurence Carolin M.A.D. Award. Thank you, Jordin!

Things I've Written

Writing is my outlet, and dealing with Laurence's passing was no exception. Here are the things I wrote the weekend he passed away:

"Close your eyes
Take one last breath
Take His hand, rest in His arms
We may not get it
But He needs you now
To protect the fearful
And save the fallen
To smile for the depressed
And heal the broken
The hearts you touched
Will miss you deeply
But those hearts are whole
Knowing the difference you've made
Your light keeps shining
Your presence we still feel
You'll always be apart of us
Now you're just one step ahead"

One person's spark
Can light the whole world
Yours was so bright
It will never go out
You may be gone
But it still shines on
Into the hearts of those in pain
Those full of fear and hate
I herby swear to live life for you
With you in my heart
And you watching over me
Keep on guiding, I know you will
Show us the way
Miss your gentle soul
I won't forget you
I love you, rest sweetly.

Dear World,
You should know that we lost a great one today. Laurence Carolin put his heart and soul into living his life for others. He raised awareness, he educated, and he inspired. At the age of 13, Laurence was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. Laurence used this to reach out to others. He raised awareness on poverty and disease in Africa and encouraged others to donate what they could. The things he did in his short life are more than most people dream of doing. God had to take Laurence away today. He took him peacefully, to release him from his struggles. It's okay, don't be mad. He was once an angel walking on earth, but now God needs him upstairs. Laurence was placed on this earth for a reason, and now he'll be up there, protecting us from pain. He may be gone, but his mission will live on forever. Right now Laurence is safely in the arms of his grandpa Jim, and I am positive that he is watching over the people of Haiti and gathering a team of angels to help them out. I'm positive that my good friend Amanda Jones is laughing with Laurence and holding his hand, as they watch over all the young children suffering from cancer on earth. I truly believe that if everyone was 1/2 the person Laurence was, things wouldn't be so bad. It is our duty to "carry each other, sisters and brothers". So I ask you, world, what are you going to do to be a little bit more like Laurence Carolin? Love and Blessings, Megan

And one on his birthday in September...

Your heart of gold was all we could talk about
And how you were constantly pouring it out for others, selflessly
I imagine when you closed your eyes for the final time
Your golden heart broke into pieces
Swirling gracefully into the sky,
Slowly headed toward the clouds,
Which grabbed onto the pieces, tucked them away in the safest place,
the pockets of the angels whose home lies within the clouds
when the rest of us down here get stuck
Pulled into destruction, ready to give up
The angels simply drop your gold from the sky
And it comes swirling gracefully back down,
Until it finds a new home in our hearts
And we can move forward, with a little golden piece of you to keep us going

And, finally, the new one I wrote today, on the anniversary of his death.

15th of January, 2009
I remember it so well
Picking up the phone on a long drive
Hearing the news that gave a new definition to tragedy
The simple phrase was all I needed-
“He’s gone”.
It’s not that is was a surprise,
After 12 months of fighting I knew your strength was little
The tears I was crying weren’t out of shock
I just really don’t find it fair
Why do all the good ones go too soon?
I know things happen for a reason
And I should have faith in that
But I’m sorry, I just can’t understand
15 was much too young
Not a day goes by where I don’t miss you
I promised you I would live your mission
And yeah I’ve tried, but
I know I can do better, please show me how
I have a theory about my heart
It’s been broken, yes, but I think it’s sewn together
Each thread represents another one up there
Who’s watching over me
And all that I am is made up of
What they’ve taught me
Whenever it aches for suffering
Or I feel the drive to stand up and speak out
I know that’s you
And I thank you
You’re my courage

FYI, I only posted just a FEW things that really stand out to me. Laurence's mission was all over the place. You can go here: http://www.one.org/blog/2009/10/02/meet-laurence-carolin/ to read a little more, or just google his name.

I love you all. Very much.