The debut by former American Idol contestant Michael Johns has more in common with James Morrison (who contibuted lyrics to the album) and Marc Broussard than it does with any other Idol castoffs. Hold Back My Heart is another example of why it’s far better for good singers to lose the popular “reality” music show than to win.
The album opens with the solidly sincere ballad “Heart On My Sleeve”, but much more interesting are the retro soul arrangements of “Feelin’ Alright” and a revamped cover of The Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody”.
The bluesier songs on the album – “Little Bear”, “Mountains”, and the album’s sultry title track – seem to best suit John’s rich voice. The Australian singer-songwriter’s throaty croons and howls remind me of former INXS frontman Michael Hutchence.
You can download a free mp3 of “Heart On My Sleeve” at Amazon by clicking the following link…
Michael Johns – Heart On My Sleeve
