Diana DeGarmo - Dreams / Don't Cry Out Loud / I Believe

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Music reviews of Dreams / Don't Cry Out Loud / I Believe

Music Review: Review of CD Single Only - Fabulous!
Rating: 5 Stars

What you are about to read is a review of Diana DeGarmo's debut single, "Dreams/Don't Cry Out Loud/I Believe". It is as accurate a picture in words as I can give of what I hear when I listen to this CD. What this is not is an opportunity to speak disparagingly or to "bash" any other artists. It is a review of the CD, which is after all, what should be posted on this page.

I first became aware of Diana on American Idol 3. My first taste of the talent of this astonishingly gifted singer was on "Soul" night when she performed a flawless version of the Aretha Franklin classic "Think." I was completely blown away by the control, power, range and enthusiasm that she showed in that one performance. From that point on I had to watch the show weekly just for her. I must point out that I am not a fan of "reality" TV shows and did not watch the previous seasons of American Idol or indeed its Australian counterpart. Diana DeGarmo was the reason why I became seriously addicted to this program.

Diana is a supremely gifted, lovely young woman who has a sweetness about her that is very appealing. She is a bubbly, happy teenager who acts and dresses according to her age. She has a sensible, serious attitude about her goals and aspirations. I like the fact that she is serious about her education as well as her career. These are attributes that define her as a fine role model.

Vocally, Diana was without doubt the most impressive finalist on American Idol 3. Technically speaking, she was without equal on that show. Her breath control is phenomenal, the tone of her voice is clear and pure with a real beauty to it, the power in her voice is remarkable and her mastery of dynamics in her singing is excellent.

Diana reminds me of three of my favourite singers while remaining true to herself. Firstly, the young Judy Garland due to the mature sound, impressive control and boundless power. Secondly, a young Barbra Streisand with the effortlessly sustained notes in the upper register and the thrilling sound of those big notes. Finally, a young Linda Ronstadt with the ability to sing everything from rock to standards and the size of the voice. Diana is great company there and I have no doubt that she will find a lasting place among the great female singers of all time.

I don't think I've ever been as impressed with a first time effort as I am here. Each of the songs on the album showcases Diana's talent in a unique way. Here is a brief description of what I hear when I play the CD:

Dreams: This is a good song taken a moderate tempo that has a slight country feel to it. Its lyrics are perfect for a girl who is seeing all of her dreams beginning to come true. Diana sings it from the heart but doesn't take the easy route by trying to be melodramatic. She lets the song unfold easily while allowing her own sweet nature to come to the fore. It's an excellent performance that shows that Diana is capable of singing a good pop ballad with the ease and charm of a seasoned performer. It's also worth noting that the version here includes an additional verse that Diana has not been including on the TV performances she has been giving recently by way of introducing the song to the public.

Don't Cry Out Loud: This is the song that, when she performed it on AI3 in the top 3 show, left no doubts that Diana is an incredible talent. While the first TV performance was "flawless" and "perfect" as described by the judges that night and was a passionate and amazing piece of virtuoso singing, the recorded version included here is more restrained. However, this is as it should be given the point of the timeless lyrics. It is a beautiful piece of singing and a wonderful memento of Diana's greatest AI3 performance.

I Believe: This is Diana's version of the AI3 single. I am so pleased that this recording was released, as it is a good song, a kind of anthem to believing in the possibilities that are available to all of us. Diana gives a fantastic performance of the song showing all the wonderful facets of her incredible talent. It is all here and more from her full comprehension of the lyrics delivered with passion and fire, amazing breath control that allows for long, seemingly endless phrases, as well as power and control throughout an impressive vocal range. Like "Dreams", this recording includes an additional verse though the "gospel" style final section performed by her on AI3 is eliminated which to my ear doesn't hurt this performance at all. It's an excellent achievement in singing.

Some of the reviews on this page speak of "off key" singing, "emotionless" singing, "screaming" and even the need for singing lessons! Anyone who describes the singing on this single in the terms stated above has not heard it. They are simply people with private agendas who for reasons unknown to me want to discredit Diana. They won't be able to do that because one listen to this single will prove that without question here is a performer whose star is rising like a comet. Diana DeGarmo will have a very long, successful and multi facetted career. I for one can't wait!

Finally, my recommendations: If you loved her on AI3 as I did, buy this single. It's fantastic. If you like extraordinary pop singing at it's best, buy this single. If you want to be a part of what will prove to be an extraordinary career, buy this single. You won't be disappointed. Diana DeGarmo, thanks for sharing your boundless talent, love and enthusiasm with us all!

Description of Dreams / Don't Cry Out Loud / I Believe

Broadway & Vocalists CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop