..I say, "I concur."

I had the chance to speak to David this morning to ask if he felt the album was rushed, and we both agree...it was. But rushed isn't always a negative. And in Cook's case, this is only the beginning.

David Cook's whirlwind self titled release day has finally come to a close. With iTunes showing David as 1 on the Rock chart, and a solid 2 with SoundScan, this release looks to be promising. But with the week ahead, will the album keep steam?

Critics across the country have thrown both praises and acidic commentary towards the new fledged rocker. Hearing everything from near-worship to "Daughtry Clone" remarks, it's hard to say where the pieces fit for David Cook.

With pressure from management to get the album out for a holiday release, it's apparent that there is a lackluster sheen to the finished product. Some of the same sounds are heard prominently, while others may have you questioning which Idol's album you just purchased. However, the cloned tracks are not unpleasant, (save for Light On...) and actually pique your curiosity just enough to see where exactly David Cook is headed next after this initial release.
It's hard to say which audience Cook wants to grasp as his main demographic. With a college tour to ensue early next year, it may be a slightly misconstrued communication to those who have remained faithful, and even more so to the older demographic of Cook fans. The release has proved to be a strategic one, with Cook even going so far as to say, "I just want it to be important." Staying power for the next album after certain "vices" are no longer in place? May as well come out and say it directly. Sure, it's not great, but it WILL make a great coaster once the new album comes out after I cut a few strings, but thanks for the .15 cents I need to get me to my next record!

Despite the cookie-cutter sounds, there are a few tracks that do stand out. Definitely worth it's place as the 1 song on the album is, 'Declaration.' It's catchy. And you will find yourself singing your lungs out alongside David because it's just that damn good. Or maybe it's my slight obsession with The Goo Goo Dolls front man John Rzeznik (who lent his shiny Songwriter's Hall of Fame finishing touch to the track) speaking. Also well worth the listen is 'Permanent.' You may have to sit for this one. It's not the David Cook you know and love, and this is why I love it. He really bares his soul in this extremely raw, emotional piece. It's moving. And it proves that you don't have to be the bad ass rocker to actually man up and just SING. Throw out any misconceptions you may have, Cook wants to prove himself. And to do that, one must see past the devoid of emotion packaging and look into the music itself. If you listen close enough, David tells you his life's journey and the heartache he's faced thus far in achieving his dreams. Lyrically, it's stunning. I just wish some of the music actually fit the words a bit more eloquently. I'm sure with more time, Cook would have been able to achieve that.

Overall, this is just enough to satisfy any fan and give the masses exactly what they wanted. Listen and love, everyone. What's next for David Cook will be even better still! So stop holding on to those Analog Heart days. Those are long gone, my friends.