American Idol has launched many careers, and our reviewer thinks that recent contestant Scotty McCreery's debut album is proof of his star power. After a five-year hiatus from the recording studio, indie rocker Leslie Feist returns with Metals, which, our reviewer says, is "worth listening to over and over again." And just because the cold weather is upon us, there's no need to give up sports—FIFA Soccer 12 from Electronic Arts will have couch potatoes lacing up their virtual cleats for some online action.
Clear As Day, Scotty McCreery (Mercury Nashville/19 Recordings/Interscope)
American Idol winner Scott McCreery has a lot to offer with his new studio album, Clear As Day. It comes across with a strong neo-traditionalist approach while possessing a solid country music foundation. Idol gave McCreery a chance to show his stuff, but this album is all him, and boy does he shine. Songs are romantic and sweet, bringing us back to happy times, and with great acoustics, percussion, and a deep bass sound, you'll be reminded of other great country stars like Randy Travis, Brad Paisley, and Garth Brooks. Some of the standout tracks are "Dirty Dishes," "Walk in the Country," "Water Town," "Write My Name on Your Hand" and the title song, "Clear As Day." This is a wonderful debut album that's a clear winner for McCreery.—Rachel L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Metals, Feist (Cherrytree/Interscope)
It's been almost five years since Leslie Feist's last album, but it certainly has been worth the wait. Keeping up with the success of her smash hit "1234," Feist mixes complicated arrangements with heavy emotions, all the while making it seem effortless. Proving that she still has got the goods, Metals is composed of 10 tracks and highlights her sultry demeanor. The edgy ballad "The Bad in Each Other," sets the mood for the album, making it the perfect opening number. And the compilation of short beats and instrumental chimes that slowly fade into the background showcase this artist's versatility. Feist's vocals lead the listener on a journey involving heartbreak, the desire to escape, and hopefully finding the right path. Tracks to look out for are "Comfort Me," "How Come You Never Go There," "Bittersweet Melodies," and "Get It Wrong, Get It Right." This album is definitely worth listening to over and over again.—Frecelyn D., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
FIFA Soccer 12 (Electronic Arts)
FIFA Soccer 12 is a great game that'll give players hours of fun—even those that aren't sports fans. Whether you play in single or multiplayer mode, this game offers a slick presentation with easy to maneuver menus. The detailed commentary coupled with striking visuals really makes the game come alive. New features include the tactical defending system, player-impact engine, head-to-head seasons, and "Online Friendlies." Online Friendlies lets you play your friends in 10-game seasons to prove who the best player is. That's cool because the results of your friendly games are tracked, allowing players to earn points, which gives the feel of a real game ranking experience and a more competitive feel. This is definitely a rewarding venture that enables you to feel like the real deal without going out on the field. Rating: E for Everyone. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and PSP.—Ryan A., grade 8, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
This article originally appeared in School Library Journal's enewsletter SLJTeen. Subscribe here.
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