DAMIEN
This year Sony/BMG promised not to rush-release the Australian Idol
winner's debut album, so it hasn't. Instead, we get the cover versions Damien
Leith performed throughout the series, which is probably what his instant fan
base wants. It was evident early on that the amiable Irishman's specialty was
balladry, which is what we get in spades here. The judges encouraged him to
showcase his choirboy falsetto, which he does throughout on the likes of Crying, Wicked Game and often-butchered Nessun Dorma. He
even sucks the edgy self-hatred out of Creep.
A likeable enough collection, but he seems bound for the easy listening
section. Released with a bonus DVD.
JEFF
CRAWFORD