Available evidence suggests that Lee DeWyze enjoys naptime. The second record by the 24-year-old Mount Prospect native, which came out just as this season of "American Idol" started in January, is called "Slumberland," and most tunes reference bed or sleep. One is even called "Another Sleep Song."
But it's hardly a collection of lullabies. Instead it's a midtempo, contemporary folk-rock record, nestled somewhere in the acoustic-tinged, edge-of-blues groove occupied by the likes of Ben Harper, Dave Matthews and John Mayer.
It would be nice to report that the record is an unmitigated triumph, proof that DeWyze will be able to take the rabid fan base he has built via "Idol" and simply nudge it in the direction of his own songs
But the CD, while an improvement in depth, production and complexity from 2007's more straightforward "So I'm Told," is something of a mixed bag. The better tunes — "Annabelle," "Princess," "Stay," "Sweet Sweet" — fulfill some of the promise of DeWyze's rich, raspy voice, widely and accurately described as radio-friendly.
DeWyze's singing is first rate, and, to his credit, he tries to take that voice interesting places. The melodies are catchy enough. The production, by drummer Ryan McGuire, guitarist Louis Svitek (partners in the local WuLi record label) and DeWyze, is outstanding: With a collection of veteran local players backing him, this is a vibrant-sounding record.
But you're left wanting more from DeWyze as a lyricist, wondering what it is he really has to say. The plea, "Please don't take Annabelle away," is sung with real poignancy. But the lyrics don't let you know who's taking her or why. You don't know the stakes that would establish an emotional connection.
For the same reason, in "Stay," the big line, "You haven't slept yet," doesn't quite measure up to the potency of its delivery.

May 12, 2010|By Steve Johnson | Tribune reporter

 Who says a sophomore album has to be a bad one? Listening to Slumberland, the second album from 2010 American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, is a great musical experience from the first song to the last.
DeWyze's debut album, So I'm Told, was originally released in 2007, and now he's come out with Slumberland, which was released in January 2010. Since his first album there has come a good bit of refinement and richness in the instrumentals and vocals of his music.
DeWyze wrote and performed all of the songs featured on this album, but had some outside help from Ryan McGuire with production, drums. and percussion lines, and Louis Svitek on guitars and sitar. Both men are well known for their musical work and, from the sound of the album, DeWyze made a great choice bringing them onto this project.
"Annabelle," is quite possibly my favorite song on Slumberland. The beautiful sound of the sitar leads the song and the famous, raspy, full voice of Lee DeWyze follows and pours out on listeners. You can hear the amazing control and sweet power in his notes as he sings about trying to keep "Annabelle," through life's hardships. With talent like this it's no wonder he won the title of American Idol.
Although DeWyze's voice has similarities to John Mayer, Dave Matthews, and Jack Johnson, his vocals in Slumberland give him an originality that does make him stand out as a recording artist, something I'm afraid his first album didn't accomplish for me.
I hate to compare but, through songs like "Another Sleep Song" and "All Fall Down," Lee DeWyze shows an amazing progression and transformation from his debut album. From 2007 to current day, DeWyze has gained a confidence in his vocal abilities that comes forth in his talent. The production on this album is also very professional and makes the difference that DeWyze needed as an artist.
On both albums the lyrics are truly outstanding, and there's no doubt that DeWyze puts great thought into his songs and their meanings. From cheating to alcohol abuse, and of course love and relationships, Lee covers real-life issues without being too gritty but at the same time not candy coating anything.
Slumberland is an album I can listen to over and over again. I enjoyed all 10 songs by Lee DeWyze and am looking forward to seeing what this new Idol winner has in store for us next. Fortunately for his fans, he has two great albums under his belt for their listening pleasure. I encourage Lee DeWyze fans to purchase this album for their collection.


Read more: http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-lee-dewyze-slumberland1/#ixzz0pERfwJY9

 Robert Lawrence 22 Feb 2010
LEE DEWYZE - SLUMBERLAND - WULI RECORDS

If you recognize this artist's name then you may seriously be in need for some sort of rehab. Music reality rehab. Sure why not, they have rehab for everything these days, just ask Tiger Woods or Chynna Phillips! All kidding aside, Lee DeWyze is part of the newest bunch of contestants on American Idol. Making it into the top 24 last week, one of the 12 guys that survived Hollywood week, his fate is now in America's hands.

"Slumberland" is DeWyze's second independent release. If you're wondering why someone with two CDs under their belt is on American Idol, well the contestant make-up changed around Season 5 on that show. Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry, who were already seasoned performers, had independent work released, but no national recognition. The seasons that followed then attracted more who had been waiting in the wings, such as Brooke White, David Cook, Carly (Hennessy) Smithson, Michael Johns, and last years runner-up Adam Lambert. With the past successes shown by Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood, the "AI" format is a lucrative vehicle to jump-start any starving performers career. Now with the addition of Ellen Degeneres to the panel, and this being Simon's last year, all eyes will be on this Mammoth ratings puller.

Lee DeWyze, from the Chicagoland area, could get that lucky break this year. Judging from the production quality on "Slumberland," he is ready for his next big step. Often independent releases suffer from the same disease - bad mixing. His first CD "So I'm Told" demonstrated a little of that problem as at some points the music was louder than the vocals, but still it was an engaging piece of work.

"Slumberland" is a different creature. It is so refined that you would have no idea that it was even a minor label effort. Actually I've played it in the store where I work last week and have received numerous favorable comments. One can also tell that this was a very personal project as the cover art was crafted by Lee along with Ryan T. McGuire (drums/percussion). Little details like this are something that elevates the intimacy of a recording and I was thrilled to hear from Mr. McGuire himself that he was involved in the disc's entire concept.

In my opinion, there is no lead off track or potential hit single on this collection. This is very much an album orientated release and meant to be listened to as a whole, leaving the songs tell their story and experiences. Each song is different from the rest, but through the flowing choruses, sometimes light and sometimes rich accompaniment, they are all magically connected. This is further proven with the sound of a a door closing at the end of the last track, "Goodnight," making it seem like it was all done in one sitting, then he got up, and exited stage left!

Of course one does have their favorite tracks and mine are: "Flower Child" with its deep honesty and simplicity (Everybody hates you today/A superstar by tomorrow /You gotta put a smile on /Just to hide your sorrow); "Sweet Sweet" because as the lone upbeat track it shows how easy he could cross over to country-flavored blues (I feel like IÅm just standing still and the world is moving my under feet/They say I've got somewhere to go but I know that I've got nowhere to be and I am on my way/but I aint gonna stay). The best is the opener "So What Now" as this track truly shows how diverse DeWyze can be with his knack for melodies. Almost psychedelic throughout, the track's instrumentation reminds me a bit of the Beatles (but actually sounds nothing like them) during the Fab Four's "Revolver" period. Take off your dirty clothes and go dancing in the rain/I know you‘re tired of running honey I feel the same/If you say here there‘s no more room my dear/So I‘ll just go and find my way home, Lee sings. Simply causing me think of the Beatles, makes this a track worth praising. The song is very much stuck in my head.

You can loop DeWyze's sounds along with Dave Mathews, John Mayer, James Blunt, and Gavin DeGraw, as they're all in the same Alternative Adult Contemporary club, but DeWyze does have his own distinctive style. Lee DeWyze CDs are available at CD baby and iTunes.

You can catch Lee's first National Live performance on American Idol, Wednesday (guys night) February 24, 2010 and the results show on Thursday. I rarely make predictions this early in the game, but as long he makes the right song choices and can carry his stage presence in front of millions, we may be seeing this contestant all the way to the finals.

For even more music from Lee, check out http://leedewyze.com/freedownloads and hear his version of Marilyn Manson's "Beautiful People." He amazingly transforms this very dark and provocative track, into a completely different song. It still carries moody elements due to Manson's lyric, but DeWyze's interpretation leaves it definitely in another place. This is a prime example of why he is my pick for this year.

 So I'm Told highlights the mellow, raspy notes in Lee's voice that have been brought to light on American Idol. In this 11 track album, Lee showcases a more laid back vibe with a John Mayer/Dave Matthews Band feel. In some songs I feel like Lee may be trying to emulate both a little too much, but perhaps that's because his voice lends towards their style.
I enjoyed the story behind the song, "Love and Misery," but the beat was somewhat sing-songy. However, after listening a couple more times I found myself getting into the song and enjoying it. My favorite piece of this song is when Lee hooks the listener with an upbeat climax at the end of the song rather than the middle. I was delightfully surprised and pleased.
The guitar riffs of Lee's "Predicament" make me excited to hear what else is on the CD. It gives listeners a little flavor and surprises me to know that he's from Chicago and not New Orleans or another soul-filled state. This is a song you can really get into and, if you're lead to, maybe even clap your hands too.
Let's not forget the harmonica and female vocals in this album that gives it a little extra, something nice to expect from Lee's first album. I could really see Siobhan Magnus, another American Idol contestant recreating the duet with Lee singing, "The Problem Is You."
If you are an American Idol fan or viewer, the music in So I'm Told may be something you will have to get used to, but I think in all that will appeal to several different music genres. I found myself listening over and over again, liking a song one minute and then not really caring for it the next.
I'm not expecting Lee's Idol album (if he wins American Idol,) to be too reminiscent of his earlier days, because So I'm Told is not extremely commercial, but I'd love to hear an album with these same roots, and maybe a little more of the maturity and polish of American Idol thrown in there

Taxi, The worlds Largest A & R Company gave Lee a 7 out of 10
in a review of Lee's Debut Album "So I'm Told" 
          
"Lee's Album has a good message delivered with warmth and compassion by the clear
and consistant vocals.The Warmth of Lee's voice and determined rythm of his guitar
keep things in that vein throughout...." 
          - Taxi Magazine 2007