Two years and eight months later after the initial release of Daughtry, Daughtry’s most anticipated sophomore album Leave This Town was released on July 14th.
The one element missing from Leave This Town is a song as catchy as “Home.” However, that does not mean that Daughtry’s latest album is inferior. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
There are twelve really good songs on Leave This Town. Unfortunately some songs have greater market appeal than others, which mean the remainder will be left behind.
Some of my favorite songs are “No Surprise,” “Life After You,” “September,” “Supernatural,” “Tennessee Line,” “Call Your Name” and bonus tracks “On the Inside,” “Traffic Light” and “Long Way.”
Once again, Daughtry worked with several rock superstars, which included Chad Kroeger on “No Surprise” and “Life After You,” Jason Wade on “Long Way” and Richard Marx on “On the Inside.”
“September” is a melodic acoustic ballad that draws on Chris’s experiences growing up with his brother in a tiny North Carolina town. I think Chris Daughtry summed it up best when he remarked, “I loved growing up there, but I knew I’d have to leave to make something of my life.” In fact, that comment reminds me of the premise behind Shinedown’s song “Second Chance.”
The acoustic guitar continues on “Call Your Name” but transforms itself into an acoustic and orchestra ballad and crescendos into an ear piercing electrifying ballad. I believe it should have maintained its acoustic synonymous sound. Nevertheless, it is my absolute favorite song from Leave This Town.
Daughtry took a chance and rolled a Yahtzee by adding a country melody on “Tennessee Line” with Vince Gill providing the vocal harmonies.
I mentioned earlier that “The one element missing from Leave This Town is a song as catchy as ‘Home.”’ However, “Supernatural” could be the runner-up to “Home.” The chorus is catchy enough, that I even find myself singing “And no matter how I try. You know I can’t deny. ‘Cause you feel so supernatural.”
Ultimately, Chris Daughtry made the perfect career decision when he auditioned for American Idol. Chris went from being a virtual unknown to an instant rock star, which included touring with bands like Bon Jovi and Nickelback. You could tell by listening to Leave This Town that Chad Kroeger, Jason Wade and Richard Marx were somewhat influential to Daughtry’s latest album. My absolute favorite song on Leave This Town was not even co-written with any of these rock stars. Instead, “Call Your Name” was co-written between Chris Daughtry and drummer Joey Barnes. Now the only unanswered question is how quickly will Leave This Town reach platinum status? Below is the song list for Leave This Town.
Leave This Town:
1. “You Don’t Belong”
2. “No Surprise”
3. “Every Time You Turn Around”
4. “Life After You”
5. “What I Meant to Say”
6. “Open Up Your Eyes”
7. “September”
8. “Ghost of Me”
9. “Learn My Lesson”
10. “Supernatural”
11. “Tennessee Line”
12. “Call Your Name”
Leave This Town (DaughtryOfficial.com Fan Edition):
13. “Long Way”
14. “One Last Chance”
Leave This Town (iTunes Pre-Ordered Bonus Track Version):
13. “What Have We Become”
14. “On the Inside”
15. “Traffic Light”
Leave This Town (iTunes Bonus Track Version):
13. “What Have We Become”
14. “On the Inside”
Leave This Town (Walmart with Exclusive Track):
13. “Get Me Through”
akecker@alwaysacoustic.com
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No Surprise Music Video