Throughout his journey on American Idol, listeners were introduced not only to Danny Gokey’s singing style, but his personal story as well. Danny tried out for the show only 4 weeks after the tragic passing of his wife Sophia. We learned that Danny went through with the audition because it was something that his wife wanted to see him do, and that he hoped to inspire others through his story and triumph in the wake of such a tragedy.
Danny ended up finishing 3rd in the competition after being a favorite throughout. Like many Idol alumni, Danny went on to sign a record deal with RCA Nashville, and his debut album, “My Best Days” is now available everywhere. This album really shows all sides of Danny and is also an accurate representation of who he is as a person and what he considers important in his own life.
There is an overwhelmingly positive theme to the album, which I personally think is very good for Danny because many people thought that American Idol ran the issue of his wife’s passing into the ground. The album starts out with the first single, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me.” This upbeat song reinforces the ideas of living life to the fullest and trying to be the best that you can be in whatever you do. From here the album moves on to the track “Like That’s A Bad Thing,” which is a very rocking, positive song. The unapologetic feel of the song makes it one that stands out on the record. Next is the track “I Still Believe,” which is a testament to Danny’s own faith and the involvement of church in his life. It introduces the idea of believing in a higher power in a non-pushy way, which is also good for him because there were many American Idol viewers who also thought that the ideas of church and God were being forced on them when Danny was on the show. “Tiny Life” is a beautiful ballad (which also shows off a lot of Danny’s vocal range) about putting things into perspective and trying to appreciate the little things in life. “Get Away,” “Be Somebody,” and “Life On Ya” are two more upbeat songs, and “Crazy Not To” continues the theme of positivity and really helps the listener to remember not to be afraid to take chances in life. Finally, a personal favorite of mine, “It’s Only” reminds us that when you feel like you have nothing left to give, you can still give love, and that will be enough.
This is a very solid effort from someone who obviously knows who they are as a person and as an artist, and wants to share that with the world. There is a good mix of upbeat songs and ballads, all of which show off Danny’s vocal ability and range. Danny has obviously been through a lot in his life, but his ability to maintain a positive attitude and want to help others in the process makes him a very likable person and someone who has a very bright future ahead of him.
Mariah
CMTT Music Contributor
http://www.twitter.com/mariahchildress
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I totally agree with everything that has been written here!! I think his cd tells a story and this is just the first part!!
I can’t wait to hear the next ‘chapter’, especially as Danny should be writing some songs himself. It is so great to play a cd all the way through without ‘skipping’ any of the tracks!
Danny is a very inspiring man, he appears keen and eager to learn, is very aware of his fans and has a positive outlook in life.
I am a huge fan of Danny’s and love his new cd. The music, the passion, inspiration and Dannys vocals are all wonderful. The mix of ballads and upbeat songs is great and it is so nice to hear music with a positive message. I agree that this cd represents who Danny is as an artist and a person. I love all the songs but I Will Not Say Goodbye, Crazy Not TO, Get Away and It’s Only are my favorites. I hope to be buying his cds for a long time. Congratulations Danny.
I agree with everything…Danny is an amazing person, full of Love, Compassion and Hope, just like his album states..I am so Happy and Proud, of him, and for him in his accomplishments. He has learned to DEAL WITH what was handed to him in life. Now he is on the path that God has planned for him. His wife, Sophia, I’m sure is very proud looking down on him right now. He is living the dream she had for him, while she was here. I am so glad he auditioned for American Idol, because if he didn’t, this incredible talented young man would have gone un-noticed in the world. I, myself, and every one of his other fans across America were dissappointed when he was voted off Idol. He brings a “FRESH NEW AIR” to the country genre`. He is so full of life and loving every minute of it now. Danny deserves every good thing that is happening for him. I am honored to be able to witness his success on his long journey in the music industry. His performance at the Grand Ole Opry, last night was incredible, a standing ovation. I wish him all the best. He brings down the house everytime he performs, and he loves his fans and acknowledges them for their support. Like I said before, Danny Gokey is truly an inspiration to all who hear him sing. Way to Go Danny! We Love You <3 God Bless.
I loved the review!! Danny s such an inspiration to so many people, young and old, and his heart has always been for people. The songs are so Danny!! The world is definitely in need of a positive influence like him!! Can’t wait for his next cd!!! GO Danny!!!!!
I agree with your review; except I just want to emphasize how incredibly awesome his voice and vocals are on this album. Remarkable.
Like someone else said; there is not a “throw away” song on the whole thing.
My only complaint is its too short!
Love this album. Good job Danny and Mark Bright
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I’m a fan of Dannys’ and I agree with your review of the songs. I think you nailed it. Very good article. “I Will Not Say Goodbye” and “Get Away” are my new favorites, but really, I like them all and find it hard to choose my favorites and I keep changing my mind about which ones I like the best.
I also believe Danny would make a good actor. Also, his story would make a good movie.
Danny seems like a humble guy with a good heart and decent voice.
That being said, I don’t buy his “I’m so country” push, and I don’t think I ever will.
After listening to the album, I believe he recorded some songs with great potential, but Danny himself sounds detatched from the material. No passion, no fire, and I don’t get the feeling that he wants to be a country artist.
Danny’s numerous interviews make him sound clueless, shallow, and self-righteous. He said the only reason he moved to country music is because he couldn’t make enough money or get enough exposure as a Christian artist. If you believe in what you’re doing, the money and exposure means nothing, but it obviously means a great deal to Danny. How could he not know about the most famous stage in country? His remarks about seeing himself as a country artist if “we get the twang right” take the cake.
Country music is not about a certain sound or a certain look. It’s about real people will real stories that touch the heart. It’s not about cowboy hats, wrangler jeans, and twang. Get a clue, Danny.
The problem isn’t that he’s “gone country.” The issue is that Danny continues to prove that he knows nothing about country music, thinks he has to look and sound a certain way to appeal to the audience, and can only make money by going the country music route.
Carrie, Kellie, Bucky, and Josh Gracin are far from “true blue” country music, but they respected the genre, knew where they wanted to go as artists, and dared to sing country music, although it was primarilly a pop show before Carrie.
He’s just another poser, just as the pop artists who “go country” when they can’t make a buck in any other music genre. I’m sick of artists like this making the genre a regular afterthought among hasbeens.
The song “Like That’s a Bad Thing” is a remake from Garry Allens album “Living Hard.” Thats the only song I don’t like, otherwise it’s a great album. I love Danny Gokey.
Where to start. K, your post is so full of misinformation that this is going to take awhile.
First, your accusation that Danny said that the only reason that he went into country music was because he couldn’t make enough money in Christian music is flat out false. I have listened to scores of interviews where he talked about why he went into country music. I would guess that if he continues to be successful in country that he will make more money there than in Christian music. I would guess that he is pretty excited about using a good amount of it to help others, primarily through Sophia’s Heart Foundation. He has proven with his actions that this is a priority for him. And if he wants to be able to afford a nice lifestyle for the family he hopes to have one day, what of it? Who is your favorite country star, K? Do they live in a hovel and drive a beater?
Second, your comment about how could he not know about the most famous stage in the country is a mis-characterization of what he actually said. What he said was that when he was told that the theme of a week on AI was “Grand Ole Opry Week”, he didn’t know what that meant. I know what the Rock Star Hall of Fame is, but if you told me the theme was “Rock Star Hall of Fame Week”, I would know it had something to do with rock music, but I wouldn’t know what the list of permitted songs was, which is what Danny needed to know. Furthermore, Danny has family in Nashville and had been to Nashville to perform gospel music as well. Your accusation is not believable.
Third, you are mis-characterizing what Danny said about “twang. When he talked about twang, he was acknowledging that he is not a traditional country singer, which is true, he is not. He was making it clear that he was not going to pretend to be something that he is not, and he hasn’t.
When you accuse him of thinking that country music is just about a look and sound that he must conform to, that is just so out of synch with observable reality. If you have actually listened to his music, you should know that he is not putting on any twang in his singing. The production of his songs is consistent with contemporary country. If you have actually listened to him talk, he hasn’t changed the way he expresses himself. If you’ve seen photos or videos of him performing, he hasn’t changed his look to try to be “more country”. He has talked about how one of the things he likes about country is that he can just be himself and still be accepted. His values are consistent with the values represented in country music.
If you actually knew anything about Danny and actually had listened to his interviews, you would know that when you talk about country music being about real people with real stories that touch the heart….you’re saying the same thing that he does. Do a little belated research if you don’t believe me, it won’t take you long to find out I am telling you the truth.