Daughtry: New album 'Leave This Town' has well-toned vocals, wallet-chain lyrics

Daughtry, Leave This Town (19/RCA) GRADE: C+

Chris Daughtry has always been a talented dude with a lousy record collection. He has a well-toned voice but wallet-chain tastes, thrusting his quavery tough-guy vocals into songs that make your mullet grow.

His sophomore album, Leave This Town, was released this week, and the 12-tracker just might top the multiplatinum sales clout of his self-titled ’06 debut, the hits-aplenty platter featuring It’s Not Over, Home and more.

But that doesn’t mean the new album is better the first, mind you. Daughtry — the man and the quintet — knows success comes from the status quo, so almost nothing has changed. Going back to his abbreviated stay on American Idol, the North Carolina talent has always wanted to tap into safe Nickelbackian churn. The only difference now is that he has the clout to get that band’s singer, Chad Kroeger, to pen songs for him.

The lyrics are consistently dopey — “I woke up today / Sinkin’ like the stones that you have thrown” — and the layered guitars and drums build and blast off predictably, sonic punch given clean sheen by producer Howard Benson and mixmaster Chris Lord-Alge. There aren’t many twists save for a gently crooning Vince Gill on the fiddle-flecked ballad Tennessee Line.

But for all the Mad Libbian radio-rock grandeur and generic she’s-gone sentiment — and trust me, that’s more than enough to make a hit these days — Daughtry still has That Voice and it’s a mighty yawp for sure. His band of friends loves a loud, lewd groove, and no matter how metallic(a) they get, they know the Bald Wonder will follow.

There’s a smattering of keepers here. Opening cut You Don’t Belong has genuine head-bang aggression, and the singer eats that sucker up with a hungry, don’t-tempt-me smirk. What I Meant to Say works a slightly ripe ’80s Night Ranger vibe with an another incredibly catchy chorus. And on hooked-out first single No Surprise (one of Kroeger’s co-penners) and dreamy closer Call Your Name, the singer shows off a new trick: holding a sweet high note without losing his edge.

There might be some digital mop-up on this album, but I’d bet not much. Daughtry is that good, and his voice is just getting better, a tasty little thought for sure. He’s probably the best pure young rock singer out there, and he hasn’t even learned the extent of his weaponry. Now if someone would only buy him a few Zeppelin and Stones CDs, we might really have something here.

American Idol auditions in Orlando! Register today! Bring a Speedo and your Dad's mugshot!

This is it, the big day, your first pivotal step to fame, fortune and a sweet catfight with Kara DioGuardi! Starting at 6 a.m. today, registration for local American Idol auditions will run for 48 straight  hours at Orlando’s Amway Arena. Once you get your magic wristband, you’ll be all set to warble almighty at Thursday’s auditions for the show’s ninth season.

We’ve provided important logistical information for all you future Fantasias (see below); we also strongly suggest checking out the labyrinthine rules at americanidol.com.

But while those regulations are crucial, we’d like to offer a few secret audition tips. Yes, we enjoy ridiculing people on Idol. But we’re talking Sunshine State pride here, and we want our FLA brethren to shine on Thursday!

So allow me to help you get to the American Idol Promised Land, which looks not unlike Paula Abdul’s shiny cleavage.

Tip No. 1 If you’re big and you’re hairy and you simply want to get on TV, wear a bikini. This goes for men and women. Katrina “Bikini Girl” Darrell did the vampy thing last year, so producers want a twist on the trend. You won’t get to Hollywood, but your hirsute bodaciousness will make prime time. I can already see the zany bikini montage now. Look! Chewbacca in a thong! Genius!

Tip No. 2 If you’re really in it to win it, sing Sam Cooke. This is the best advice I’ll give all day. You’ll get scolded for attempting to match Whitney, Celine, Aretha. But Idol rewards those who cover — even screeech (see Lambert, Adam) — the greatest R&B singer of all time. Can’t go wrong with A Change Is Gonna Come or You Send Me. In a related matter, you also can’t go wrong with having a Dad in prison. Always a bonus!

Tip No. 3 If you’re attractive  but your pipes are only mediocre, don’t dress sleazy to overcompensate. That only works while charming music critics. Instead, try the old Humble Hottie routine. Producers will provide plenty of G-rated Allens and Archuletas. But a lot of us watch for subtle tongue-waggers Kellie Pickler and Ace Young, too.

Tip No. 4 Please, for the love of Simon Cowell’s man-bosoms, don’t get a case of the vocal runs. Producers look for unique voices — not someone who sounds like Mariah Carey trapped in a Cuisinart. Instead of shattering octaves, you’d be better off gaining weight, growing a beard and rocking a ’kini. Trust me.
 
Tip No. 5 If I’m doing my math correctly, producers will be on the lookout for either (1) a dynamic R&B entertainer with flash (aka the Michael Jackson effect) (2) a cutie-next-door with a big voice a la Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood and (3) a vaguely cocky rocker a la Chris Daughtry, David Cook and Adam Lambert. If you happen to be any of those, get to Orlando pronto.

And if you see me, say hello. I’ll be the dude in the pink Speedo.

Registration for American Idol tryouts in Orlando are today and Wednesday at Amway Arena; auditions will be held on Thursday. Registration will begin at 6 a.m. and will continue for 48 hours; only one person in line with you through registration.

You must have two forms of ID that show proof of your age and a photograph; if you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Amway Arena, 600 W Amelia St., Orlando. (407) 849-2558. http://www.orlandovenues.net/. Parking is $5.

Idol Follies: Associated Press

New Daughtry song "No Surprise"

Daughtry |MTV Music

Every now and then I like creamed chipped beef on toast. And every now and then I like a Daughtry song. The Bald Wonder sure has discovered a comfy microwaveable template, hasn't he? No surprise, indeed. New album Leave This Town comes out July 14. Whattaya think, Pop Lifers? You like the song?