American Idle

Imploring the troops to “come home soon,” which I felt was a nice touch to the festivities at Rockefeller Center for its annual “Christmas At Rockefeller Center” celebration, David Cook played a rather low-key acoustic performance compared to his usual rock fare.

But covering John Lennon’s classic song is never easy…and most who do, simply don’t do it justice. I would have to say Cook did an okay job with the song, not overpowering it and keeping his tones subtle. I still think somebody like Josiah Leming could knock this song out of the park, in part to his more soulful and guttural voice, which is more in line with Lennon’s. Cook was soulful in parts and I think the song was timely, since we are still at war.

The only really annoying part about Cook’s version were the guitars in the background. It made me feel like I was at an Italian eatery, waiting for the main course. We could have done without those guitars; I don’t think they added anything to the song.

You could argue that the song was underdone and I don’t know if that was on purpose. It’s possible that was the case, given the current financial climate and war going on overseas. This Christmas, quite frankly, is far different from most in that everyone is hanging on to their money.

Was less actually more? I don’t know for certain, but I do know Cook has had an amazing run with his new album, and most particularly his new song “Light On,” which is near the top of the Billboard charts. And with a new season of American Idol arriving in January, we actually have a lot to look forward to.

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