The Canadian National Newspaper: CD Review: Melissa O'Neil

This year's Canadian Idol is really making waves for herself. The 17-year-old, who hails from Calgary itself, came first in Canadian Idol. Her self-titled CD it is filled with punky-pop tunes filled with sultry vocals.

First up is "Let it go"; Melissa O'Neil's second single. "Take what's bringing you down, let it go, let it go" she sings in this edgy song. Definitely not my favourite on this album, it sounds a little bit too much like she is yelling instead of singing.

However, the next track "String Me Along," is probably the best fast song on the album, belting out about how she is not going to take it anymore. It kind of reminds you of Kelly Clarkson's "Since you've been gone." Then comes "Alive," the Canadian Idol debut song. This is a good song for O'Neil as her vocal range really fits it. "Kiss goodnight;" shows that she's got the type of voice to go far in the pop industry, as she sings about a fight between her and her boyfriend and how nothing is going to be right until she gets her kiss goodnight; nice lyrics and vocals on this track. The same goes for "Just like January;" a slow soft song about change. "Forget about it" is a really pop-based song, with quite a lot of Hilary Duff-ish vibe in it, but yet the big difference is O'Neil can actually sing.

"Original girl" is an attitude filled, edgy upbeat track shows off her raw side with lyrics such as, "What you get is what you see, All you're gonna get from me, is an original girl." O'Neil is definitely showing us that she is most certainly is not like those wanna-be-pop-princesses. She again shows off her incredible pipes in the upbeat number "I won't take you back." Slowing it down again, the song written for her brother, "Safe place to hide" is a beautiful ballad with soft breathy vocals, revealing her vulnerable side.

O 'Neil is a pure natural vocalist with a lot of success on the road ahead of her. There are at least three big singles on here. So if you really liked Melissa O'Neil on Canadian Idol you'll love this edgy album, definitely worth every penny.