In the mainstream

Artists like former American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee and emerging artist Mike Posner have aspirations to make it in the mainstream of American pop music. Whether through television or, in the case of Posner, via relentless touring and releasing mixtapes; it does take much to achieve the success they crave for. These CDs showcase the brand of music they feel represent them at this junction of their respective careers.

Mike Posner—31 Minutes to Takeoff (J Records). While this is a debut CD, thanks to the mixtapes and constant touring, there’s a polish to the CD that belies this being Posner’s career-starter. It’s unabashed pop music, and Cooler Than Me is the carrier single that had people taking notice of this rising artist. Singer/songwriter/producer is how Posner describes himself, and the music has an R&B flavor, while heavily influenced by synthesizers, producing an aural landscape that’s not typically R&B. Reminded me a bit of Owl City but with that blue-eyed soul twist. Please Don’t Go and Do You Wanna are my choice tracks.

Katharine McPhee—Unbroken (Verve Forecast Records). Runner-up in American Idol 2006, the CD answers the question of what one does when one’s career has somewhat stalled. While it seemed that McPhee early on wasn’t sure exactly in what musical genre she wanted to be known for, with the CD, she comes decidedly on the side of full, lush melodies, and strong songwriting by collaborating with the likes of Paula Cole, Ingrid Michaelson and Rachael Yamagata. The first single Terrified is a duet with Jason Reeves and it’s an excellent introduction to the CD. Lifetime is a Corrs-like ditty that also works!