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pop/r&b

ELLIOT YAMIN

Elliott Yamin is the latest "American Idol" talent among Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry and others to release his own album. The debut tracks from the third-place finisher show Yamin is eager to leave his "Idol" past behind him and start "Movin' On," as the album's first song indicates.

Sometimes sounding like R&B artist Usher and other times singing a soulful piano ballad a la Michael McDonald, Yamin shows his taste and musical range. But the rushed lyrics on a few of the tunes are not the best match for his voice. When Yamin tries to show off his vast range of tone, he might be compensating for poor lyrics.

On the slower songs, his voice is very strong and confident. This is where the album hits high points — of which there are many.

Fans might be appreciative of Yamin's improved smile and hairstyle, and perhaps very happy with this set of songs. It's an album that grows on listeners the more it is played — quite reflective of Yamin's competition days on "Idol." He ends the album with "A Song for You," a Donny Hathaway tune he covered for his initial audition for "Idol." The song is the ultimate connector of Yamin's time on the show with this current project.

Though this album has its flaws, Yamin's outstanding vocals take it to a higher-quality level.

Grade: B

ipod picks: Alright, Wait For You

— GREG LYNCH