wallpaper HD: Album Review: Scotty McCreery: See You Tonight (2013)

It's been a full three years since North Carolina teen Scotty McCreery took home the American Idol crown. Since winning Season 10 of the popular singing show, McCreery has become a Platinum-selling artist, his 2011 debut album Clear as Day selling more than a million copies. He followed that up with a Gold-certified Christmas album in 2012, Christmas With Scotty McCreery. Most recently, the 20-year old was named #8 on Billboard's Top 21 Celebrities Under 21 List, proving that he's closer to Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood rather than Taylor Hicks and Lee Dewyze on the Idol winners scale.

This week, McCreery releases his sophomore studio album See you Tonight, featuring 13 all-new songs and highlighting a new, more mature direction for the singer.

Below is the track-by-track review of the album:

1. Now: This foot tapping album opener begins with McCreery's lowest register and morphs into the kind of party song that needs to be blasted on full volume. A great way to get into the album.

2. See You Tonight: Released earlier this year, "See you Tonight" is a great, upbeat song and a country radio friendly anthem. The song is about all the wonderful feelings of being in love, and McCreery convincingly belts out this piece of ear candy. It's actually a very catchy song, and one of my favorites on the entire album.

3. Get Gone With You: This mid-tempo song about spending all your time with that someone special is the kind of song you'd love to listen to on lazy summer days. Scotty's voice makes it destined to become a country hit.

4. Feelin' It: Another song that's perfect for summer, "Feelin' It" is all about spending a carefree time in the sun. It's a shame winter is just around the corner.

5. Feel Good Summer Song: The opposite of what the title suggests, "Feel Good Summer Song" is actually a song that reflects upon a previous relationship. It's a great song and Scotty manages to inject emotion and longing into it.

6. Buzzin': "Buzzin'" is a genuine country song about that feeling you get when you're with the one you love, no drugs or alcohol necessary. Scotty owns the song, sounding comfortable and right at home with this one.

7. Can You Feel It: Not exactly my favorite song on the album, but this upbeat song will strike the right chord with a lot of country fans. As usual, Scotty doesn't leave any room for criticism where his voice is concerned.

8. The Dash: It's this kind of song that makes you realize Scotty McCreery's more mature side. It's heartfelt, well delivered and resonates on the emotional level. Well done!

9. Blue Jean Baby: Time to segue back into foot-tappin' country zone. This song about that special girl with the blue jeans is youthful and fun.

10. Forget to Forget You: A great ballad, this song about continuing to love somebody is one of the album's highlights. McCreery does a great job with the chorus, which, to be honest, isn't an easy one to learn.

11. I Don't Wanna Be Your Friend: This song doesn't do all that much to stand out, but McCreery is able to make it his own thanks to his charisma.

12. Carolina Moon (featring Alison Krauss): Remember what old fashioned country sounded like? That's what this song is. Featuring the vocal stylings of the awesome Alison Krauss, this song reminds us what home is all about. One of the best songs the album has to offer.

13. Something More: "Something More" is exactly what McCreery does with this song. What could be a song filled with country music's biggest cliches (trucks, summer days) becomes one of the best songs on this album too, and a great way to wrap up the album. Be filled with hope as you enjoy this song!

Standing out in today's country market is no small feat. You run the risk of being to boring or too repetitive. However, McCreery manages to avoid pretty much every country cliche. Three years on, he remains fresh, exciting and engaging. His vocal performance on this album is probably his best yet. Be it upbeat songs or slow ballads, McCreery puts his special stamp on pretty much every song.

See You Tonight isn't the most groundbreaking or original country album out there, and it has songs similar to whatever is playing on general country radio these days. However, it shines thanks to McCreery's great delivery and emotional performances. McCreery is right at home, singing effortlessly and having a great time by the sounds of it.

All said and done, See you Tonight is McCreery's best album, deftly balancing heartfelt country ballads and foot tapping tunes. It's current, radio friendly and age appropriate, with an unmatched voice at the core.

RATING: ★★★★

Related Review: Christmas With Scotty McCreery (2012)

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Buy See You Tonight now: Amazon