First, a confession. Wings Over America is one of those rare albums that I have owned at various points in my life on vinyl, cassette and even on 8-track. Today, I own it on CD and have selected songs from it on my iPad. One of those songs is “Maybe I’m Amazed.” The live version is so much better than the studio version on Paul’s eponymous breakout album, McCartney.
First, a confession. Wings Over America is one of those rare albums that I have owned at various points in my life on vinyl, cassette and even on 8-track. Today, I own it on CD and have selected songs from it on my iPad. One of those songs is “Maybe I’m Amazed.” The live version is so much better than the studio version on Paul’s eponymous breakout album, McCartney.
And then there is the James Durbin version, which we got to hear last night. For one thing, it certainly was different. Then again, it’s been 35 years since Wings Over America was released. Yes, the song is 10 years older than Lady Gaga herself. Heather Mills, who probably gets most of the royalties now, was only 7 when it was released. Music has come a long way since then. Fortunately, Durbin did it justice. It was an upbeat performance, short on the growling and screams that we love about him, but just enough to have Randy say he’s “dangerous” (in a good way, of course, dawg). Durbin showed off his vocal talents, causing Jennifer Lopez to comment, “You have what the greatest rock singers have, which is a melodic quality to your voice.” Yes, she said “greatest.”
Perhaps not greatest (an honor even James himself would reserve for Sir Macca), but definitely great. Even VotefortheWorst credited James for “reining it in a bit.” In their own, unique way, they showed their respect, saying, “Of course, I want the crazy screaming James to come back and suck every week, but it looks like he could possibly make it to the end if he can control himself.” That’s quite the compliment from the Worsters, who brought us the immortal Sanjaya.
By “crazy,” they may have meant the fauxhawk, bandana, and tail. All of which were gone last night. Why, James even got a haircut for the show. Perhaps he realizes that there is more to being a rock star than looking like a caricature of one. What really counts is talent. Last night he showed that he has that too.
Steven Tyler said that of his performance, “James, you have taken everything you ever felt and kicked it into the middle of next week.” With that in mind, can’t wait to see next week. It’s obvious he will make it through tonight.
