Daughtry - Home

Since "Home" was chosen as the song to play over the credits at the end of elimination night on American Idol's Season 6, it seems obvious there is hope "Home" will become a smash hit much like last year's "Bad Day." Unfortunately, "Home" is a much weaker recording. It's unlikely to drive any Daughtry fans away, but it is also unlikely to reap many new ones.

Listen to "Home"

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Last year contestants who were kicked off American Idol wandered home to the strains of the "it happens to everyone" tune "Bad Day." This year it's the sound of another surprise early exit contestant Chris Daughtry and his group Daughtry that will accompany their unplanned exit. Unfortunately, the song is so downbeat and off-topic ("Home" is basically a wistful love song) it is unlikely to provide much comfort.

Although it was not the choice of fans to follow up the smash "It's Not Over," "Home" was released as the second single from the album Daughtry for two apparent reasons. The first is the prime publicity received by the song's inclusion on American Idol. The second is that Chris Daughtry is dedicating "Home" to American troops overseas. The song works much better in that context.

"Home" features an elegant production from Howard Benson including tasteful picked and strummed electric guitar. Lyrically, "Home" is rather predictable, although straightforward, in its depiction of returning to the warm embrace of loved ones in the protagonist's hometown. However, after a few times listening, boredom is likely to creep in.