David Cook

What is the deal with American Idols releasing eponymous albums? Perhaps they're trying to ensure we don't forget their names -- a valid concern (Taylor Hicks, anyone?). David Cook ought to be all right, though. His debut shows off that gruffly sensitive voice the ladies love, as well as his true ace in the hole: the ability to make post-grunge sound both authentic and accessible. Put another way, tracks like the soaring "Mr. Sensitive" and the hushed, hurt "Lie" could win over even the most adamantly anti-Nickelback contingent. Just call it the Daughtry method.