Unless you've been living under a rock for the past two years, you have probably heard of American Idol, the hit reality show that creates superstars and destroys dreams. Thousands, no, millions of people have tried out for the show, but less than half a dozen of them have come out as stars. In a strange twist of fate, one contestant had about as much talent as the annoying guy in your dorm who sings in your shower, but...
Despite his lack of talent, William Hung has easily become the most famous American Idol reject of all time. Many viewers can recall his rendition of Ricky Martin's hit, "She Bangs" -- the song that made him famous. Now Hung teams with Koch Records to bring the music industry to a new low with his first album: "Inspiration."
The mystery of Hung's sudden rise to stardom is as close to being answered as the string theory. Had America taken pity on the poor lad after being completely ripped apart by Simon and friends? Or is America seeing how long it would take before Hung will finally realize the crowd was just taking advantage of his naïveté?
"Inspiration" doesn't offer a solution, but it does make one thing clear: The fans certainly don't like him because of his singing. Hung cannot sing, or at least he can't sing in English.
Despite being in America for more than half of his life, Hung still has yet to lose his Cantonese accent. (If you don't know what it sounds like, just try to hear Jackie Chan's voice. He has the same accent.) The accent permeates every speech he gives and every song he sings. In addition, Hung is hopelessly out of tune. Even if he wasn't, his accent sure makes it sound like he is.
Following a short message from Hung thanking everybody for buying his album, the album begins with Hung rendition of "She Bangs." Surprisingly, this is one of the better tracks on the album. Hung manages to stay in tune for most of the song, faltering only during the chorus.
Hung has more success with the tune of "Bailamos," managing to stay in tune even during the chorus. However, the accent that had been quite successfully hidden in "She Bangs" now returns with a vengeance, and the listener spends most of the song wondering why Hung doesn't blow his nose instead of enjoying one of the few times he actually stays in tune.
Hung follows "Bailamos" with another monologue, this time about how much he enjoys singing. This is aptly juxtaposed with the most laughably bad song on the entire album, "I Believe I Can Fly." Very rarely does Hung actually match the tune, only succeeding at certain points in the chorus. There are times when Hung becomes hopelessly out of beat.
The stuffy-nose feeling from "Bailamos" is further emphasized in "I Believe I Can Fly." Hung's attempt at reaching high notes seems more like wails of agony instead of singing. The song is so bad that listeners are left wondering whether it should have been left out or not. Hung could have definitely done better, but this track is so delightfully awful it almost makes the album worth the $13 price tag.
The rest of the songs don't get worse, but they don't get any better either. "Hotel California" is like "I Believe I Can Fly" Lite. Hung spends most of the time out of tune and has an even worse time with the beat than he has with "Believe." The stuffy-nose sensation is still there. "Rocket Man" is more of the same.
"Free" isn't quite as mediocre as the aforementioned three songs. The accent is present but slightly more subdued, and Hung actually keeps up with the beat and stays in tune.
"Inspiration" includes a trio of Disney songs: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Circle of Life" and "Two Worlds." "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is the best of the three. Hung's accent is really the only downfall it has. Hung manages to stay relatively in tune.
"Two Worlds" has the best tune, but Hung almost never stays in it. The version of "Circle of Life" in "Inspiration" is the version Elton John sang in the credits of "The Lion King." Hung is out of tune for most of the song, but by the time you get to this point in the album, you will be used to Hung's singing.
"Y.M.C.A." is the most out-of-tune song since "Hotel California," but at least Hung is accompanied by the Gonnabees, a new group that actually has musical talent. If you want to listen to them, it's probably better to wait until their debut album in May than spending money to hear Hung croon "Y.M.C.A."
Considering the lack of success Hung has with keeping up with the beat for most of the album, it is surprising to hear him in "Shake Your Bon-Bon." He keeps up with the beat; he stays in tune. This could have been the best track on the CD if the song wasn't so annoying.
The CD comes packaged with a DVD containing a documentary about what Hung's life has become like after his hit appearance on American Idol. The documentary does have some interesting interviews about Hung, but a lot of it is just people swooning over Hung and watching him bask in his newfound glory.
Granted, Hung is not the worst singer in the world -- even I'm worse than he is. However, "Inspiration" is nothing more than a professionally-made album featuring a bad karaoke performer. There are definitely better ways to spend your hard-earned money. But if you can find a copy for less than $3, it might be worth buying if you want a good laugh.
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