From the first moment I heard Committed's impeccable harmonies on NBC's The Sing-Off, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were the season's best contestants. Their rendition of Maroon 5's "This Love" still gives me chill bumps whenever I hear it. So when they went on to take the top prize, I was far from surprised. But while I was happy that the group nabbed the win, I was a bit nervous at the same time. I wondered what would the machine do to this wholesome, talented (and soulful) bunch. Would they water them down? How would they make a group whose strength lies in the fact that they don't even need music appeal to the masses that only like their music reworked and digitally altered within an inch of its life? I also worried that, like countless other reality competition winners before them, they'd end up on the side of a milk carton. (Taylor Hicks anyone?)
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After the bounce
Well, with the release of Committed's debut video for the single "Break Free" and their self-titled album's release, which hit stores this week, it seems that I was right to be worried. First off, I had NO clue their album was being released. Perhaps I've been living under a rock, but I've seen little to no promo for it.
Secondly, there's the single. For a group with such mind-blowing talent, I was hard-pressed to find any originality in it. Auto-Tune reared its ugly head again, a detail that left me scratching my head. I'd expect the added assistance with a group of lesser talents, but Committed has already proven that they are more than capable of sanging the house down without any electronic, computerized "assistance."
Then, there's the video. Sticking close to the clothing style they displayed on the show, the fellas are a fashionable assortment of leather jackets, vests, scarves, and chambray shirts. However, like many artists before them, they find themselves wandering along a beach-side cliff, looking out over the water at God knows what. Throw in a few well-placed lights and some living room furniture and you have the makings of a typical pop video made by Any Artist, U.S.A. I hate to sound like I absolutely hate these guys, because it's so far from the truth. I love these dudes and just want what best for them, but I honestly don't think this is it.
