Grade: D

CD » Kris Allen seems like a nice guy, but he is inarguably the least talented singer to ever win "American Idol." His debut "Kris Allen" is unfortunately what we have come to expect from the contractually obligated album that the "American Idol" winner has to deliver before Black Friday: uninspired and unremarkable. The relentlessly bland mid-tempo songs, recorded by 11 producers, reveal nothing of Allen's personality and show a laziness exemplified by calling a song "Live Like We're Dying," which is not the similarly named Tim McGraw song. While Allen should be applauded by leaving off his coronation song "No Boundaries," this is inoffensive and flat-out boring adult pop that takes no chances. At least he included "Heartless."

-- David Burger