As his debut project hits nation-wide this week, American Idol Season 6 finalist Chris Sligh is wowing critics from coast to coast with Running Back to You. In addition to the album’s launch, Sligh’s first single, “Empty Me”, is already a top 20 R&R Christian AC hit and is swiftly climbing R&R’s CHR chart as well.

US Weekly Magazine caught up with Sligh this week, as did ChristianMusicToday.com where he, along with American Idol alums Mandisa and Phil Stacey share how they were able to live their faith behind the scenes of Idol. The three Idol finalists had an opportunity to perform together during the 39th Annual Dove Awards during a tribute to Michael W. Smith. Accompanied by Smith on the piano, the trio joined Amy Grant and each sang their favourite Smith compositions.

Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Chris Sligh and Phil Stacey perform during the 39th Annual Dove Awards [Click image to enlarge]

Here’s just a glimpse of what the reviews are saying about Sligh and Running Back to You:

• ”... he sings with conviction, passion and emotion… the power of his voice and his range may surprise you… Sligh’s voice and the album’s music can appeal to anyone…”
  Reviewer’s Rating: 8.5. Reader’s Rating: 10.00
  TheCelebrityCafe.com

• “Chris Sligh is a powerful, expressive, credible rock/pop singer and has crafted a well-rounded debut project.”
  Soul-Audio

• ”... soaring Christian pop/rock of the same order as MercyMe and Casting Crowns, only with a rougher and more alternative mix, all highlighted by Sligh’s powerhouse tenor – and the brother can hit those money notes like it’s nobody’s business. For proof, look no further than the octave-jumping “Arise,” a terrific modern rocker where Sligh really lets loose vocally.”
  ChristianMusicToday.com

• “Soaring string runs, burbling synthesizer riffs, edgy guitars, and Sligh’s occasional flights into falsetto make Running the most musically ambitious of any post-Idol album.” 3 stars (out of 4)
  USA Today

• “a sound that sits somewhere between Switchfoot and the Killers.”
  Dallas Morning News

• “The voice of Chris Sligh blew me away… For his debut, Sligh rocks, praises and sings, giving it all he has, succeeding with each beat, each note, along the way.”
  HollywoodJesus.com

Running Back to You is featured on HearItFirst.ca this week. Find out more about Sligh on his YMZ artist page.

« Return to Previous Page