Make-or-break debut album for Candice Glover

GLOVER. More to her than cloying sentimentality.

The road to Candice Glover’s first-place finish in the 12th edition of “American Idol” last year was strenuous, steep and circuitous, and here’s why: She first tried her luck in Season Nine, where she was eliminated after she forgot the lyrics to Adele’s “Chasing Pavements.”

Two years later, Glover looked like she was onto something big after judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler gave her a standing ovation after singing “Someone Like You” in the third round—only to get the boot when she teamed up with Jessica Sanchez in the Groups round.

But, as they say, third time’s the charm. So, when Candice tried again last year, she ended up bagging the talent search’s coveted crown over Kree Harrison.

Stopovers, detours

Unfortunately, the 24-year-old American Idol’s quest for singing stardom didn’t end there: Her first studio album, “Music Speaks,” which debuts on the Billboard 200 this week, has taken a number of stopovers and curious detours: It was pushed back twice last year before it was deemed “releasable.” Will it make or break the singer’s career?

No, the repertoire doesn’t include Glover’s terrific covers of “Straight Up,” “Emotion” and “Come Together.” It’s comprised mostly of originals that, while they are “safe” choices, are boosted by the songstress’ sincerity and sturdy pipes.

The best reason to get a copy of the album is its singer’s lush and luminous voice—which soars even more when Candice allows herself to loosen up, as she does in the self-penned “Same Kinda Man.”

Pep and perk

In this regard, the singer gets some help from Fantasia Barrino, “AI’s” Season Three champ, who cowrote “In The Middle,” which wisely interpolates the old-fashioned pep and perk of The Clovers’ 1952 hit tune, “Ting-a-Ling,” with its sexy, rhythm-and-bluesy swelter.

The album doesn’t take a lot of risks, however—which is a shame, because Candice’s potent pipes and impeccable technique shouldn’t be slowed down by lethargic melodies and lounge-style ballads.

When you listen to her piercing trills in “Cried” and the moody passages in “Passenger,” you know there’s more to her than cloying sentimentality.

Another track that should renew interest in the American Idol is her stirring cover of “Lovesong,” The Cure’s sole Top 10 track on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

When Candice scales its tricky notes, with soulful strings helping set the mood, all you want to do is sit back and happily bask in the warmth and allure of her voice!