Idols Reveal Album Releases

American Idols Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina join the ranks of major label artists planning album releases for Fall, with their debuts scheduled one week apart in October.

Scotty McCreery listens to one of his new songs in a Nashville studio while recording his debut album. Photo: Andy Reuter

McCreery’s album Clear As Day (Mercury/19 Recordings/Interscope) will hit stores October 4, and features his current Top 20 single “I Love You This Big.” Also on the collection is the title track, which was written by ace tunesmiths Casey Beatherd, Phil O’Donnell and Adam Wheeler. McCreery is currently on the road with the American Idols Live! Tour which runs through September. Tomorrow (8/13) the tour stops in Atlantic City, NJ.

“We’ve been working hard on this album not only in Nashville, but in studios across the country because I’ve been on the Idol tour,” says McCreery. “We’re putting what I believe are the best songs we could find on it and I really hope everyone likes it. The whole experience has been amazing! I love working with my album producer, Mark Bright, and have gotten to work with some of the best musicians in Nashville!”

Lauren Alaina discusses a song with producer Byron Gallimore as they record music for her debut album. Photo: Andy Reuter

Lauren Alaina’s debut Wildflower (Mercury/19 Recordings/Interscope), produced by Byron Gallimore, will street one week later on October 11. In addition to her current single “Like My Mother Does,” the collection includes “She’s A Wildflower,” which was penned by Hillary Lindsey, Steven McEwan and Gordie Sampson and inspired the album title.

“I have always dreamed of making an album and I can’t believe it’s actually happening,” says Alaina. “It’s because of the fans who voted for me on American Idol that I am here, so I am dedicating this album to them. I hope they love it!

“I feel like it has a flavor for everybody,” she continues. “It’s a mixture of all different songs, so I hope it will appeal to all different kinds of people. There are fast songs for people who like up-tempos that you can dance to, and there are also tearjerkers for people who like slower ballads. I tried to get songs that are all a little different so that we could bring a fresh feel to each and every song.”

Special pre-order packages are available on each artist’s website that include the album, an autographed picture (in limited supply), an instant download of the single, a personalized poster, and a chance to win a meet-and-greet during the CMA Awards.