There are many reasons why I am a fan and why I feel everyone can find a reason to support this band. Personally, I have been a “fan” since seeing Chris audition in Denver on AI. His voice had that emotion and intensity that made me sit up and pay attention, and his love for his wife and family let me know this guy was the real deal. Unlike so many that were devastated when Chris left AI, I felt almost immediately that it was ideal – he’d had the opportunity to show us his talent and left with enough freedom to create his own path.

If you missed the summer tour of AI, you missed seeing Chris upstage the top finisher with a stronger stage presence and a command of the crowd that simply amazed me. The crowd response was far and away the strongest when Chris took the stage in Denver, second only to hometown boy Ace Young (but not by much)! I was very much looking forward to what the future would hold for this incredible talent and how the world would welcome him.

I watched Chris turn down taking the lead for an established band and my faith in him grew. I knew his heart would lead him down the proper path. Obviously, he did not disappoint his rapidly growing group of fans when the much-anticipated debut CD from Daughtry was released a few months later. So many of today’s albums are cookie cutter rock ‘n’ roll, with a dozen songs that all sound basically the same – if you’re tired of that, let me lend you my copy of Daughtry’s debut CD, a smorgasbord of rock ‘n’ roll.

It only takes one listen to feel it. The CD is packed with songs that alternately reach into your soul and kick your butt! You can’t avoid the lyrical truths and intensity of emotion that is Daughtry’s music. Here’s the thing I have found – unlike many CD’s in my collection (and probably in yours too), this one doesn’t wear itself out. It does not become mundane or boring after a couple of spins. The songs are unique enough to each stand on their own, while blending together to create a theme of strength and self.

As a fan who dabbles in different genres, I have to say that this disc has elements that would appeal to a good cross-section of music fans. The feat lies in the fact that Daughtry managed to accomplish this while maintaining a solid foundation in good old rock ‘n’ roll.

In addition to appealing to fans of different styles of music, from rock to pop to country and more, I have to say that, thanks to Chris’s start on AI, he also has multi-generational attraction. It’s wonderfully refreshing to share the discovery of new music with my 12-year-old daughter. Though we do share an appreciation for several other musical acts, this is the first time we have come to be fans of a new band simultaneously. We are very much looking forward to seeing Daughtry in concert together!

It’s little wonder that Daughtry seems to be selling out shows across the country almost instantly. The music on the CD satisfies both my romantic heart and my rocker soul, and keeps me coming back for more. Chris is a songwriter who always seems to know “the just right thing to say” and delivers every lyric with such emotion and intensity that you can’t help but feel it deep in your soul.

Like I said, if you’re not yet a fan but want to find out what all the excitement is about, I am more than happy to loan you the CD, but trust me when I say you’re going to want a copy of your own and it will surely become one of your favorites, as it is one of mine. And if you’re lucky enough to score tickets to the current club tour, I'm sure I won’t have to do any more convincing because the Daughtry boys will prove themselves worthy. I will, however, want a full and detailed report of the show!