David Cook Becomes a More 'Confident' Songwriter for Second Album -- Exclusive Video

By Carlos Ramirez Posted Jan 26th 2011 11:20AM

While some of his fellow 'American Idol' alums have struggled to carve out a successful career after the show, 2008 champion David Cook has made it look easy. The Blue Springs, Mo., singer-songwriter saw his debut album for RCA Records sell well over a million copies while garnering rave reviews from the music literati. In this PopEater exclusive, Cook invited us into Emblem Music recording studios in Calabasas, Calif., where he's working on his eagerly anticipated third album.

"Working with the talented people I did on the last album was really exciting. I definitely learned a lot from the process," Cook tells PopEater. On his yet-to-be titled follow-up album, the singer wrote with everyone from the husband and wife team of Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk to OneRepublic vocalist Ryan Tedder. "I'm very confident in my own ability to write music, but I think anytime you can kind of bounce ideas off of other people -- you know, two heads are better than one, three heads are better than two, etc."

Tucked away in an unassuming Southern California suburb, Emblem Music studios doesn't look like the kind of place that has hosted recording sessions for rock royalty like Carlos Santana and Meat Loaf, at least from the outside. "They've done some great records here, haven't they?" gushed Cook as he pointed at the various platinum and gold plaques that lined the studio's walls. From the music PopEater heard during our visit there, we don't doubt that they'll have to make room for another plaque this year. Check out more from our exclusive video interview with Cook below.

Watch David Cook's Sessions Performance

Download David Cook Songs | Buy David Cook Albums

Tags: David Cook, DavidCook

Comments

(85)

Saturday 29 January

By SimoniaMeChelle

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Snooky in Italy would be wonderful, they will get to broaden their horizons, I believe this would be a great treat for the viewers! Take it there.

By Granmums

He looks like he just got up outta bed...but his voice doesn't suffer. He was amazing in his rendition of Phantom of the Opera...he needs to stick to love songs....Long, slow and easy....!

By gobluespartyon

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Can't wait for the new album from David Cook.

By linda

I actually had a chance to meet and speak with David at our Radio station. He is a wonderful singer song writer who gives everthing form his heart. He deserves the BEST!

By Sandra

Cannot wait for new DC music! Is there a release date yet? Hoping it's soon!

By kim

Love David Cook...cant wait for the new album!!!!

By chris veltrie

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Uh, oaky? So, like Kris Allen, I heard one so-so single on their debut albums. Sounds like he's not doing all that well to me !! I'll go with the runner ups myself (like Lambert and Daughtry) !!

Friday 11 February

By Sam

I'd say Cook is doing just fine. A platinum album, 2 platinum singles and a gold one works for me.

By Sue

He needs to do broadway,His rendition of "Music Of The Night"
won him idol for sure.

By Shirlee

I Love David's voice.
I wish him the best of everything

Sunday 30 January

By lily

I'm a fan of Jason Castro from the same season but I'm very happy for David Cook and his success. Keep it up :)

By Gayle

He is so precious!!!!!

By Lisa

Love that boy!!!

By Dave

I am from Blue Springs Mo., and we are so proud of David Cook, and I personally don't see him fading away into the sunset like a whole host of other American Idol winners. David has talent and staying power. Good luck David Cook.

Monday 31 January

By FerlinHusky

I hope his sophomore album is better than the crap on his first one. American Idol provides a platform for talented people then destroys their careers with crappy CDs.

By jeffrey

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Uhhh, on what planet did the album garner "rave reviews from the music literati"? Cook's album was blasted by the critics, and deservedly so. So good on Idol in a lackluster season, his CD was chock-full-of-cliches, zapping the 'rock' out of 'rock n roll'. As one critic astutely put it - it was more akin to Michael Bolton in a tight t-shirt.

By MakersMusic

I think the truth lies somewhere in between "rave reviews" and "blasted by critics." There were some opinions on both ends of the spectrum, but as I recall it most critics found both good and bad things to say. In checking Metacritic, I see that of the 6 sanctioned reviews, 4 were positive, 1 neutral, and one negative - and that happens to be the one you quoted. I don't think you can in fairness call that representative, any more than you could cite a single, highly positive opinion and conclude the album got "rave reviews."

I'm so excited about this album. Those of us who became familiar with David's catalog of work know he's a gifted songwriter and musician, and this is the record where he seems to have had the time and leeway to really exploit those talents, augmented by proven collaborators, and with all the resources that a major label's backing can provide.

I think we're in for quite an outstanding piece of work.

By Suz

I am so stoked for new music from my favorite artist. David Cook is an amazing songwriter and I can't wait to hear what he has put together. I have high expectations, but no doubt that he will deliver. This is the only album I plan on buying this year...and I plan on buying multiple copies...

By joseph

Always did like David. Good guy, nice voice. A future AI contestant that blew it in the group sing will probably go big too. "Red," Mayo is a talented young attractive 23 yo girl that doesn't fit the mold but will go bold. Like David, she has to find her niche. Just wait and see both will emerge as your favorite artist sooner or later. Good luck David I'll be picking up your cd on i-tunes soon enough.

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