No surprises emerge from Cook's kitchen

"DAVID COOK," David Cook (19 Recordings/RCA)

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The streets of America are littered with former "American Idol" contestants, making it increasingly difficult for them to set themselves apart from one another in their quest for post-show stardom.

Most recent winner David Cook attempts to stand out by being blunt and loud on his new self-titled release. Cook is an archetypical rock singer on a show dominated by divas and pop vocalists, so at least he's got a slight stylistic distinction going for him. However, "David Cook" is so formulaic, it might as well be labeled simply "Rock Singer" (no title, no name, no photo).

Still, Cook is backed by a major label, his release is produced with precision, and he delivers generous amounts of angst-filled hooks. Potential hits are available, such as opening cut "Declaration," where meaty guitars support Cook as he sings about standing alone against the world, and also the raucous, classic-rock tinged "Heroes."

It's serviceable elsewhere, too, from its raw "Bar-Ba-Sol" to its radio-friendly "Avalanche" to its piano-and-strings ballad "Permanent."

Yet Cook's release is predictable. He invariably oversings, bland songs are everywhere and it's hard to imagine listeners feeling a continued deep connection to the ordinary-voiced singer as he blares and broods through one rote song after another.

"David Cook" has enough punch to deliver the singer a burst of momentum, but it likely doesn't have enough juice to make a lasting impression.

-- Scripps Howard News Service