The CD is already a Top 5 hit in Canada, and I can see this cd becoming a hit in the U.S. as well. It's a cd filled with enjoyable, radio-friendly singles.


TimminsYouthSingers.Com Reviews: "Home" For The Holidays   December 26, 2003
Rosanne C. Simunovic (Timmins Ontario Canada)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Well, after many weeks of anticipation, Canadian Idol, 24-year-old Ryan Malcolm of Kingston Ontario, released his first full length CD - Home. I have to say that this is an impressive body of work - the diverse song styles allow this album to be appreciated and respected by music lovers of all ages and discerning musical tastes. It was produced with care and stellar attention to detail and Ryan's golden voice is the center that holds all the harmonic and melodic components together. The team of musicians, producers and engineers really treated this young man with the respect that he so deserves - the songs reflect Ryan's personal style, his diversity and his exceptional vocal ability and range.

As a listener, a couple of these songs didn't really appeal to me -however I am sure many listeners would say the same thing about this or any CD that they have purchased. Some songs are obviously there as "filler" and the rest are the gems and the cornerstone of this album and they are excellent.

The programming sequence of the songs on this album was planned and formulated in exceptional fashion. This makes a huge difference in the listener's first impression of the album. We are never allowed to wallow too long in the melodic ballads or be energized too long with the up tempo numbers - we are given a couple of doses of each, mixed with a sprinkle of mid-tempo songs and a lot of different genres to enjoy and to appeal to everyone.

The Home album is an eclectic collection of memorable songs and, except for a few technical and artistic glitches here and there - and what CD does not experience this - this album, in my opinion is an unqualified success. Congratulations to Ryan and his talented team of writers and producers - very good work indeed!


Ryan Delivers An Excellent CD!   January 3, 2004
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Ryan was a favorite of mine during the Canadian Idol season, and when he won I couldn't wait to here what his debut CD would sound like. I couldn't be more impressed! The whole CD has a great rock/pop feel, which I seem to love more every time I listen to it. Ryan has a very clear, unique, and versatile voice and gives a solid and passionate performance to each song. Some of the best rockin' songs are "Absolutely Perfect" and "Star Of All The Planets", and there are also a few beautiful ballads such as "Home", "Something More", and "You Made This Fool Become A Man". Very well produced. Great work from a great performer!


Bringing It Home For Canada....   February 19, 2004
Brittany Rose (Winnipeg, MB)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

From the very last notes of Ryans first preformance in the Canadian Idol Top 30 of the U2 song "One"...I was hooked. Ryan has a totally unique and beautiful voice that I fall in love with every time I hear this album or one of songs, all over again. The track listing on this American version is a little bit different then the one released here, so I'll review it on the US terms. The music in general on the alb. is sorta a pop-alt-rock sound, with bits of country, classic rock, and other influences thrown in. A number of tracks were written by Canadian Duo McMaster and James, who had a few big hits a few years ago. Their influence can be seen on this cd with the glossy yet pure sound of the tracks. There is something for everyone here, so take a listen and I gaurantee you'll end up loving the album as a whole. I had to give it a 5 based on Ryans voice alone!

1. I Gotta Be Me - Not my fave song on the album, has a really loose feeling, as if its an alternative version of a song being played live. Not bad though, love Ryans ad libbing!

2. Crash & Burn - A really sweet song with good lyrics, that will get stuck in your head for hours, especially the chorus. I love how his vocals really showcase his range throughout.

3. Memory Lane - More of a mellow song, a bit U2-esque but the chorus is quite poppy. These first three songs all kinda have a "rounded" chorus so I'm not too sure I like 'em together. Still a decent song.

4. Nothing Left To Say - A sorta poppy sound here, head-bopping inducing. Reminds me a bit of some of the bands in the states, like Matchbox 20. Pretty good.

5. October Skies - This really isn't my number one song on the cd, however it has grown on me. It has a bit of a Santana-esque vibe, and the chorus is actually really beautiful. Let it grow on you.

6. Absolutely Perfect - A more of a rock song here, reminds me a lot of Our Lady Peace (Canadian Rock band). Love the vocals and how different it sounds compared to a lot of the cd. Will have you singing along (except maybe not the super high parts in the chorus).

7. Home - Most definiately my fave song on this cd, as well as being the title track. Its sorta Beatles to me...just really beautiful and simple at the beginning with gorgeous lyrics and everything just comes together so perfectly. If you were to judge the album on the title track alone you'd have to give it a 5.

8. Star Of All The Planets - Ryans second single, although really his first album release, has two different feels to it. The verses are kinda 80's rock, but the chorus is a really light and beautiful pop bit. Good song, quite catchy, cool lyrics.

9. Good Girls - Probably the most different song on this album, mixes old school with new school, for a ...sorta r'n'b feel. Not a huge fan here, cuz the lyrics are kinda lame as it is, but its interesting to hear Ryan's singing background (he used ot sing covers in a family band) come through.

10. You Made This Fool Become A Man - The song with the most country influence, its a nice ballad, pretty message and a sweet chorus. Love the line "Big city kid with a big city life..." and the way he sings it.

11. Straight Up The Middle - The 2nd shortest song, but its really quite good. Has an airy guitar feel to it, and a super catchy chorus. Possibel single?

12. Ride - Don't be fooled by the safari-cheese-fest that starts this track off. Its actually pretty decent minus the "sheryl crow" references. The chorus is awesome, a good going to the beach song.

13. Your Heart Will Know - This is actually the last song on Ryan's Canadian release. Its basically a power ballad which Ryan uses at every possibel moment to accentuate his powerful voice. Listen to everything from the sweet poppy intro, to his trademarked rock-like vocals, and the strong chorus. Sweet song.

14. Dont Dream Its Over F/ Gary Beals - Gary Beals is the runner up in the canadian Idol competition. I believe they actually sang this on the show. The arrangment of the song itself is a bit weak, but its nice to hear a collab.

15. Something More - Ryan's winning single which broke all sorts of Canadian music records. Its a really good song actually, in comparison to the typical idol fare that gets released. Note the double meanings in the lyrics for love and the love Ryan recieved from his fans during the competition (much liek Kelly's 'A Moment LIke This')

Altogether give this guy a listen, he'll surprise you by sounding as flawless as he does live as he does on the album. A lot of different styles are sort of infused here, but it would've been nice to see Ryan go to even more extremes of the musical spectrum. either way I hope he has a great career ahead of him! Super album!


'Home' is where my heart is   December 26, 2003
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Ryan Malcolm proves himself to be a phenomenal talent with his first album. With 15 wonderful songs penned by Malcolm and a panorama of Canadian and international writer's, 'Home' proves to be head-and-shoulders above your average pop album. An eclectic collection of songs ranging from pure pop, to all out rock and a few beautiful and heart-felt ballads thrown in, anyone buying this album will find a number of songs to fall in love with. There really is no place like 'Home'.