I picked up this album for a few reasons--one, Simon Cowell said that this CD cheapens American Idol, which is about as hypocritical a statement as can be made from a guy on a show that puts cookie-cutter vocalists into a corporate music formula. But more than that, I collect bad music. Give me William Shatner, give me dogs barking Beatles songs--and yes, gimme William Hung.

I've heard some surprisingly strong negative reactions to this album--many, of course, from folks who didn't buy or even listen to it--suggesting that this is racism at the worst, and at its least, baseless opportunism that hurts "real music." Racism, hopefully not--I'll clearly listen to *anybody* who can't sing, regardless of their skin. But hurting "real music?" When did disco anthems and the soundtracks of Disney movies--let alone the disposable Space Jam--become sacrosanct? Some of this material deserves Hung's enthustiastic but tuneless performances. His version of "I Believe I Can Fly" may well be the single worst recorded cover song of all time--but as such, to me, it's instantly more interesting and compelling than the original. (And that explains the 3-star score: These are perfectly awful performances of mediocre songs, thereby achieving greatness through failure, ultimately meeting in the middle.)

Hung laughs through part of his YMCA vocal...because he's having fun. Is the rest of the country laughing with him, or at him? At him, no doubt. Me too. But I'll gladly give the kid a few bucks for making me smile, for being brave enough to be himself (he's far more of a natural individualist than the eager-to-please corporate chameleons who "succeeded" on American Idol in his place), and suggesting that sometimes, music isn't about quality--it's about entertainment value. Take my money, William, and thank you--you're worth it.


Hung Fu   April 6, 2004
61 out of 69 found this review helpful

This man is a Genius. Either that, or he's mildly retarded. All I know is I bought his CD. And i'm ashamed of it. But deep down inside, "Inspiration, by william hung" changed me.


Much better than Britney Spears' voice.   April 6, 2004
Jeff A. (New Orleans.)
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

The only difference between William Hung and Britney Spears is: Britney Spears dances better. Unlike Spears, William Hung doesn't dance and crawl on the floor to mask his awful voice and he doesn't lip-sing either.

For those who gave this CD below 3 stars, c'mon, did you think you bought this CD and expect Whitney Houston's or The Three Tenors' voices singing to you? Be real, ask yourself what did you expect before you bought this CD.


bestdressed   April 7, 2004
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Let's face it - I find it refreshing to hear someone singing for the sheer joy of it - even if he is not the greatest singer. He has not been styled, primped, coached, processed and programmed by the bigwigs at some record company whose only purpose is to move units. William is adorable - you can't help but smile when you hear him. I think it is a victory for all of us who are just average - but still feel passionate enough about something we love to do it - even if we are not the best at it. And, further proof that we all love a happy ending!


Retard?   April 10, 2004
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

Fact: He studies civil engineering at one of the top universities in the country (which I'm sure a lot of you here wouldn't even have the guts to apply to).

Fact: He is famous, without having to do much. Effortless.

Fact: His album is selling like crazy, despite the fact that he can't really sing.

Fact: Chicks dig him. I'm not just talking about ordinary or ugly chicks, I'm talking about HOT babes. They love him in a way I don't understand.

And some of you call William Hung a "retard"? He's probably laughing his way to the bank, with some hot chicks carrying his yellow backpack, and with a Berkeley degree waiting for him. And you?