Inspiration (CD - 2004)

Personnel includes: William Hung (vocals); Joshua Gilfand (guitar); Oba Frank Lords, Saul Alvarez (percussion, background vocals); Pepe, Mauro DeSantis, Christopher Young (programming); The Gonnabees, Jesika Pate, N'Gai (background vocals).

Recorded at The Facility III, New Jersey; Fantasy Studios, California; and Ashe Music Studios, Florida.

When California college student William Hung appeared on the AMERICAN IDOL reality show in January 2004, nobody could have predicted that he would be the first breakout star of the season. Although Hung was quickly and brutally eliminated by the judges, his awkward yet uninhibited rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" endeared him to the show's audience, prompting a sudden fan following and even a record deal. The resulting album is INSPIRATION, 15 tracks of unabashedly tone-deaf cover tunes and Hung's own personal thoughts.

After thanking his fans for purchasing the album, Hung launches into his signature tune, "She Bangs," supported by slick keyboard backing. Here, as on all of the tracks, his enthusiastic amateurishness proves surprisingly enjoyable. Soon it becomes apparent that the worst performances equal the best songs. By this standard, his versions of Enrique Iglesias's "Bailamos," R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly," and the Eagles' "Hotel California" are absolutely remarkable. Hung also takes on a trio of Elton John songs that includes "Rocket Man," which, for some, may conjure up fond memories of Biz Markie's "Just a Friend." Even if it proves to be the cap on Hung's 15 minutes of fame, INSPIRATION is a fun pop album that's delivered with more passion than many chart-topping celebrities could ever muster. minimize