An artist who never fails to put his heart on the line for his music is David Cook, the past winner of the FOX reality show, American Idol. Last year Cook parted ways with RCA Records after producing two albums for the label and disclosing the split during last May’s American Idol Top 4 results show. Since then, he has moved from Los Angeles to Nashville to continue his writing and producing music, but returning to the scene as an independent artist.
Image Credit: David Cook Official
This past week, Cook released his single “Laying Me Low” on iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers. The song, which is an evolution of sorts combines his familiar haunting melodies injected with great energy, fun and bounce, in a tune about being smitten and tempted by someone who keeps stringing him along despite all the warnings he’s received. It’s incredibly catchy and has great rhythm with intricate instrumentation. Cook’s vocals on this track are flawless, moving from gritty to smooth in mere seconds, and give a sort of swagger to the lyrics. He’s able to hold onto that desperation and vulnerability he’s so very well at expressing through music. “Laying Me Low”, from start to finish tells the story of a relationship and through the mood of the melody, you will hear a gradual tone of a life lived by one or many. Witnessing Cook’s musical transformation over the years is quite remarkable. To know someone like David Cook has a profound appreciation for reaching out and relating to the audience the best way he knows how is commendable and what makes this song absolutely perfect. The lyrics full of irony, pain and dynamism complement the melody immaculately. With his music, you’re always in-store for a mini story and this one delivers. The song is incredibly different from the sound on his last album This Loud Morning, but is a natural progression.
“I always want to progress,” Cook tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t want to be static as an artist so I’m refocusing on enjoying the creative process and not thinking, ‘I’ve got to write this sort of song.’ I’m at a spot in my life where whatever happens, happens. I think that allowed for a very natural progression…because you don’t want to lose your identity. I think we managed to strike a balance between something where I could put a stamp on it but it feels inherently me.”
Cook has been busy this last year and has several songs in the pipeline already. “The plan right now is just to put the song out and give it as much traction as it deserves. I would love to be putting a record together sooner rather than later. We’re just trying to find a home for it -whether it’s major or DIY or whatever, but I think we have a pocket of six or seven songs that are great material. I feel confident that someone is going to want to put it out,” he discloses to The Hollywood Reporter.
Every year since winning the musical competition, the now 30 year old singer-songwriter has been invited back to American Idol and this Thursday is no different as he will perform “Laying Me Low” as part of the results show. Since winning American Idol back in 2008, he has been certified Platinum thanks to his self-titled debut selling more than 1 million copies and hit Billboard Hot 100’s Top 20 in 2009 with his single, “Light On”. Throughout the years, Cook has continued to be a fan and Idol favorite; cited by many as a well-rounded, ‘good-guy’. It’s admirable that Cook continues to communicate with fans through meet and greets, constantly touring, pouring his heart into philanthropic efforts whether for cancer research or education, and of course producing good music along the way.
David Cook will be performing his latest single, “Laying Me Low” on Thursday, May 2’s American Idol results show. Be sure to tune into Andrew Rogers’ American Idol exclusive where he reviews the contestants’ performances and gives his predictions. Since the Top 10 were announced, Rogers has been right about every elimination! Will he be right this week?
You can purchase David Cook’s latest single “Laying Me Low” at iTunes and Amazon.
For more information on David Cook, follow him on Twitter @thedavidcook and check out his official website.
The Hudsucker 
I absolutely love the new single !! I I’m definitely looking forward to seeing him on Idol.
I’ve followed David’s career and have seen him in concert several times. He sounds just as good, or better, live and has a great rapport with the audience. I’ve met him a few times and he is a real sweetheart and very appreciative of his fans. I always tune in when he’s on Idol and love his new single, “Laying Me Low.”
David is a great artist and human being. I wish him continued success! I haven’t seen him in concert recently, but I’m definitely hoping to catch him on the next tour.
Great catchy song,Truly a progression, unexpected sound but so cool. Just want to wish him the best of luck with this jewel of a song. Hope it will hit the highs on radio airplays and tops the charts
Very unexpected, but I love how he challenges himself and pushes the envelope to try something new. It’s a very admirable quality in him and I think it’s important in this ever-changing world of music. It’s always such a treat to hear something new from David!
Incredibly beautiful song. Definitely an ear candy.
Been a fan since his first cd. Love David’s voice he make any song amazing. I love all his music but Laying Me Low may just be my favorite, it’s such a fun song!
I am a HUGE fan of David Cook ! I am very much, enjoying his new, hot single “Laying Me Low” !!! It is on constant repeat ! I am SO looking forward to his appearance on American Idol on May 2nd and seeing him up on that stage, where he BELONGS !!! This man can ROCK the house !!!! Love ya, David !!
Christine, I have the single on repeat as well and am in love with it! He’s a great musician and I’m very excited for his performance on Idol tonight. Enjoy the show!
I think the song is quite possibly hotter than he ever imagined especially when he croons in that whiskey laced voice of his about starting a fire. Tania you really captured the essence of the song and the man himself. I truly enjoyed your article, as it was such a fresh and pleasurable read. I really hope you get the chance to see him live. He puts on a banging show, but then again, it always seems to go by in the blink of an eye. I guess that comes with being a great entertainer. ;o)
I love David’s new single. Exceptional piece of music. I agree with everything you said about it. His performance turned out to be stellar and I loved the stomp clamp choreography part of the song. Brilliant song, brilliant performance, brilliant voice, brilliant person. Big fan.
Great article Tania! I can’t wait for his new album to come out. He gets better and better!
This track is definitely his best lead single. I just hope that more people gets to hear his music because it’s good.