Inspiration (William Hung album)

Last updated
Inspiration
WilliamHungInspirationAlbumCover.jpg
Studio album by
William Hung
ReleasedApril 6, 2004
RecordedMarch 6–7, 2004
StudioThe Facility III, Fantasy Studios and Ashe Music Studios [1]
Length45:01
Label Koch
Producer Dee Sonaram
William Hung chronology
Inspiration
(2004)		 Hung for the Holidays
(2004)

Inspiration, originally planned to be True Idol, [2] is the debut full-length studio album by William Hung, a former hopeful American Idol contestant. The album was recorded at Fantasy Studios and released by Koch Entertainment, now Entertainment One in 2004, after his audition. Although the album was commercially successful, it received a highly negative critical reception due to Hung's poor vocals and the sound of the karaoke tracks used in this album.

Contents

Development

The album was recorded following the early 2004 broadcast of his failed Idol audition where Hung, a 20 year old civil engineering student, received notoriety and a cult following due to an enthusiastic yet mediocre performance of "She Bangs". When rejected for advancement, he kept a positive attitude and proclaimed he'd done his best and had "no regrets".

The album released on April 6, 2004, by Koch Entertainment, now Entertainment One. The album was recorded the weekend of March 6, 2004, with Hung singing vocals over digital MIDI music, with real musicians occasionally playing as well. The album was put together in 5 weeks. [3] The album includes a 40-minute DVD documentary entitled A Day in the Life of a Small William Hung.

Release and commercial performance

Two weeks before the release of Inspiration, iTunes did a "Pre-Release Teaser" where they sold four tracks from the album. The tracks received a total of 25,000 downloads. [4] To promote the album, Hung performed before nearly 20,000 fans during half-time at a Golden State Warriors game on April 6. Later that week, he performed his signature song, "She Bangs", on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and appeared on The Today Show .

The album peaked on the Billboard 200 albums chart at No. 34, selling 37,676 units during its first week [4] [5] and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Independent Album chart. The album was the fifth best seller at Trans World stores, and at Tower Records was No. 14, behind Modest Mouse. [3] The album has sold a total of 200,000 copies. [6]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [7]
IGN Star half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Entertainment Weekly F [9]
Stylus Magazine D− [10]
Shakingthrough.netStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
People Star full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]
The Florida Times-Union Negative [13]
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Negative [14]
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Negative [15]
Rhapsody Negative [16]
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Negative [17]
The Morning Call Negative [18]
Houston Press Negative [19]
San Francisco Weekly Negative [20]

Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave Inspiration one star out of five, but adding it was still worth a chuckle or two for those wanting a laugh, "since it has some of the worst singing ever captured on record". He also said that the album should have been a four-track single or Extended play, because "there are really only four tracks of note and that's about all that anybody could take of this anyway." [7] The album was scored by IGN's Chris Cale a 0.5 out of ten, remarking that Hung smattered other musicians' hits, took the time to "carefully destroy each and every one" and that Hung's "music is a cacophony of wrong-notes, stoic delivery and shoddy rhythm", warning readers not to buy the album. [8] David Browne of Entertainment Weekly , who graded the album an F, said that it "adds a particularly ugly race card" to the tradition of "William Shatner to schizophrenic indie-rock icon Wesley Willis." [9]

Track listing

  1. "Words of Gratitude" (original monologue by Hung)
  2. "She Bangs" (originally by Ricky Martin )
  3. "Bailamos" (originally by Enrique Iglesias )
  4. "Inspirational Thoughts: Passion" (original monologue by Hung)
  5. "I Believe I Can Fly" (originally by R. Kelly )
  6. "Hotel California" (originally by Eagles )
  7. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (originally by Elton John )
  8. "Two Worlds" (originally by Phil Collins )
  9. "Inspirational Thoughts: Perseverance" (original monologue by Hung)
  10. "Rocket Man" (originally by Elton John)
  11. "Free" (original song written by Hung and Saul Alvarez)
  12. "Circle of Life" (originally by Elton John)
  13. "Inspirational Thoughts: Be Yourself"
  14. "Y.M.C.A." (featuring The Gonnabees) (originally by The Village People )
  15. "Shake Your Bon-Bon" (originally by Ricky Martin)

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2004)Peak
position
Australian Albums Chart [21] 89
US Billboard 200 [22] 34
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [23] 1

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Hung</span> Hong Kong–born American singer (born 1982)

William Hing Cheung Hung is a Hong Kong-born American motivational speaker and former singer who gained fame in 2004 as a result of his unsuccessful audition singing Ricky Martin's hit song "She Bangs" on the third season of the television series American Idol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She Bangs</span> 2000 single by Ricky Martin

"She Bangs" is a song recorded by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin for his sixth studio album, Sound Loaded (2000). The song was written by Desmond Child, Walter Afanasieff, and Draco Rosa, while the production was handled by Afanasieff and Rosa. It was released to radio stations by Columbia Records as the lead single from the album on September 22, 2000. A dance track with Latin and salsa music influences, its lyrics see Martin wanting to hold on to a woman, and the song is a "metaphor for the universe". The song received widely positive reviews from music critics, who often noted similarities with Martin's 1999 single "Livin' la Vida Loca", and received a nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2001 Grammy Awards. "She Bangs" was commercially successful, reaching number one in seven countries, including Italy and Sweden, as well as the top five in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other countries.

<i>Peachtree Road</i> (album) 2004 studio album by Elton John

Peachtree Road is the twenty-seventh studio album by English musician Elton John, released on 9 November 2004. The album was named after Peachtree Road, the northern part of Peachtree Street in Atlanta, where one of John's four homes is located. This is the only album during his long career on which John has sole credit as producer, although on some previous projects he was listed as a co-producer, with Clive Franks, or Greg Penny. It was recorded in January 2004.

<i>Honky Château</i> 1972 studio album by Elton John

Honky Château is the fifth studio album by English musician Elton John. It was released on 19 May 1972, and was titled after the 18th century French chateau where it was recorded, Château d'Hérouville. The album reached number one on the US Billboard 200, the first of John's seven consecutive US number one albums.

<i>Breakaway</i> (Kelly Clarkson album) 2004 studio album by Kelly Clarkson

Breakaway is the second studio album by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson, released on November 30, 2004, by RCA Records. The album is the follow-up to her successful debut album, Thankful (2003). Breakaway sees Clarkson collaborating with various producers and songwriters for the first time, primarily Dr. Luke, Max Martin, John Shanks, Kara DioGuardi, Ben Moody, and David Hodges; the latter two are former members of American rock band Evanescence. Despite the established commercial success of Thankful, music critics still continued to typecast Clarkson as an American Idol winner and were also critical of her attempts of establishing a commercial appeal on her own. Wanting to stray from those, she was convinced by Davis to work with Dr. Luke and Martin in Stockholm, and with Moody and Hodges in Los Angeles, in pursuit of a pop rock direction. This also led her to part ways with her manager Simon Fuller and hire the management services of Jeff Kwatinetz before the album's release. Breakaway is primarily a pop rock record with elements of rock and soul music, marking a departure from the R&B-oriented sound of Thankful; its lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, love, and escapism.

<i>Make Believe</i> (Weezer album) 2005 studio album by Weezer

Make Believe is the fifth studio album by American rock band Weezer. It was released on May 10, 2005, by Geffen Records. The album was considered to be a return to some of the emotionally vulnerable lyrics of Weezer's previous releases, and due to the strength of the hit single "Beverly Hills", the album was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the US Billboard 200 and number eleven on the UK Albums Chart. In addition, "Beverly Hills" also earned Weezer their first Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song. Despite this, Make Believe received mixed reviews from critics and fans, although it has remained a consistent seller. The recording process of Make Believe began prior to the release of their previous album, Maladroit; however, it was prolonged compared to the recording of most of Weezer's previous albums, and lasted for almost three years. Rivers Cuomo's songwriting on Make Believe was described as "[a] return to musical, emotional bloodletting", although the lyrics were noticeably simpler than before.

<i>The One</i> (Elton John album) 1992 studio album by Elton John

The One is the twenty-third studio album by British recording artist Elton John, released on 22 June 1992. It was recorded at Studio Guillaume Tell in Paris, produced by Chris Thomas and managed by John Reid. The album was dedicated to Vance Buck, and its cover artwork was designed by Gianni Versace.

<i>Made in England</i> (Elton John album) 1995 studio album by Elton John

Made in England is the twenty-fourth studio album by English musician Elton John, released in 1995. It was produced by John and Greg Penny, his first album since Leather Jackets without producer Chris Thomas. The album was dedicated to John's boyfriend and future husband David Furnish. It was also dedicated to the memory of Denis Gauthier and Peter Williams. It was the last album to feature regular percussionist Ray Cooper until 2016's Wonderful Crazy Night. Bob Birch became John's full-time recording and touring bass player until his death in 2012.

<i>This Is Me... Then</i> 2002 studio album by Jennifer Lopez

This Is Me... Then is the third studio album by American singer Jennifer Lopez. It was released on November 25, 2002, by Epic Records. Prior to its release, Lopez began a high-profile relationship with Ben Affleck and a media circus ensued. Her relationship with Affleck served as her main inspiration for the album, which is dedicated to him. Initially scheduled to be released the following year, This Is Me... Then's release date was quickly pushed forward after its lead single, "Jenny from the Block", was purposely leaked by Tommy Mottola, the head of Sony Music Entertainment.

<i>Breaking Hearts</i> 1984 studio album by Elton John

Breaking Hearts is the eighteenth studio album by English musician Elton John, released in 1984. It features the quartet of John, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson. There were four top-40 singles from the album: "Sad Songs ", "Who Wears These Shoes", "In Neon", and the UK No. 5 hit "Passengers".

<i>Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra</i> 1987 live album by Elton John

Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is the twenty-eighth official album release for English musician Elton John, released in 1987. It is a live album recorded at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on 14 December 1986 with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

<i>Blaze of Glory</i> (Jon Bon Jovi album) 1990 studio album by Jon Bon Jovi

Blaze of Glory is the debut solo studio album by Jon Bon Jovi, the frontman of Bon Jovi. The album was released on August 7, 1990, through Mercury Records. It includes songs from and inspired by the movie Young Guns II. Emilio Estevez originally approached Bon Jovi to ask him for permission to include the song "Wanted Dead or Alive" on the soundtrack.

<i>The Captain & the Kid</i> 2006 studio album by Elton John

The Captain & the Kid is the twenty-eighth studio album by English musician Elton John, released in 2006. It is his second autobiographical album with lyricist Bernie Taupin, picking up where Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975) left off. The Captain & the Kid chronicles the events in their lives over the intervening three decades.

<i>Ciara: The Evolution</i> 2006 studio album by Ciara

Ciara: The Evolution is the second studio album by American singer Ciara, released on December 5, 2006, by LaFace Records. The album is separated into five sections, with each showcasing a different side of Ciara's artistry. The first features crunk&B and uptempo records, which mainly deal with feminine independence, while its successor, entitled The Evolution of Music features ballads dealing with the positives and struggles of love. The Evolution of Dance features dance tracks, The Evolution of Fashion deals with self-expression, while the last, entitled The Evolution of C, features tracks that discuss how Ciara has evolved as a person since the start of her career.

<i>Jordin Sparks</i> (album) 2007 studio album by Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks is the debut album by the American pop and R&B singer Jordin Sparks, released on November 20, 2007, in the United States, and November 27, 2007, in Canada. In the United States, it debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200 with sales of 119,000 copies in the first week. It contains four top twenty singles, with "Tattoo" reaching number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, and "No Air" reaching number three. The album has sold over 3 million copies worldwide and is her best-selling album. Sparks supported the album with the As I Am Tour and Jesse & Jordin LIVE Tour. The album was certified Platinum for sales in excess of 1,000,000 by the RIAA in the US on December 12, 2008.

<i>Ego Trippin</i> 2008 studio album by Snoop Dogg

Ego Trippin' is the ninth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on March 11, 2008 by Doggystyle Records and Geffen Records. The album debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200, selling 137,000 copies in its first week. Upon its release, the album received generally positive reviews from music critics.

<i>The Diving Board</i> 2013 studio album by Elton John

The Diving Board is the twenty-ninth studio album by English musician Elton John. It is the second of his studio releases since 1979's Victim of Love without any of his regular band members. The album was released in the United Kingdom on 16 September 2013 and debuted at No. 3 on the UK album chart, his highest-charting studio album in his home country since 2001's Songs from the West Coast, and at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. It is also his highest-charting solo album in the United States since Blue Moves in 1976.

<i>Old Sock</i> 2013 studio album by Eric Clapton

Old Sock is the nineteenth solo studio album by Eric Clapton. It includes the two new compositions "Gotta Get Over" and "Every Little Thing", as well as covers. Several notable musicians were involved in the album, including Steve Winwood, JJ Cale and Paul McCartney.

<i>Live in San Diego</i> (Eric Clapton album) 2016 live album by Eric Clapton

Live in San Diego is the thirteenth live album by British rock musician Eric Clapton. It was released through Reprise Records as a live album on 30 September 2016 and as a 2-hour live DVD on 10 March 2017.

<i>Rocketman: Music from the Motion Picture</i> 2019 soundtrack album by Taron Egerton

Rocketman: Music from the Motion Picture is a soundtrack album released by Virgin EMI (UK) and Interscope Records (US) on CD and digital formats on 24 May 2019 and is the official soundtrack album to the 2019 biographical musical film of English musician Elton John entitled Rocketman. The album contains 22 tracks of several hits performed by the cast of the film and a newly written track "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" featuring vocals by Taron Egerton and John together. This is the only song featuring Elton. The song won the 2019 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song & the 2020 Academy Award for Best Original Song. The soundtrack was also released by Interscope Records on vinyl on 23 August 2019.

References

  1. ↑ William Hung - Inspiration (CD). Discogs.com. Accessed from June 7, 2013.
  2. ↑ Patel, Joseph (March 9, 2004). William Hung Idol-ized With Record Deal, Remixes. MTV. Accessed from June 8, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Moss, Corey (April 12, 2004). William Hung's Sales Figures Are Nothing To Laugh At. MTV. Accessed from June 6, 2013.
  4. 1 2 William Hung's Debut Album 'Inspiration' Debuts at #1 on the Billboard Independent Album Chart and at #34 on the Billboard Top 200.. PR Newswire. April 14, 2004. Accessed from June 6, 2013.
  5. ↑ Paulsen, Wade (April 14, 2004). 'Idol' reject William Hung's CD 'Inspiration' debuts at #34 in U.S. sales charts. realitytvworld.com.
  6. ↑ Navarro, Mireya (March 4, 2007). Missing: Asian-American pop stars. The New York Times. Accessed from June 8, 2013.
  7. 1 2 Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. Inspiration - William Hung. Allmusic.
  8. 1 2 Cale, Chris (April 13, 2004). William Hung: Inspiration Archived 2012-02-08 at the Wayback Machine . IGN.
  9. 1 2 Browne, David (April 23, 2004). Inspiration Review. Entertainment Weekly.
  10. ↑ Bastow, Clem (April 26, 2004). William Hung - Inspiration Archived 2012-05-10 at the Wayback Machine . Stylus Magazine. Accessed from June 6, 2013.
  11. ↑ Roberts, Christopher (April 20, 2004). William Hung: Inspiration (2004). Shakingthrough.net. Accessed from June 6, 2013.
  12. ↑ Picks and Pans Review: Inspiration. People. May 10, 2004. Accessed from June 6, 2013.
  13. ↑ Peralta, Eyder (April 14, 2004). REVIEW: 'American Idol' castoff just enjoys singing. The Florida Times-Union. Accessed from June 6, 2013.
  14. ↑ Ortiz, Vikki (April 7, 2004). Unusual 'Inspiration'. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Accessed from June 8, 2013.
  15. ↑ Pitts, Jonathan (April 10, 2004). Hung's 'Inspiration' Cruel or Honest fun?. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Accessed from June 8, 2013.
  16. ↑ McGuirk, Mike. Inspiration: William Hung. Rhapsody. Accessed from June 8, 2013.
  17. ↑ Review at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review was removed. Published April 2004. A quote from review was re-posted by Popdirt.com. Original review by Regis Behe. Accessed from June 8, 2013.
  18. ↑ Doolittle, James (April 10, 2004). WILLIAM HUNG "INSPIRATION" (Koch). The Morning Call. Accessed from June 8, 2013.
  19. ↑ McManus, Brian (May 13, 2004). William Hung - Inspiration (Koch). Houston Press. Accessed from June 9, 2013.
  20. ↑ Lamb, Todd (May 5, 2004). William Hung - Inspiration. San Francisco Weekly. Accessed from July 1, 2013.
  21. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 3 May 2004" (PDF) (740). Australian Web Archive. June 7, 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2004-06-06. Retrieved August 17, 2014.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  22. ↑ "William Hung Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  23. ↑ "William Hung Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.