My American Dream

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My American Dream
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 23, 2009
Recorded2008-2009
GenreClassical, pop
Length38:56
LabelDecca
DirectorPat Barry
ProducerSimon Franglen
Singles from Neal E. Boyd
  1. ""God Bless the USA""
    Released: June 2, 2009
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
BillboardPositive
Entertainment WeeklyMixed[2]
Artistdirect

My American Dream is the sole studio album by Neal E. Boyd released on June 23, 2009. The album charted on the Billboard 200.

Background[edit]

After Boyd won the third season of America's Got Talent, he was signed to Decca Records. Boyd explained that the name of the album reflects on how he met his dream after winning Talent.[3] Songs included on the album are "God Bless the USA," "Ave Maria," "Amazing Grace," West Side Story's song "Somewhere," and his Talent winning song "Nessun Dorma."

The album was released on the date of the fourth season premiere of Talent, which was June 23, 2009.

Boyd has since gone on tour with Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts, and later sang for US President Barack Obama and Missouri Governor Matt Blunt.[4]

Reception[edit]

Commercial performance[edit]

The album sold 6,000 copies in its first week of release.[5] The album also debuted at #195 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Top Classical Albums Chart.

Critical reception[edit]

James Manheim of AllMusic said Boyd's talent "leaves an impression on listeners. That's the quality that makes for a crossover star."[1] Stephen Thomas Erlewine called it "an effective showcase for his supple singing if not quite an artistic statement of purpose. Thankfully, Boyd avoids the ersatz Euro-schlock of Il Divo, never trying to have a pop production, instead being happily symphonic."

Track listing[edit]

  1. "God Bless the U.S.A." 3:57
  2. "Nessun dorma" 3:05
  3. "Mama" 3:23
  4. "Somewhere" 3:22
  5. "Il Gladiatore" 3:45
  6. "Bring Him Home" 3:43
  7. "Is Nothing Sacred" 4:12
  8. "Anthem" 3:08
  9. "Sonny Boy" 2:58
  10. "Ave Maria" 4:47
  11. "Amazing Grace" 2:36

Personnel[edit]

These are the personnel who helped create the album.

  • Savan Kotecha (Composer)
  • Winston Simone (Executive Producer)
  • Peter Rudge (Representation)
  • Neal E. Boyd (Vocals, Liner Notes)
  • Evelyn de Morgan (A&R)
  • Jeffrey Pescetto (Lyricist)
  • Jon Bailey (Engineer, Mixing, Digital Editing)
  • Justin S. Turner (Legal Counsel)
  • City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (Choir, Orchestra)

Charts[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b My American Dream at AllMusic
  2. ^ Exton, Emily (2009-06-04). "'America's Got Talent' winner Neal E. Boyd's debut: It takes two to review it! | PopWatch | EW.com". Popwatch.ew.com. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
  3. ^ "Neal E. Boyd: My American Dream". YouTube. 2009-06-20. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
  4. ^ "Missourian Neal E. Boyd to perform for President Obama during visit". ksdk.com. 2010-03-09. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
  5. ^ a b Story by Nancy Moen Photos by Nicholas Benner. "MIZZOU Magazine - Heartland star". Mizzoumag.missouri.edu. Archived from the original on 2010-06-19. Retrieved 2012-03-02.