Fresh "Air": Rissi Palmer Breathes Life Into A Jordin Sparks Song

Posted Tue Jul 29, 2008 1:31pm PDT by Lyndsey Parker in Reality Rocks

"No Air" was the one breath of fresh air on Jordin Sparks's debut album for me. Although I've never doubted that the season 6 AmIdol winner has a good set of pipes, I have for the most part been disappointed with the safe, snoozy post-show material's she's released.

The one exception has been "No Air," which I actually think is one of the best pop singles of 2008. I also think it's probably what saved Jordin from a sad, one-album-then-dropped, Taylor Hicks-like fate. Of course, it didn't hurt matters that her unstoppable and unfloppable labelmate Chris Brown appeared on the song, but even without his input, a good song is a good song is a good song.

Case in point: The new "No Air" cover by rising Nashville star Rissi Palmer. It's a country version, and Chris Brown is nowhere to be found on it, and it's still just as great.

Or is it? Some people might even say Rissi's version is better. Compare and contrast the remake and the original here, and you decide:

191 Comments

41. Lisa ;) - Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:51pm PDT

I loved jordins and still do but I prefer Rissi's better. But they are both tremendous talents

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42. reg - Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:52pm PDT

love rissi's!!!
better

43. RONALD - Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:01pm PDT

Rissi is the next big thing! (well, she is already) Makes my day to hear her voice.

44. Larissa - Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:46pm PDT

Rissi's version is the best! Gotta lover her sound. Rissi is in a league all her own!

45. Elizabeth - Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:57pm PDT

Im a BIG fan of Rissi Palmer..but i do like Jordan Sparks and Chris Browns version better...

46. TB - Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:01pm PDT

Hands down Rissi!!! Her song gives me chills down my spine!

47. Charell - Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:06pm PDT

My vote is for rissi

48. trumpetcircle - Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:08pm PDT

Are you kidding? This is a no-brainer. Rissi takes the prize.

49. Nikki - Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:15pm PDT

Yes, I have to say that I like Rissi's better...no diss to Jordan though.

50. JVonneH - Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:23pm PDT

While I agree with your commentary that No Air was probably the best offered on Jordin's album, Rissi's version of No Air takes the song to new heights. I think the pop/R&B version of the song is only so compelling given the duet powerhouse appeal seriously - probably the reason this track stands out. Rissi reminds me of MJB when I listen to her - you can feel the personal passion in the music they put out. While there is passion to be heard in Jordin's voice, having to sing whatever the Idol producers/Clive wanted her to put out prob. hurt her. I think she wanted to sing country anyway given the way she blew 'Broken Wing'. I bought both artists' albums and this track and Rissi's CD both would win were I the sole judge ;) Jordin's is stuffed among the others while Rissi's is probably gonna burn from overplay. :-X :)

51. Kera - Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:08pm PDT

The Rissi rendition is way better!! She just fits the song so completely...It sounds so natural coming from her! Go Rissi!

52. dayna - Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:20pm PDT

I like the duet better.

53. Liz - Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:23pm PDT

I like Rissi's version much better, although both girls can sing great and have alot going for them. Rissi ... girl im voting for ya !

54. Andrea - Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:37pm PDT

I enjoyed the Jordin Sparks version when it first came out... but once the Rissi Palmer version hit the air waves - there was no contest! Hands down this one goes to RISSI :)

55. Snowcat - Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:45pm PDT

Rissi's is better. For the fairly obvious reason that she straight sings it! There is no voice augmentation or enhancement or any other post production tricks like on Taylor's version. Rissi just rips it out. And if you heard it live it'd sound the same and just as cool.

56. Laura - Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:06pm PDT

I happen to like both version. I mean if you want to hear the better vocals you listen to the Jordin Sparks version but if you are looking for a more country version then you would like Rissi Palmer's. To me, I could listen to both on my MP3 player and jam but that is just me. I love music. And this song is a really good song to listen too.

57. kevin - Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:10pm PDT

I really like both versions but I just think that the video is a little to bright any happy and so is the song it self

58. crystle2 - Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:11pm PDT

Hands down Rissi Palmer.

59. gretanbrew - Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:55pm PDT

Rissi's is best! Hands down!

60. Cara - Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:22pm PDT

They both have their strong points but I absolutely LOVE Rissi's version. She is an incredible singer! Love her to death!

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