Javier Colon’s New Album Draws Mixed Reviews; Kris Allen Credited as Co-Writer on “Raise Your Hand”

Entertainment Weekly published a lukewarm review of Javier Colon’s debut album, noting that the record fails to fully capitalize on the warm, relatable persona Colon displayed on The Voice. While the review pointed to several tracks as overly mellow or formulaic, one detail from the album has generated interest among fans: Kris Allen, the winner of American Idol’s eighth season, is credited as a co-writer on the song “Raise Your Hand.”

Critical Response to Come Through For You

The review described Come Through For You as leaning toward soft-rock arrangements that sometimes lack distinction, suggesting that Colon’s vocal charm didn’t always translate into memorable production or songwriting on the record. The critic singled out a few collaborators by name, mentioning that songs co-written by artists such as Kris Allen and James Blunt didn’t provide the creative spark needed to lift the album out of its quieter moments. One of the review’s more surprising notes highlighted a song that addresses cancer with unusually specific imagery, even referencing the phrase “head of oncology” in its lyrics—a line the critic found oddly striking within an otherwise subdued collection of songs.

Kris Allen’s Involvement and Songwriting Credits

Fans of Kris Allen have reason to take note: the track “Raise Your Hand” lists him among the songwriters. This connection underscores the way artists from popular television talent shows often collaborate behind the scenes, contributing to one another’s projects even when they are not the recording artist. The album credits also include other writers associated with the track, confirming that the song was a collaborative effort tied to multiple artists and writers who have worked across various contemporary pop and rock projects.

Update: Additional Songwriting Credits

An update to the album’s liner information indicates that “Raise Your Hand” was co-written by Kris Allen, Matt Cardle (known from the U.K. edition of The X Factor) and songwriter-producer Andrew Frampton, who has been associated with several mainstream pop projects. There had been previous speculation that the song might end up on Matt Cardle’s record, but in the end it appears on Javier Colon’s release instead. The shared songwriting credits emphasize the cross-pollination typical of modern pop songwriting, where multiple contributors shape a track before it finds its final home.

Live Performance: “Raise Your Hand” on Walmart Soundcheck

For listeners who want to hear the song in a live context, there is a notable live performance of “Raise Your Hand” captured for Walmart Soundcheck. That live rendition gives a sense of how the track translates outside the studio and showcases Colon’s vocal approach to the material in a stripped-down environment. Fans seeking to compare the album version to a live presentation may find the Soundcheck recording illuminating, as it highlights the song’s melodic structure and Colon’s interpretive choices.

Context: From Television Success to Studio Release

Javier Colon’s rise to public attention came through his participation and victory on the inaugural season of The Voice, a platform that introduced him to a national audience and framed him as a sincere, affable performer. That persona helped drive interest in his post-show projects, but the transition from televised performances to a full-length studio album can present challenges. Critics often weigh an artist’s recorded material against the immediacy and emotional clarity of live or televised performances, and in this case the album review suggests that the studio production sometimes softens the qualities that made Colon stand out onstage.

Conclusion

While some critics found Come Through For You to be uneven, the album contains moments of collaboration and songwriting that will interest fans of both Javier Colon and the contributing artists. The inclusion of a Kris Allen co-writing credit on “Raise Your Hand,” and the additional credits naming Matt Cardle and Andrew Frampton, underscore the collaborative nature of modern pop songwriting. For listeners curious about the song’s live interpretation, the Walmart Soundcheck performance offers a clear look at how the track functions in a live setting.