Colton Dixon’s performances of tracks by Daughtry and Paramore made him one of the standouts of American Idol‘s eleventh season. His love of inspirational, powerful alt-rock shines even brighter on his debut album, A Messenger. The Tennessee native ramps up the rock power moves, going for fist-pumping epic glory on “Love Has Come for Me” and glossy post-grunge on “Scars.” Abetted by a songwriting crew responsible for hits from Switchfoot and Kelly Clarkson, Colton navigates the waters of radio-ready rock with booming, headstrong performances.