Details on Elliott Yamin's new album

In a story for today's paper, Elliott Yamin estimates he has recorded 35 songs for the follow-up to his 2007 debut. "Obviously, not all of them are going to make the record," says the Season 5 American Idol finalist, "but I've had time to branch out and work with as many people as possible."

The 29-year-old singer says he'd hoped to have the album out by March 20 -- the two-year anniversary date of the release of his self-titled debut album -- "but we're running a little behind schedule with our recording." Elliott said his extensive recording schedule and the death of his mother last March contributed to the album's delay.

"We're putting on the finishing touches, and we should have everything ready to turn in by the beginning of February," he says. "I've got a few more vocals and that's about it. Then we're ready to hit the ground running again."

Yamin's 2007 CD contained a cover of Leon Russell's A Song for You, but Yamin says the new album, which he hasn't titled yet, likely will contain all new songs, many of which he co-wrote.
"I’ve been trying to write as much as possible, building my own catalog of songs that I’ve co-written," he says. "At the same time, I'm trying to find the right fits for this record. Every song on the record’s got to be strong. I’ve had the time."

Elliott also recently bought a house in the Los Angeles area, and he moved in last Friday.
"It's a very Vegas-y looking house," he says. "The backyard looks like an oasis: It's got a pool, a hot tub, a barbecue area, a fire pit. It's kind of an entertaining home."

Elliott says the 4,200-square-foot house has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, an office and a two-car garage. But the house's kitchen and living room, he says, convinced him to buy. "The kitchen is just amazing, and it's kind of connected to the living room. It's a cool chill area I think we'll spend most of our time in."

Elliott enjoys the feeling of being a first-time home buyer. "It's a pretty big dream come true for me," he says. "I've always wanted to be a homeowner and have a place I can call my own. I'm really excited."