Fresh off his sexually charged performance on the American Music Awards the American Idol runner up Adam Lambert releases his debut album, “For Your Entertainment,” on 19 Recordings/RCA records. Viably one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year Lambert delivers some of the finest and electrifying tunes of the decade employing ‘80s glam rock, disco and some tender ballads. Enlisting some of Hollywood’s A-list songwriters including Pink, Lady Gaga, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, and American Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi, Muse, Justin Hawkins formerly of The Darkness and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer this disc unquestionably entertains and defies all expectation.
With his out-of-the-world vocal range and unique musical style, Adam Lambert is the ultra-glam, rock superstar that has everybody talking and America hooked. Lambert is always edgy and never apologizes for who he is, as he feels comfortable in his own skin and understands that not everybody are in for his wild ride. The first single, “For Your Entertainment,” embodies a burlesque motive it is very glossy and erotically charged. The disco themed song asks if you know what you’ve got with your partner and indulges in some S&M innuendo??
The lead track, “Music Again,” embodies a ‘80s rock sound not unlike Bon Jovi complete with Lambert’s characteristic screech and a guitar solo typical of the era. Like many relationship songs “Whataya Want From Me,” ventures into not letting someone get the best of you.
Adam co-wrote four of the songs on his album including “Pick U Up,” about waiting a lifetime to find that special someone, “Strut,” again about finding that exceptional love evoking a Freddy Mercury sounding bridge, and then probably the strongest song on the disc “Aftermath,” exploring the idea of not ever being alone and not of being afraid of what is inside, and finally “Broken Open,” a tender ballad about being imperfect.
One of the most universal themes on this album is the desire to feel comfortable in your own skin no matter what other people may think about you. Sticking up for oneself regardless of the status quo. On “If I Had You,” plays out like Cher’s song, “Believe” espousing that if I had you that is all I ever need and “Sure Fire Winners,” is disco based with electronica tune sounding like a video game including that oh so famous scream. “Soaked,” is a Middle Eastern power ballad as is “A Loaded Smile,” both searching for love. “Fever” desires to get that special someone all alone “Sleepwalker,” examines when one can’t exist without the other includes an expressive electric guitar solo.
The bonus track “Time For Miracles,” is being used as the soundtrack for the movie blockbuster “2012.” If offers Lambert the opportunity to be immortalized in motion picture history. While this album has high expectations it does not stall offering a little something for everyone. The disc grows on you and foretells that Lambert has a successful career ahead of him. While at times overtly theatrical he has the chops to produce exceptional music and never disappoints.
