Here we are now, entertain us
November 25th, 2009 - Written by stevek
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Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment
It’s not often that an American Idol alum manages to impress me with their debut CD. Quite the opposite in fact; usually I find their albums almost universally never live up to the hype.
Such is most certainly not the case with ‘For Your Entertainment’, from American Idol Season 8 runner-up, Adam Lambert. While his gay critics were busy complaining that he wasn’t gay enough and his straight critics bemoaned that he was too gay, Lambert focused his energy on crafting a truly danceable, radio-ready and utterly infectious album.
Not since Justin Timberlake released ‘Justified’ has a Pop/Dance album made such an impression. While Lambert drifts into Queen/Mika/Muse territory on songs like the opener, “Music Again” and “Soaked”, he manages to establish his own definitive sound on the hefty 14 songs of this album.
Arguably among the best tracks on this surprisingly well-produced and well-performed album is “Fever” which combines the above Dance/Pop vocals and music with a chorus arrangement that sounds like the best of the best 80s Hair Metal. “Strut” and “If I Had You” are likewise great examples of the Dance/Pop genre at its best, while Lambert goes for more Pop/Rock sounds on songs like “Whataya Want from Me”, “Sure Fire Winners” and “Aftermath”.
The title track, “For Your Entertainment”, seems destined to become Adam Lambert’s great, big “GO FUCK YOURSELVES!” to the aforementioned not-straight-enough and too-gay critics alike, and rightfully so. Why Lambert should have to define himself by someone else’s standards is beyond me. But somehow he’s held to an altogether unfair measure because of his sexual orientation. You’d think people would be more concerned with his incredible talent than whose body parts he prefers.
That being said, I think any man – straight or gay – who wears more eyeliner than Gerard Way, Drew Carey’s Mimi Bobek and Jared Leto combined should tone it the hell down, or at least hold out for a Cover Girl sponsorship, but that’s just me.
In any event, Adam Lambert hits it out of the park on his debut. He didn’t win American Idol Season 8, but ‘For Your Entertainment’ already makes me forget – and not care – about who did.
Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment
19 Entertainment
Steve’s Rating: 9/10
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