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Review: Is Adam Lambert's 'For Your Entertainment' too over the top?

'American Idol' runner-up works with Pink, Lady GaGa, Weezer's Rivers Cuomo and more on major label debut

By Melinda Newman Friday, Nov 20, 2009 2:43 PM

<p>Adam Lambert</p>

Adam Lambert

Credit: AP Photo

 

There may not be a more aptly named CD this year than Adam Lambert’s “For Your Entertainment.” Every note of the season eight “American Idol” runner-up’s major label debut, out Monday,  feels like it was handpicked for your listening pleasure. 
 
Seldom has a new artist arrived with such a sure vision of himself and the confidence and chops to deliver on that idea. Lambert does nothing by half measures here. Comparisons to Lady GaGa (who wrote the ’70-tinged glam rocker “Fever”) come to mind, but they aren’t totally fair because American didn’t spend weeks getting to know Lady GaGa as we did Lambert via national television exposure. Each of his “American Idol” song selections peeled back another layer of the onion to reveal his glam side, his rock side, his theatrical side, etc. And the good news is they are all present and accounted for here.
 
Let’s go ahead and get the other obvious comparison out of the way: Season eight “American Idol” winner Kris Allen, whose set we reviewed here.  Allen has a pleasing voice, but his album is more noteworthy for the potential that it shows for Allen. “FYE” delivers a fully-formed artist.
 
“For Your Entertainment” opens with “Music Again,” a high-voltage pop track written by the Darkness’s Justin Hawkins. It’s campy, loud and over-the-top (just like the Darkness was). If you don’t buy into Lambert on “Music Again,” it’s a good bet that you’re not going to like the rest of the album, so you might as well check out now and save yourself the time.  (If you do like it, do yourself a favor and find a copy of the defunct British band’s 2003 album, “Permission to Land.”
 
But for those who love the outrageous, non-cynical pure joy of the track, dive in: there’s a lot more to enjoy here. Lambert co-wrote three of the tracks here, but he mainly relied on such hi-profile artists to provide the material. “Whataya Want from Me,” co-written by Pink, has the perfect summation of how he views his fans:  “I’m a freak/thanks for loving me/you’re doing it perfectly.”

Admitting that he’s far from mainstream so early on in the album gives Lambert the freedom to let his inner Freddie Mercury freak flag fly. Nothing is too excessive, although he never skirts so far outside the pop/rock/dance borders to risk alienating his core.  With its pounding piano/ string opening, “Soaked” sounds like one of those overly dramatic themes to a ‘70s comedic thriller like “Foul Play” (Think “Ready to Take a Chance Again”);  “A Loaded Smile,” written by “Beautiful” tunesmith Linda Perry (complete with a wah wah pedal), allows Lambert to soar, his falsetto heartbreakingly describing a relationship on the ropes as he delivers the cinematic line, “a loaded smile/an empty glass and one last dance.”  “If I Had You” is such a loving throwback to the ‘70s/early ‘80s dance era that it should come with its own disco ball.
 
The title track—and first single—is one of the weaker tracks here, along with “Sure Fire Winners,” which just sounds like it’s trying to be a post-millennial, glam “We Are the Champions,” although you have to love someone who can deliver the line “I was born with glitter on my face/my baby clothes were leather and lace” with such brio.
 
With its amalgam of songwriters (including Weezer's Rivers Cuomo and OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder) and producers (nine different producers helmed the 14 songs), “For Your Entertainment” could be a hodge podge of disparate tunes, but through careful song selection, and, more importantly, the personality stamp Lambert brings to each cut, the album holds together as a collected work.
Grab a front row seat and enjoy.
Related Searches: Adam Lambert, for your entertainment, Lady GaGa, Pink, Ryan Tedder, freddie mercury, rivers cuomo, Weezer, OneRepublic, Kris Allen, American Idol

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  • Default-avatar

    kasha

    totally disagree that if you don't like the first track (Music Again) that listeners should walk away and not bother with the rest of the album. Sleepwalker, Fever and Broken Open are very different tunes....there REALLY is something here for everyone, just like Adam promised.

    November 20, 2009 at 5:20PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Roberta

    Thanks for the great review, although I agree with kasha - there's something for everyone!

    November 20, 2009 at 5:44PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Marian

    Thanks for the great review. Agree with you wholeheartedly. Something for everyone and I'm enjoying and loving them all!!!!!

    November 20, 2009 at 6:32PM EST Reply to Comment
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    joely

    I agree with just about everything the reviewer wrote, with two minor quibbles. First, "Music Again" is big fun, but it is VERY Partridge Family and far different from the rest of the album. I look at it more as an on-your-feet-or-in-your-seat-we're-gonna-have-a-good-time greeting. It does not mean the rest of the CD is just like it. (Golly, we're actually discussing the artistic merits of a pop CD - when have we had THAT luxury last??) My other tiny point of disagreement is I think "Sure Fire Winners" is killa-dilla. You cannot deny that beat! Anyway, thanks for a well-thought-out review. Several reviewers clearly listened to the CD once while they were on the phone then put pen-to-paper to meet a deadline. A shame, because this CD is the closest thing to true rock greatness I've heard in a good 25 years (or whenever Thriller came out!)

    November 20, 2009 at 6:59PM EST Reply to Comment
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      sharon Very Partridge Family are you kidding? Listen to it again and then say that. Bet you'll change your mind.

      November 20, 2009 at 7:17PM EST
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    Sharon

    Really good review but can't agree w/ if you don't like Music Again then don't bother with the rest. I can't disagree more. Each song has it's own personality. Music Again has the 70's sound we miss so much today. FYE is one of the best on the album. I also wasn't sure what the reviewer was saying about "Soaked" this is the best song on the album. There isn't one bad song which is unusual as every CD I've ever bought has several songs I just wind through until I can find one I like. I have listened to all of the songs and haven't found one I don't really like. Adam is a genius and excels in every endeavor he attempts. Can't wait to see his performance on AMA's. Everyone is so excited and there is so much talk about it.

    November 20, 2009 at 7:14PM EST Reply to Comment
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      joely Hey, Sharon - don't get me wrong! I LOVE Music Again! And trust me, I've listened to this cd so continuously I'm about to lose my job due to sleep deprivation. I listen to M.A. with a big smile on my face because it takes me back to childhood singing along to 70's TV themes - updated and funktified, of course, but the core is there. I was trying to say that Music Again, like every song on the CD, is part of the CD's story (I think it's really a concept album): essential - but not the whole book.

      November 21, 2009 at 4:57AM EST
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    Katrina

    I'm surprised no one has mentioned the gorgeous "Broken Open," which I haven't been able to get out of my mind since I first heard it. The the entire album is packed with winners, and I love that it offers a little something for everyone. Some might see that as a weakness, but that's the beauty of Adam: he defies all attempts to put him into a neat little box.

    November 20, 2009 at 7:26PM EST Reply to Comment
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    ianaleah

    Every track is fresh, the entire CD is wonderful varity and it made me gasp and just sit down and listen, I almost cried it sounds too beautiful for words that I can come up with. It really is as though too much pleasure is unbearable. It is although this is the first time I ever heard real music and nothing else counts.I heard the tracks on the amazon site uk, I expected to like it, but actually hearing this CD is fills my house with an energy, a vibration of somehing that is too powerfully wonderful, and I am getting choked up just trying to write this. I love the CD and to each his own, it is going to go to people who are supposed to have it. Brillant Beautiful Magnificant.

    November 20, 2009 at 7:32PM EST Reply to Comment
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    WitchyWoman

    This is a wonderful review. I don't necessarily agree with your analysis of what you believe the weaker tracks, but the great thing about this album is that every song seems to have a group of people who believe it to be the best.

    Umm - the title of your article doesn't seem to go with it. Did you do that or was it foisted upon you by an editor? ;)

    November 20, 2009 at 7:32PM EST Reply to Comment
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    carrmuse2

    They like this

    November 20, 2009 at 7:46PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Kitty Carmuse, Hey Lady!! Love Ya and totally agree with you as you well know by now. HRH is the bomb!

      November 20, 2009 at 8:32PM EST
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    sizzlingsmile

    "Music Again" is great fun and a way to say "sit down and enjoy my entertainment" (even though at times you just have to jump off your seat). Stay tuned, listen to the lyrics and enjoy the ride....and music will never feel the same again. There is something for every taste and mood - sexy, sensual, upbeat and dreamy - which makes the album a wonderful reflection and showcase of the amazing artist that Adam is.

    November 20, 2009 at 8:20PM EST Reply to Comment
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    chickc

    Great review. I cannot, no matter how I try, stop listening to these songs. Its like going to Disneyland. You really cant get it all in one visit. I keep finding new and interesting elements in each song with each new listen. Songs I didn't like at first keep growing on me. It's simply amazing. Really...and I'm a very old Rock n Roll fart.

    November 20, 2009 at 8:41PM EST Reply to Comment
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    terie

    How could you not like this album? First of all, ADAM's VOCALS are PERFECT! Next, his choice of SONGS = BRILLIANT! And finally, he gave us just what he promised = ECLECTIC! How could anyone not like this album? BTW ... his bonus track ... MASTER PLAN = ONE of the BEST songs ... should have been included on the album!

    November 20, 2009 at 9:09PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Jason

    I really think Adam's cd is kick ass!! Very current and yet, love the rock riffs, the Queeneque vocals, and the ethereal ballads. I think Sleepwalker is an absolute hit along with Fever. I do think he was trying to create something that could sell, and it is really well done. Great start!!!

    November 20, 2009 at 9:42PM EST Reply to Comment
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    imrah

    thanks for positive review but i must poit out that music again is the begining of whats in this treasure chest! its full of surprises.Its the best i have heard in a long time.

    November 21, 2009 at 12:03AM EST Reply to Comment
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    steph

    “If I Had You” is such a loving throwback to the ‘70s/early ‘80s dance era that it should come with its own disco ball." LOL I love this song. The lyrics are interesting and have a lot more meaning in them than most songs with a dance beat.

    November 22, 2009 at 1:51AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Jade

    omg, after listening to sample clips, this part of the review === With its pounding piano/ string opening, “Soaked” sounds like one of those overly dramatic themes to a ‘70s comedic thriller like “Foul Play” (Think “Ready to Take a Chance Again”)=== is so perfectly accurate, it was like you stole the line right out of my brain. hilarious.

    November 22, 2009 at 2:57AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Jack Freeman

    I'd like to say 'What a breath of fresh air adam brings to his music"..but no, his nes album is a fuckin Hurricane!!! Each song has hit potential and whatever one may think of him personally, you certainly can't ignore his talent!! Adam, thank you for bringing the music back into my life!!!

    November 24, 2009 at 1:53PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Chance

    I am so blown away by this CD each and every song is a hit! This really does showcase Adam Lambert's vocals and he has risen to the challenge. I'm very impressed! Plenty of dance worthy songs I can not only exercise to I can clean house and relax in the tub as well. What a fantastic variety. This is my best CD purchase this year. He has won me over as a die hard fan.

    November 27, 2009 at 4:04AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Guest

    Anyone who would walk away after hearing Music Again doesn't really want to listen to music again because this whole FYE album is a treat that we haven't had in a very long time! I listen to this cd on repeat since it came out, I never skip over songs like I do for most big albums, there is a song for every mood I am in, I absolutely love it! And yes, it is because of Adam lambert putting his signature on evry song sp perfectly like he can! Love this artist!!

    February 19, 2011 at 2:24PM EST Reply to Comment

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