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Lewis fails to focus talent on ‘ADD’

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Also by Carolyn Vidmar:

Grammys offers great sets, upsets (February 11, 2008)
Grammy wins certain for Winehouse, West (February 8, 2008)
Indie rockers' talent front, center at Majestic (February 1, 2008)
Lewis fails to focus talent on 'ADD' (December 6, 2007)
Donned in shirts, ties, ska outfit Mustard Plug satisfies (December 3, 2007)

by Carolyn Vidmar

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Blake Lewis made a name for himself on the seventh season of "American Idol" with daring renditions of "Love Song" and "You Give Love A Bad Name." Now, Lewis shows his hip-hop finesse and solidifies his skill as a vocal percussionist on his debut album Audio Day Dream. Though the album has its downfalls, it is a lot less hollow than one might expect from an artist who gained his fame from "Idol."

The first few songs on Audio Day Dream prove Lewis's originality, setting him apart from the multitudes of pop stars and performers now made famous by "Idol." His first single, "Break Anotha," the most infectious tune on the album, combines hip-hop beats and jazzy horn parts. Syncopated notes in "Gots To Get Her," a tune inspired by "Puttin' On The Ritz," give the song an upbeat, danceable feel. Lewis's collaboration with Lupe Fiasco on "Know My Name" gives Audio Day Dream a little hip-hop flavor. These are the kinds of songs Blake Lewis should be recording.

Following the electronic-infused track "Surrender," however, the album's creativity begins to wane. Club anthem "Here's My Hello" attempts to salvage the second half of the collection, but several repetitious love songs, such as "Without You" and "End of the World," fall painfully flat. It is also unfortunate that hidden beatboxing tracks after several songs only seem like a rushed afterthought.

Audio Day Dream is an appropriate title; the juxtaposition of Lewis' fresh sound with several hackneyed pop songs give the album a disjointed feel.

The major problem with Audio Day Dream is Lewis simply sounds like he is trying too hard. Although he is obviously a talented vocal percussionist, his collaboration with boy band producer Clive Davis does not play to these strengths. Perhaps producers feared a hip-hop angle would be too sophisticated for Lewis's "Idol" fan base of middle school girls; the result is an album that borders on edgy, but in the end remains mainstream-safe.

Nonetheless, Lewis's songs are catchy, and his beats are fresh. He's not the world's greatest singer, but his vocal ability has actually gained him some credit in the world of beatboxing. If Lewis can perfect this skill and stear clear of the boy-band image he projects on the majority of Audio Day Dream, this pretty boy just may be the least lame contestant ever to perform on the "American Idol" stage.

2 1/2 stars out of 5

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Anonymous (December 6, 2007 @ 2:50am):

Terrible review...i have this cd and it is very very good...end of the world is an amazing song, if you dont believe me buy the cd and listen to it, as well as how many times which is also a great song. All i see is all these crappy reviews from people that know nothing about music and dont like it because it "falls flat". What does that even mean? Far from a boring cd, its a great cd, terrible review

Anonymous (December 6, 2007 @ 6:13am):

I disagree with your review. 2 1/2 stars?

I think its one of the most creative album from any idol. He co-wrote 12 out of 13 tracks too. That is talent.

Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 9:08pm):

The title of this article rips on Lewis' ability to focus?

It's Vidmar who needs to get focused.

"Blake Lewis made a name for himself on the seventh season of American Idol" ?

Huh, that's interesting, seeing as how the seventh season of the show premieres this January.

Get your facts right, then maybe people will start to take you and your reviews seriously.

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