Adam Lambert, the most recent “American Idol” runner-up, might be the most creative, expressive and controversial former “Idol” to date. His performances are campy, raunchy and heavy on the guyliner, and his recent onstage antics at the American Music Awards earned him a reputation as too controversial for “Good Morning America.”
Fans who hoped to see Lambert channel this intensity into a perfectly manicured debut album may be disappointed with his first mainstream endeavor, For Your Entertainment. Although some tracks are standout pop hits, the effort on the whole is halfhearted. Lambert sparkles on the power ballads and the synthed-out electro-pop tracks, but some songs are outdated and unoriginal. As a performer, Lambert seems ready to strut his stuff and show the world his true colors, but what we get on his debut album just isn’t colorful enough.
For Your Entertainment is packed with collaborations. Lambert rocks out on “Music Again” with Justin Hawkins of The Darkness. Hawkins has a falsetto to rival Lambert’s, and the two of them channel that revamped but still classic rock feel beautifully.
The title track is without a doubt Lambert’s strongest. Lyrically, it’s aggressive and almost violent, with lines like “Can you handle what I’m ‘bout to do/ ‘Cause it’s about to get rough for you.” Musically, though, the offbeat synthed-out track is the most interesting on the album. It’s edgy and sexy, and Lambert delivers the vocals perfectly.
With help from Pink and pop mastermind Max Martin, Lambert soars on the power ballad, “Whataya Want From Me.” It’s a strong track, but listeners might start to wonder — is Adam Lambert truly a unique artist, or is he just a pliable vocalist? On every track, he takes on the sound of his writers and collaborators; the star-studded quality of this album becomes overpowering.
Slow-moving ballads like the utterly bizarre “Soaked” weigh the album down. The song has a labored showtune sound, the lyrics are forced and indecipherable, and the melody is antiquated.
Perez Hilton calls “If I Had You” “pure pop perfection” with good reason — it’s another Max Martin track, and the sticky sweet electro-pop is enjoyable in a guilty pleasure sort of way.
Lambert works the Broadway vibe more effectively on “Pick U Up,” featuring Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. The song is theatrical, but Cuomo’s influence on guitar keeps it from going the way of “Soaked.”
Lambert teamed up with Lady Gaga, the reigning queen of deliciously eccentric pop, to write “Fever.” These two performers should have been able to come up with something exciting, but their collaborative track is rather bland.
The album’s closer, “Time for Miracles,” is a power ballad that really shows off Lambert’s vocal chops, with help from guitarist Alain Johannes.
For Your Entertainment includes some real pop gems, but with so many collaborations, listeners are left wondering: Who is Adam Lambert? His debut album is defined by collaborations, and he fails to solidify a signature sound.
Furthermore, for an artist who’s carving a niche for himself by being raunchy, For Your Entertainment doesn’t go far enough. The title track will make listeners want more, but Lambert is not giving it to us. He’s obviously a powerful and unique vocalist, but when he holds back, you get the feeling he’s not showing us what he’s capable of. Adam Lambert takes risks as a performer, but as a recording artist, he needs to step up, work his falsetto and give listeners everything he’s got.
2 1/2 out of 5 stars.
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What happened to Sleepwalker? A very good song. You are seriously way off base with the review of Soaked, this is a fantastic song, any Muse fan is going to love it. I’d probably give the effort 3 1/2 stars rather than 2 1/2. Some of the music really grows on you while many of the songs try too hard at the pop/Gaga crap. I’m looking forward to more growth and a second attempt where Adam can be a bit more true to himself and less true to the current popular sounds.
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Oh my god. WHO LET’S YOU REVIEW MUSIC? Seriously, I am ROFL over here, have you even listened to the album?
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Ummm…his true fans know exactly who he is. This album is a mix of everything he wanted to do. So if you bothered to follow Adam and know what he is about, you would know what he is trying to do. I hate it when critics come in at the last hour and think they know everything. Since this is just your opinion, I will not take it seriously, along with many others.
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You don’t have to be an Adam fan to give your opinion… music is about listening
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I appreciate your views though I wonder if other artist have a ‘signature” because they don’t have the range that Adam does? Adam’s signature IS that he doesn’t have to conform to a sound. When did the long term artist suscribe to a sound through out their career. They are challenged to repackage and reinvent themselves before to stay current. Adam’s skill set puts him a rare entourage of performers where I am looking forward to being aurally surprised. To be fair, I think his debut is awesome considering the limited time frame to research, collaborate, and produce while touring, promoting IDOL. Looking forward to experiencing more of ADAM.
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Range of vocals don’t imply range of styles… Adam chose to make a multistyled album but he will find his so called signature in the future, and it will happen.
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perhaps you need to listen to the album - this guy is a great singer and a true artist.
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I didn’t truly appreciate the power of his first effort until I did two things - 1)Plug in my old, reliable Sony big mic headphones and listen to the songs like Adam must have heard them sound out in the recording studio. I think I came as close to how they were intended as is possible at home. Each one has found a place in unique appreciation for this dude’s powerful voice. I came away feeling pretty damn lucky for the experience. 2) I listened to every interview I could find where Adam explained each song, how he got it, worked with great appreciation with the writer and related it to his life experiences (all 27 years worth). Maybe we will never get this “Genuine Adam” that everyone seems to keep searching out because he masterfully expresses a different mood for each song …. like we don’t all have significantly different moods as we go along in life??? I sure do and I just love selecting a song or two off this album to enhance whatever mood comes along. Isn’t that kind of cool of him??
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I didn’t truly appreciate the power of his first effort until I did two things - 1)Plug in my old, reliable Sony big mic headphones and listen to the songs like Adam must have heard them sound out in the recording studio. I think I came as close to how they were intended as is possible at home. Each one has found a place in unique appreciation for this dude’s powerful voice. I came away feeling pretty damn lucky for the experience. 2) I listened to every interview I could find where Adam explained each song, how he got it, worked with great appreciation with the writer and related it to his life experiences (all 27 years worth). Maybe we will never get this “Genuine Adam” that everyone seems to keep searching out because he masterfully expresses a different mood for each song …. like we don’t all have significantly different moods as we go along in life??? I sure do and I just love selecting a song or two off this album to enhance whatever mood comes along. Isn’t that kind of cool of him??
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Bucky is LOSING, but only by about a hundred votes.
Bucky NEEDS your vote!!!!!!1
http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main
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I’m not going to analyze it,I can’t, and don’t want to anyway. All I know is I love the entire CD. I didn’t know what to expect when he talked about diverstiy and hooks and fuse and electro-I thought, OMG, I don’t know what he is talking about.But I have the album, and I love the entire CD start to finish. It is just enough variety to not get bored,he sounds great and the music is wonderful. I am so happy to be able to say that because I just simply love this kid.
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I don’t really know how much you really know about music. To call “Soaked” “antiquated” simply disqualifies you as a critic in my book. If you did your research, you’d know that’s a song from Muse…..an amazing band…IMO, “Soaked” is one of the best songs in the album. This is an amazing album, I’d say otherwise if I didn’t think so, I just wish people like you would actually LISTEN to it before making a judgment, it sounds like you are getting this from listening to each track 15 seconds. If you are not even going to make an effort, to objectively critique an album, then don’t say anything at all, you will perhaps keep your integrity intact.
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“objectively critique an album”? are you kidding me? Jen, that doesn’t even make any sense. you obviously don’t understand what a CRITICAL REVIEW is. Jen, the point of a CRITICAL REVIEW is not to be objective. a review is based on the author’s opinion and his/her opinion ONLY. CRITICAL REVIEWS are SUBJECTIVE. duh.
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Guess we weren’t listening to the same album. FYE is an extraordinary debut and exactly the kind of music Adam wants to do…which is a bit of everything, and I can’t think of another current performer who could pull it off so beautifully. I usually buy just the songs I want on iTunes, but this time I had to have the full album because each and every track is worthy of listening on repeat.
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Adam´s signature is his voice, his out-of-this-world vocals. FYE is an eclectic album where he showcases the different genres he is able to perform. Personally, I don´t like those albums where all the songs sound the same. I get tired after the second or third song. Adam is not only a singer, he is an entertainer. I had not been so satisfied with an album in years. And for your information, Adam´s fans are not disappointed. We are happily being entertained!!!
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I couldn’t disagree with you more and highly suggest you listen to the album with your hearing aid turned up. Adam has purposely taken from every genre since the 70’s and brought it to a more current vibe. It is a tribute to the music he loves with his own twists and vocal artistry. Considering they put this album together in 3 months, I think it far exceeds expectations!! There is some really interesting, and unique fusion and interpretations. Especially good songs: Sleepwalker, Soaked, Broken Open, Music Again. There are also some really good current pop songs like FYE, Fever, and Whatya Want From Me. You are entitled to your opinion, but it seems pretty uninformed. I pretty much think the whole CD is fantastic!!
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I couldn’t disagree with you more and highly suggest you listen to the album more carefully. Adam has purposely taken from every genre since the 70’s and brought it to a more current vibe. It is a tribute to the music and Glam of those periods. Considering they put this album together in 3 months, I think it far exceeds expectations!! There is some really interesting, and unique fusion and interpretations. Especially good songs: Sleepwalker, Soaked, Broken Open, Music Again. There are also some really good current pop songs like FYE, Fever, and Whatya Want From Me. You are entitled to your opinion, but it seems pretty uninformed. I pretty much think the whole CD is fantastic!!
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I have bought a lot of new CDs for Christmas this year and while doing so have added Adam’s to every stocking in our house. Adam Lambert’s CD is the best one this year out of all of the new releases. I’m stuck singing his songs in my head all day. Pick a favorite song? I can’t there are too many. Perhaps that is why I love the CD so much. In the other CDs I can find 2 or 3 songs that I like and then the rest is just fluff. With Adam’s CD I enjoy each and every song and the vocals are just amazing. You said in your review that “Pick You Up” sounded theatrical. Yes is does and that note that he sings and sings and sings and keeps singing is to die for! Adam Lambert rocks this CD and it is soooooo good that I can’t wait for his next piece of art.
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don’t tell me you get paid for this shitty review! you really do suck at your job, just sayin… but honestly FYE is the best album in 2009. for me fav song is..all of them. this album is sick!
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I sure hope peeps dont tke your word for it when they are buying music! LOL! You coulnt be further from the truth. Adam knows exactly who he is and owns it and it shows up on his album. Sleepwalker and Aftermath were forgotten by you and are amazing songs song beautifully by Adam! Soaked and Broken up showcase this artists amazing talent of putting the emotion into them that so many artists lack. I am blown away at his album when he only had 3 months to work on it, and cant wait to see what he has to offer us in the future. There are so many songs on here with the ability of being major singles. Love it. Adam is an extremely talented vocalist and entertainer and I cant wait for his solo tour. He blew everyone outta the park on his idol tour but I am pretty sure it will be nothing like his solo! It will be a wild ride.
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Vidmar, you really do suck at your job. Adam’s cd is incredible and yes he is a unique artist that can sing anything. You missed it completely. FAIL.
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I’VE BEEN AROUND A LOT OF YEARS AND I HAVE FOLLOWED ADAM SINCE A IDOL-I WENT TO THE A I TOUR AND FELT THE SAME AS I DID WHEN I SAW ELVIS IN PERSON WAY BACK WHEN BUT ADAM IS THE ONLY SINGER THAT I WOULD PUT IN ELVIS ‘S CLASS. I LOVE EVERY SONG ON THE CD AND I LOVE THE SONGS ON TAKE ONE-IF HE SINGS ANYTHING AT ALL IT’S WONDERFUL. WHY LET ONE PERFORMANCE OVERSHADOW THIS SINGER AND HE IS DEFINITELY A SINGER!!!!!!!!!!
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I guess the best judge is the casual listener who knows nothing technically or other way of analyzing. My whole family loves listening to every track of ADAM’s album. There’s a song for every age and every favorite genre. The older ones can’t even help themselves being on their feet dancing. They did this only with MJ’s songs and 70’s disco numbers. Then they’re too engrossed listening to ADAM’s voice on Soaked, Broken Open etc. Of course the young ones sing along with ADAM. They just have the knack for memorizing after a listen. To me, this tells the whole story of how good and enjoyable FYE is. It’s entertaining all generations. We have a party!
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Anyone else notice how all the reviews suddenly went from the most Amazing Album of the Year to … Just Isn’t Good Enough AFTER the AMAs?
I sure did.
Nearly ALL of the reviews prior to the AMAs were good.
Nearly ALL of the reviews I’ve read since are bad.
Food for thought.
I personally found the complete Album to be an outstanding Debut, especially considering the fact that he only had a couple of months to complete it after the tour.
The ablum has a little of something for everyone. The songs that don’t tickle your fancy can be skipped, and the ones that you love can be placed on the iPod playlist.
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I agree with you The critics changed after the AMA! BUT…I didn’t like the uniformity of the critics before, and I don’t like that after. The opinions must be personal and based on music, not on general media mood. I did not feel this article is a part of that.
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Your comment about “Soaked” is laughable. It’s a brilliant and beautiful song with exquisite, simple vocals by Adam. As a former rock journalist, I would say, Where is your musical savvy, as it seems to be non-existant here. As a former music journalist, I find Adam’s first effort to be fresh, original and beyond expectations, unlike most other artists today.
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I do like this article!!!!! At last someone writes his own oppinions and not just does the copy and paste ritual I”ve been seeing the last days…. YES Adam made an eclectic album in a very short time. Considering that the album is excellent! I personally preffer rock music and expected more profound interpretations, but for those who love pop music this album is awesome! I get the feeling Adam has too much material he has to let out (toxins?), before he gets to his true artistic self. It will happen, the guy is a genius, a true artist.
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I do like this article!!!!! At last someone writes his own oppinions and not just does the copy and paste ritual I”ve been seeing the last days…. YES Adam made an eclectic album in a very short time. Considering that the album is excellent! I personally preffer rock music and expected more profound interpretations, but for those who love pop music this album is awesome! I get the feeling Adam has too much material he has to let out (toxins?), before he gets to his true artistic self. It will happen, the guy is a genius, a true artist.
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I love Adam Lambert’s cd. Sleepwalker is a great song. Cant stop listening to it over and over….great, great song!
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Wow, are you sure you are talking about For Your Entertainment?? If you are, you need to review those elements that make a good review, certainly you have lost touch.
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To add what has already been said I think you are trying to “box” him. Part of his uniqueness is that he CAN perform almost any genre of music. I agree with whoever said that his VOICE is his signature.
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I loved every track on this cd. It’s hard to believe you were listening to the same album. It is so orginal and sounds so good- both lyrically and musically. Adam has some very powerful and tender ballads and rock and dance tracks. It’s the best album I’ve heard in years. It’s as hard to believe he came up with this album in 2 or 3 months as it is to believe you even paid attention to the album. It also sounds to me like the only song you heard was For your Entertainment, don’t like Lambert, so decided to say that aggressive song is the best on his album to trash it. I would say it’s the weakest on the album. At any rate, there is some amazing songs and great music on that cd that I can’t believe you didn’t hear.
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I loved every track on this cd. It’s hard to believe you were listening to the same album. It is so orginal and sounds so good- both lyrically and musically. Adam has some very powerful and tender ballads and rock and dance tracks. It’s the best album I’ve heard in years. I can’t believe you didn’t hear his sound. He took the best sounds of the antiquated 70’s and made a fresh new sound. His ballads are just beautiful. He rocks out with a fresh new sound. If you were looking for old-fashioned, your not going to find it here. What he did was just amazing. I hope his next album is more of the same. Playing it everyday and loving it!
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Everybody has a right to their own opinion, BUT, are you sure you LISTENED to this CD? I’m a big-time Adam fan since AI and saw him on tour, which, by the way, he stood out like no other. So when his CD came out, I tried not to get too excited bc I didn’t want to be disappointed. I’ve said it from day one, this guy is the second coming of Elvis. Anyway, my CD arrive (I pre-ordered) and I CANNOT STOP listening to it. It far exceeds all expectations. I get the chills during SOAKED and every song is awesome. Some songs make it impossible to not get up and dance or at least move in some capacity depending on where your at at the time. YOU ROCK ADAM - I LOVED YOU FROM DAY ONE - LOVE YA STILL AND CANNOT WAIT FOR YOUR TOUR AND LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE WAY YOU HANDLED THE AMA CONTROVERSY - AND THE EARLY MORNING SHOW, I’VE WATCHED THAT ABOUT A HUNDRED TIMES ALREADY. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE! grace, 52 year old adam fan forever xoxoxoxoxoxox
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WOW - you have not really listened to the album.. Adam CD is the best I have heard in many years.. I love every song! Try listening again.
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ADAM said at the outset that his album was going to be ECLECTIC … not just one genre … many different styles fused to make a fresh and new sound. That’s what ADAM promised and that is what ADAM delivered with this album. I haven’t liked all the songs on one album since the ELVIS era … something for everyone done in SIGNATURE ADAM LAMBERT with soaring VOCALS and great vibes. Indeed a pleasure for the listener … each song a joy to listen to … WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT???
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I absolutely love Adam’s album, especially the variety of songs, but I think you need to know Adam a bit to appreciate the variety. There are different sides of Adam - sexy and hot, sweet, vulnerable, self-confident - and I love feeling all of it. The rock songs “Music Again” and “Sure Fire Winners” are incredible and, yes, I love the rock wails in between. I do enjoy the sexy dance beats of “FYE” and “Fever” while I get chills listening to the soaring vocals of “Soaked” and my all-time favorite “Time For Miracles”. “Loaded Smile” touches my heart. It is hard to please everybody with the whole cd, but Adam does a great job at offering something for everybody. I am extremely proud of his freshman album and can not wait for more. I have not doubt that he will be a lot edgier in his next effort, but in the meantime I am thrilled to have his cd in my hands. I play it several times every day and it has a good flow to it.
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I absolutely love Adam’s album, especially the variety of songs, but I think you need to know Adam a bit to appreciate the variety. There are different sides of Adam - sexy and hot, sweet, vulnerable, self-confident - and I love feeling all of it. The rock songs “Music Again” and “Sure Fire Winners” are incredible and, yes, I love the rock wails in between. I do enjoy the sexy dance beats of “FYE” and “Fever” while I get chills listening to the soaring vocals of “Soaked” and my all-time favorite “Time For Miracles”. “Loaded Smile” touches my heart. It is hard to please everybody with the whole cd, but Adam does a great job at offering something for everybody. I am extremely proud of his freshman album and can not wait for more. I have not doubt that he will be a lot edgier in his next effort, but in the meantime I am thrilled to have his cd in my hands. I play it several times every day and it has a good flow to it.
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It’s so funny to see some negative reviews saying Adam should stick to one style of music. Why? Because other performers are limited talents? Adam can do it all and proves it on this CD. The best pop debut in 20 years in my opinion. To say Soaked is bizzare is bizzare in itself. A fantastic moody ballad.But then you liked Time For Miracles….the one song that feels tacked on (because it was)
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ITUNES has the deluxe version of the cd with Master Plan and Down The Rabbit Hole. These 2 songs are incredible! Whataya want from him reviewer. His debut cd is so………cool………….sa
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i do not agree with this writer, i think adam is flexible when it comes to different styles of music. variety is the spice of life and that what adam lambert is all about. i love his album.
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CD REVIEWS ARE THE AUTHORS OPINIONS. IF YOU THINK YOU CAN DO IT BETTER….THEN GO TO THE BADGER HERALD AND DEMAND A JOB. geesh.
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Did you pass Intro to Music 101? I have my doubts. I don’t need to rehash what everyone here has pointed out to you…..I’ll say it bluntly….You’re an IDIOT!!!!!!!