|
|
Post by gingerpf on Jul 11, 2014 10:36:27 GMT -5
Completely OT: Adamrocks - while you're babysitting today, post a picture of your new grandbaby!  And here's the tie-in: Somebody needs to make QAL and Adam T-shirts or onesies for babies. Need to start these newborns off right!  |
|
|
|
Post by cassie on Jul 11, 2014 10:39:54 GMT -5
What exactly does Adam need to reach legendary, iconic superstar status? The longer I watch the guy, the more I have no clue. Watching Queenbert, it is obvious he is much more than just a pop star. He is also much more than just a rock star. Exactly what is it he is doing in this show? Singing like no other current artist in the mainstream, for sure. He's not even in the same league. And THAT may be part of the problem/confusion. It's not a pop voice, tho' he can sing pop easily. It is not operatic - except when it is. It is surprisingly convincing singing blues, tho' it is not that down and dirty, gritty blues, it is more the Ella Fitzgerald variety. And, for all that heavy rock purists say he is NOT authentic singing that genre, he does a damned convincing job on the hard rock numbers in Queenbert. So, who does his team market him to? Who do they target? Where does he "fit?" From what I can see, everywhere and therefore nowhere.
But the dilemma does not stop there. Setting aside the one in a billion voice for a minute, his persona on stage is confusing, compelling, charming, fierce, funny, dorky, clever, sexy as hell, rebellious, humble, pompous, larger than life. He makes audience members smile, swoon, sing along, bump and grind, get hot and bothered, dance, laugh, cry, sigh, and freeze, totally transfixed. I swear, the man could be cast in a theatrical production, and portray all the characters simultaneously. Isn't there a play where the actor does one character one night, and the other lead the next? Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I think.
So how do you market that? He is so much more than what can be seen in a typical pop concert. Do you ignore the other aspects of his ability and just plop him on stage to sing? Do you put him in a theatrical production and ignore the singing part? Put him in a musical? But, it seems there is a vanishing market for live musicals these days. And Adam has said repeatedly that he doesn't want to do theater right now where he is tied into playing a character, following a script and a director, hitting his mark, and doing the same thing 8 days a week.
But, wait, there is more. The man is arrestingly good looking. He can strike a pose like a seasoned professional dancer. He can also move like one, for that matter. He can WEAR any designer's clothing like a high fashion model, and strut the catwalk like the best of them. Visually, the man is breathtaking. We expect some of that from our female divas, but name me ONE male pop/rock singer in the past 20 years who has the visual impact that Adam does.
Adam is that rare performer who has such a wealth of skills and talents, (all of which he has worked very hard to cultivate) that it is difficult to find a vehicle he can fit in. Angelina Kalahari (y'all know Angelina. Highly respected opera singer and vocal coach) said several years ago that she believed that Adam, with all his abilities, would create a new genre of music and performance. I am thinking she may be right. He may HAVE to create it, as it doesn't really exist. At the present time, Queenbert seems to most adequately give Adam a venue to use many of those skills. I am thrilled that he has this opportunity. It is obvious Brian and Roger are thrilled, too. As are the tens of thousands of cheering fans at each concert.
|
|
|
|
Post by Q3 on Jul 11, 2014 10:43:56 GMT -5
We have rehashed this 1,000 times already -- Trespassing is a #1 album BUT Trespassing did not produce a hit single and Trespassing only sold modestly. Neither a hit or a flop. In the gray middle.
In the current state of music, I am not sure that having a big pop radio hit really matters that much. Yes, Adam wants one, but what he needs more than that is an album/tracks that sell. Radio airplay is one way to drive sales -- but not the only way. And what he really, really needs is to get great reviews -- and a pop radio hit might actually hurt that.
Adam does need some great songs that he "owns" -- that are not Queen songs. He has two, WWFM and Mad World. The association with Queen has given him a few songs that he can continue to perform -- WWTLF and TSMGO are top of that list. But he needs a song that really showcases his vocal skills and that is unlikely to also be a pop radio hit.
It is clear that Adam has decided to maximize his financial potential and the Queen + AL tour does that. And it looks like (as expected) they will extend the tour. For perspective, Adam will make > $10 million for this tour -- that is more than he will make from his upcoming album even if it has a mega #1 pop hit.
The Q+AL Tour + a hit album for A3 = Adam might be able to do a headline arena tour. And that is the big win I think he is working toward. But there is no chance he could fill arenas now, without Queen.
|
|
|
|
Post by gingerpf on Jul 11, 2014 10:54:08 GMT -5
It is clear that Adam has decided to maximize his financial potential and the Queen + AL tour does that. And it looks like (as expected) they will extend the tour. For perspective, Adam will make > $10 million for this tour -- that is more than he will make from his upcoming album even if it has a mega #1 pop hit. Is this really true??? He's making that much money for this gig???? Were his contract details ever revealed anywhere? HOLY COW that makes me very happy!!! |
|
shimoli710
Member
Q+AL Streamer Extraordinaire
Thank you Adam for this wonderful pic from M&G in Warsaw - one of the best TOHT concerts ever!
Posts: 4,049
Location:
|
Post by shimoli710 on Jul 11, 2014 10:57:39 GMT -5
I'm curious what "better songs" would be? The vast majority of chart topping hits are rubbish over manufactured pulp - not all but many. Sure there have been some of Adam's songs on either album I skipped but that's true of most artists and albums. Trespassing had a number of great songs equal to anything at the top of the charts - that RCA didn't have the balls to back his talent and courage with some of their own isn't on him. Very very few songs on the radio today or at the top of iTunes will be more than musical footnotes in a few years (hell probably less than that). The kinds of huge sweeping bold anthemic songs that artists like Queen released would not even make the playlist if released today. I have no idea what A3 will sound like (though I'd love him to call it that)... I do know that touring with Queen is cementing his credibility and building awareness that will hopefully translate when the time comes. Because hitting it "big" these days is about lots of things and not many of them have to do with the song... #YMMV #IMHO  Adam doesn't need better songs, he needs better label who will have the courage and balls to support and promote his talent. Hopefully his new label will just do that. I think a lot of songs in Trespassing are hits worthy but didn't get the chance to be heard because the two singles were bad choices. And TBH, those are the only two songs I skipped while listening the album, especially NCOE. Yes, it would be gold if Adam could get a legendary song, but that took time and luck and a bit of everything from the universe. I think we should trust him wholeheartedly. My philosophy is when there's some one doubting his credibility or talent, we should send him extra support and positive energy. Adam has incredible talent and great personality. I believe one day he will reach his legendary stardom. But right now, he's enjoying being on stage with Queen and being able to create new music from his heart. I think we should show some patience. If he's happy, I am happy. Big YES to both posts!!!  My thoughts of Adam's own music and him fronting Queen: Well, I'm biased, because I truly love almost everything Adam sings. Anyway, I listen Trespassing almost every day in my car and even after more than 2 years, I still LOVE this album! (Including NCOE and BTIKM, though they are not my favorite songs.) And I have to say, in my opinion, Trespassing is a better album than FYE. I'm sure Adam wants his third album to be really great. And he works hard for it. But... all in good time! Just now he's touring with Queen. And even though there are a few uncomplimentary reviews, we still can say this tour IS successful. I've enjoyed every single concert of it so far. And I won’t let those editors with their poor reviews ruin my enthusiasm and excitement for the fabulous shows. I’m sure after the tour it will be the right time for Adam to start promoting his new album! And I look forward to it!. Just now though - it’s Queen and Adam Lambert time! :D |
|
|
|
Post by melliemom on Jul 11, 2014 11:03:22 GMT -5
What exactly does Adam need to reach legendary, iconic superstar status? The longer I watch the guy, the more I have no clue. Watching Queenbert, it is obvious he is much more than just a pop star. He is also much more than just a rock star. Exactly what is it he is doing in this show? Singing like no other current artist in the mainstream, for sure. He's not even in the same league. And THAT may be part of the problem/confusion. It's not a pop voice, tho' he can sing pop easily. It is not operatic - except when it is. It is surprisingly convincing singing blues, tho' it is not that down and dirty, gritty blues, it is more the Ella Fitzgerald variety. And, for all that heavy rock purists say he is NOT authentic singing that genre, he does a damned convincing job on the hard rock numbers in Queenbert. So, who does his team market him to? Who do they target? Where does he "fit?" From what I can see, everywhere and therefore nowhere. But the dilemma does not stop there. Setting aside the one in a billion voice for a minute, his persona on stage is confusing, compelling, charming, fierce, funny, dorky, clever, sexy as hell, rebellious, humble, pompous, larger than life. He makes audience members smile, swoon, sing along, bump and grind, get hot and bothered, dance, laugh, cry, sigh, and freeze, totally transfixed. I swear, the man could be cast in a theatrical production, and portray all the characters simultaneously. Isn't there a play where the actor does one character one night, and the other lead the next? Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I think. So how do you market that? He is so much more than what can be seen in a typical pop concert. Do you ignore the other aspects of his ability and just plop him on stage to sing? Do you put him in a theatrical production and ignore the singing part? Put him in a musical? But, it seems there is a vanishing market for live musicals these days. And Adam has said repeatedly that he doesn't want to do theater right now where he is tied into playing a character, following a script and a director, hitting his mark, and doing the same thing 8 days a week. But, wait, there is more. The man is arrestingly good looking. He can strike a pose like a seasoned professional dancer. He can also move like one, for that matter. He can WEAR any designer's clothing like a high fashion model, and strut the catwalk like the best of them. Visually, the man is breathtaking. We expect some of that from our female divas, but name me ONE male pop/rock singer in the past 20 years who has the visual impact that Adam does. Adam is that rare performer who has such a wealth of skills and talents, (all of which he has worked very hard to cultivate) that it is difficult to find a vehicle he can fit in. Angelina Kalahari (y'all know Angelina. Highly respected opera singer and vocal coach) said several years ago that she believed that Adam, with all his abilities, would create a new genre of music and performance. I am thinking she may be right. He may HAVE to create it, as it doesn't really exist. At the present time, Queenbert seems to most adequately give Adam a venue to use many of those skills. I am thrilled that he has this opportunity. It is obvious Brian and Roger are thrilled, too. As are the tens of thousands of cheering fans at each concert. I love your post ,I was just saying the same thing to my husband about 10 minutes ago.. still trying to get over Cory's critique.Adam can do it all so where does that leave him.. Is there such a thing as being too talented.. Hmm Well how about Sammy Davis ,he could do it all and created an act for himself,he did fail in the looks department..but he could sing anything,dance,act,etc. |
|
|
|
Post by Craazyforadam on Jul 11, 2014 11:03:37 GMT -5
Picasso had to go through his junior years, where he painted in the styles of other artists and honed his craft. He then had to go through the so called blue period and the so called rosa period, until he eventually arrived (together with Braque and other artists) at cubism, for which he would be ultimately known. In his later life, he drew many pictures again in more traditional styles, but by then he had become so famous, that every painting of his was taken seriously, no matter whether it was experimental or new or even good. He had created his own legacy.
The same with many other artists.
When I look at FYE and Trespassing, I see experimental works. I see more influence of Adam in TSP, but both albums are collections. There are signs of brilliance, there are some really great ideas, there is innovation, in fact forward looking innovation that allows us to say that TSP was in some ways ahead of its time. But then I see other parts that just want to fit in with 2011/12. Appeal to that young audience that top40 chases after. That audience is chasing other dreams these days. EDM is one of them. I don't see Adam's path there, even though the occasional dip into those foreign waters may build name recognition and as such could be useful, at times.
I see lyric segments that are spot on, even inspirational, but I also see others that are overwrought in one place, and in another a bit too simplistic for an artist like Adam. I see melodic development that shows maturity and uniqueness in some places, yet in other places melody hides behind too much production.
I generally see a strong rhythmic presence throughout, and great ideas, probably Adam's strongest element of creativity so far for me. Then those ideas are not strung through the whole song, but rather just dropped into the beginning, in fear of not being mainstream enough. The pieces are there, the puzzle not yet, imo.
Now, is it true that under RCA and its bean counting leadership, he probably had no chance no matter what. They stunted the album further and hindered themselves from even having a single. Agreed. Is it true that radio is mostly crap. But radio is quickly becoming a follower rather than a leader in music selection. Radio did not make 'Let it be' THE hit of 2014, a film did and the Disney empire behind it, of course. Ballads can absolutely become favorites of the masses, even in today's time. People need inspiration in their lives, and Adam is inspiring as an artist to all those, who let him into their lives. Imo, if Adam breaks in current radio at all, it will be contra any current trends and it will be with a ballad, not a dance pop hit.
I think, in the past albums, Adam did not yet have the team around him, that he really needs. He was working with current pop producers in working sessions. Tried to develop different ideas, then bring those pieces together in an album. I don't think he had strong and consistent enough partners yet to give him unfiltered and honest feedback. I am sorry, I apreciate that Sauli and Tommy gave him feedback, but while I think that Sauli was quite inspirational at setting Adam's mood when it came to writing the songs to begin with, lol, I don't consider a 'That is beautiful, Adam' , as feedback. I presume, Adam's real feedback loop during FYE and TSP was mostly the Zodiac 'family' and his own private one. That is limited.
I think, he has a different level of that lined up now for A3. I bet that Nile, Brian, Roger, maybe Neon Tree guys or Avicii, etc, take things to a bit different level and hopefully offer him insight of substance. Adam needs that interaction, to go from good to brilliant.
Yes, I hope that Brian is inspired to write something for Adam and that this also ends up really being as good, as we all think it can be. I also assume that B&R have meanwhile heard what Adam has presently got, and have given him their opinions. I hope, that during A3 all the pieces start coming together, but I am also willing to wait a bit longer, if necessary. Good things take time and maturity.
Adam is already beyond the need to prove himself via a radio hit. It would be nice, if it happened, because it would increase his footprint in the world of pop/rock immensely, if it were to happen. But if commercial radio does not give him his due, he will still have his career. I do hope though, that Adam can find more of his work being placed in films, commercials, TV series, games, etc.
And I hope, he can continue to have a few acting parts, here and there. And I want him to be a guest star in that sequel that Ryan M. is developing for Glee. Don't care about season 6 of Glee anymore, it's in Ohio.
Adam has many options, I firmly believe he will break through one way or the other. I am not convinced it will be via the classic top40 path. And I am very much longing for a grand ballad from Adam. And for what A3 holds in general. Interesting times ahead.
|
|
|
|
Post by krazykay on Jul 11, 2014 11:03:48 GMT -5
Cassie your last post says it perfectly...it is right on
|
|
shimoli710
Member
Q+AL Streamer Extraordinaire
Thank you Adam for this wonderful pic from M&G in Warsaw - one of the best TOHT concerts ever!
Posts: 4,049
Location:
|
Post by shimoli710 on Jul 11, 2014 11:04:14 GMT -5
 WildaroseAnd thank you for the recap.  </img> |
|
|
|
Post by red panda on Jul 11, 2014 11:05:20 GMT -5
You gave me a whole new thing to think about, melliemom. Hadn't thought of retro recognition, but when you say it I can picture a rediscovery of Trespassing when Adam is iconic. (*trademark Paula). Love that idea.
|
|
