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Post by LindaG23 on Dec 31, 2018 10:55:21 GMT -5
Thanks, Bamafan and Kryptonan68, for helping me to understand about how common it is for even the bigger name singers to offer to perform at private events. I knew someone on here would know. She also just did a big wedding in India this month (December 2018) and they don't get bigger than Bey
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Post by lurleene on Dec 31, 2018 11:35:44 GMT -5
I think PTFMWB here stands for Play That Funky Music White Boy
I think Adam has released a few emotional ballads. There were some rock ballads, and there was Outlaws of Love - which is emotional, but more internal perhaps.
But let's not forget, and this bears repeating - Adam is an openly gay artist, and some people still have a problem with that. We will never know how much that has affected his career, but it is definitely an issue. Don't be fooled by appearances of equality. LGBT people are still consciously or unconsciously discriminated against and are given less chances and opportunities than straight people - no matter how famous or talented they are. Hopefully that will change one day. But it has not changed yet. Our blessing is that Adam Lambert's talent is so huge that it cannot be denied. If he was any less than perfect, the masses would have rejected him and criticized him for not being perfect. That's not just a double standard, that's how the "majority" always tries to put down any minority, or oppressed group: that's why women have to work twice as hard and be twice as good as men in the same positions to be given any credit or equal salaries (just to give an example of how this works in real life every day). As a feminist and an LGBT activist, I sincerely hope this will change soon, but sometimes I despair when I hear stories that tell me how little some things have actually changed despite all the laws and other stuff. And I'm talking across the globe, not just the US. (Disclaimer: I'm not from the US, but I still read LGBT-related news coming from there.)
To be a really big hit, the emotional ballard needs to be universally relatable. The Believe lyrics are so universal, and simply expressed, that almost everyone can relate to it. Adam's songs, at least the ones he writes, tend to be about more complex emotional subjects and more complex in expression. For example, There I Said It, my favorite song on the TOH album, is not as universally relatable as Believe. Not sure I am saying this in a way that gets my point across. I love Outlaws, especially the live acoustic version from Canada, but I personally don't relate much to the song lyrics. And while the vocals on the CD are done as a ballad, the instrumentals are done in a Latin rhythm, i.e , in the dance world, a Rumba. I get what you are saying. He has ballads on all his albums that are stunning but some may not be relatable to everyone. But only fans hear them. Broken Open, Underneath, TISI, OOL, Can't Let you Go. I loved his song Heavy Fire but no one else seemed to talk about it. But OOL would be the only one not universal to me. I think a lot of his songs would be more relatable if he did not explain them in detail or if fans did not attach an LGBT meaning to them. Even when he says it is univerersal fans pick up something (like the line in Underneath about release inside me) and make it about sex when it clearly was about emotion, imo. And I agree with toramenor who said there is still discrimination in his way to a degree. And I don't think he needs to release all ballads to the point that he would be depressed but a mixture of some that hit people and some that rock. Others do that and I don't think Adam is more emotionally fragile than they are even tho he faces more barriers. There was one song he did (can't remember the name) but it was beautiful but he explained that it was about his relationship with Sauli so I could never relate to it. It made it too personal and I always felt as if I was prying, lol. If no name had been attached to it in an interview it may have worked better maybe. But like anything there needs to be a balance. I don't think he would want or need to do SS/Adele type heavy stuff all the time but it might work to at least release some of his stunning ballads to let the public know and hear that gorgeous voice and talent and with depth. Some of the heavier work just might get him more attention and some nominations. But I think with the new material, he has hinted that he will move more in a different direction. Excited!
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Post by girldrummer on Dec 31, 2018 12:37:14 GMT -5
To be a really big hit, the emotional ballard needs to be universally relatable. The Believe lyrics are so universal, and simply expressed, that almost everyone can relate to it. Adam's songs, at least the ones he writes, tend to be about more complex emotional subjects and more complex in expression. For example, There I Said It, my favorite song on the TOH album, is not as universally relatable as Believe. Not sure I am saying this in a way that gets my point across. I love Outlaws, especially the live acoustic version from Canada, but I personally don't relate much to the song lyrics. And while the vocals on the CD are done as a ballad, the instrumentals are done in a Latin rhythm, i.e , in the dance world, a Rumba. I get what you are saying. He has ballads on all his albums that are stunning but some may not be relatable to everyone. But only fans hear them. Broken Open, Underneath, TISI, OOL, Can't Let you Go. I loved his song Heavy Fire but no one else seemed to talk about it. But OOL would be the only one not universal to me. I think a lot of his songs would be more relatable if he did not explain them in detail or if fans did not attach an LGBT meaning to them. Even when he says it is univerersal fans pick up something (like the line in Underneath about release inside me) and make it about sex when it clearly was about emotion, imo. And I agree with toramenor who said there is still discrimination in his way to a degree. And I don't think he needs to release all ballads to the point that he would be depressed but a mixture of some that hit people and some that rock. Others do that and I don't think Adam is more emotionally fragile than they are even tho he faces more barriers. There was one song he did (can't remember the name) but it was beautiful but he explained that it was about his relationship with Sauli so I could never relate to it. It made it too personal and I always felt as if I was prying, lol. If no name had been attached to it in an interview it may have worked better maybe. But like anything there needs to be a balance. I don't think he would want or need to do SS/Adele type heavy stuff all the time but it might work to at least release some of his stunning ballads to let the public know and hear that gorgeous voice and talent and with depth. Some of the heavier work just might get him more attention and some nominations. But I think with the new material, he has hinted that he will move more in a different direction. Excited! I know I'm late to this conversation but just now found the time to get here. I agree that Adam's albums have been full of great pop, rock, and definitely ballads. Lurleene, you mentioned some of the best: Underneath, OOL, Broken Open, etc. Broken Open and OOL have definite gay themes. But they are beautiful, heartfelt songs. I think, in general, mass audiences love a singer who can hit those glory notes. Remember during Believe when Adam hit that one high note and everyone oohed and aahed and applauded? THAT'S what people love. But to us loyal Glamberts, that note was not a rare occurrence, nor was it unique in its execution. He sings that well all the time. People love the "showiness" of the glory notes. That's why big emotional ballads with long extended notes sound so impressive. Lots of pop singers can't come close to singing like that, but their songs are fun and popular anyway. I'm hoping that the Believe performance marks a turning point. New listeners and old casual fans haven been awakened to an Adam Lambert that they either never knew or thought was someone else. Adam can mix up his song styles with the best of them. Hope A4 shows us that. And I think the Sauli-related song you're thinking of is Broken English. I'll mention it again on the later thread since this thread is probably done.
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Post by sizzling63 on Dec 31, 2018 14:36:59 GMT -5
You are absolutely right. I was reading on another site and they were gushing over the "Believe" performance. Then one person said I had always viewed him as a dance club artist but I view him differently now. I thought, what. On Idol he was known for his beautiful ballads and rock performances. Same with Queen. And even with his pop solo work, he has not been killing it on the dance club charts. He has FYE at #5, NCOE #6 and ALN #3 on the dance club charts and that is it. Kelly Clarkson on the other hand has 4#1 and 1#2 and #7 dance club hits and some lower on that chart. They love and play their divas more than they love and play Adam for the dance club charts, lol. But no such dismissal for her. But I am happy for the rediscovery for him. I think that this public confusion has more to do with Adam's own internal struggle. He wants to do the lighter stuff for his own sake, to lift his own spirit, but he gets praise mostly for the ballads. On idol, the public remembers Mad World, but did PTFMWB leave any lasting impression? Probably not.
I think that Adam rightfully feels that all the heavy stuff would create a somber mood, and also for him, it would be difficult not to be dragged down by it, giving that he truly emotes, and therefore has to climb into the mood of what he is singing about. But songs like WWTLF or now Believe mean so much to us, exactly because they touch us deeply, and not many people can deliver vocals on such a emotional level. But for Adam they are probably hard to deliver night after night.
The thing is, Adam has never done a ballad on an album. And I think he is overdue for one. He has a lot of dance material from the past three albums to use in live settings, and probably will have a few more again, because that is what he wants to do, but I would love to have a few ballads and I think from a career standpoint they will carry him further. People first need to engage, be interested, listen. Then when you have got their attention, you can invite them to the party too. At least that is how I think he could really reach the wider public with this next round of music.
Question is: is Adam up for it? Can he find that uplifting ballad, that does not weigh so heavy on him as a performer, that he can on one hand relate to it, but that it also, on the other hand, propels him forward. And can he find a way to do different segments in his concert, like he did in the past, but let one segment be dominated by more interpretive music. Btw, I like Adam speaking lyrics as well. Or mixing singing and speaking. That works quite well for him, me thinks.
I agree 100% with everything you said. Unless Adam absolutely doesn't care about furthering his career, I think it is time for him to solidify his musical identity as a highly skilled and powerful singer first and foremost. For selfish reasons as well, I hope that Adam is taking note of what just happened a few days ago at KCH and make wise decisions accordingly, and I pray that he will start his next chapter with a song that allows him to connect. (I think Soaked, Underneath, and There I Said It were decent attempts but they were not relatable enough. And the "grown ass man" really killed TISI for me) For me, the one song that could have made it "big" would have been the one that moved Brian May "to jelly" when he heard it first - Time For Miracles.
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Post by lurleene on Dec 31, 2018 15:41:36 GMT -5
I agree 100% with everything you said. Unless Adam absolutely doesn't care about furthering his career, I think it is time for him to solidify his musical identity as a highly skilled and powerful singer first and foremost. For selfish reasons as well, I hope that Adam is taking note of what just happened a few days ago at KCH and make wise decisions accordingly, and I pray that he will start his next chapter with a song that allows him to connect. (I think Soaked, Underneath, and There I Said It were decent attempts but they were not relatable enough. And the "grown ass man" really killed TISI for me) For me, the one song that could have made it "big" would have been the one that moved Brian May "to jelly" when he heard it first - Time For Miracles. Yep. All of these songs were relatable to me but since they were never released as singles we will never know if they would have connected with the public or not. And even if released, it would have been up to radio to play them enough to even attempt to make a connection. For some reason, the "grown ass man" did not take any of the emotion away for me at all. TISI is still one of my favorite songs. And even some of Adam's more upbeat songs were great. Runnin, Chokehold, Lucy, Sleepwalker etc. He has had some gems on his albums and it is painful that so many only think of dance music when they think of him. That perception will not move much forward. Thankfully, he is actually one of the artists who goes on tv and performs without backup dancers so don't know why others think about him and dance. He has never presented himself as Chris Brown, Bieber, Usher. Gaga or Derulo etc. Tho, he does have some smooth and rocking dance moves that he uses beautifully and spontaneously when needed. But the only time I remember him using backup dancers on tv was an LGBT Logo program and it made sense for that event.
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Post by Jablea on Dec 31, 2018 16:51:32 GMT -5
I agree 100% with everything you said. Unless Adam absolutely doesn't care about furthering his career, I think it is time for him to solidify his musical identity as a highly skilled and powerful singer first and foremost. For selfish reasons as well, I hope that Adam is taking note of what just happened a few days ago at KCH and make wise decisions accordingly, and I pray that he will start his next chapter with a song that allows him to connect. (I think Soaked, Underneath, and There I Said It were decent attempts but they were not relatable enough. And the "grown ass man" really killed TISI for me) For me, the one song that could have made it "big" would have been the one that moved Brian May "to jelly" when he heard it first - Time For Miracles. Yep. All of these songs were relatable to me but since they were never released as singles we will never know if they would have connected with the public or not. And even if released, it would have been up to radio to play them enough to even attempt to make a connection. For some reason, the "grown ass man" did not take any of the emotion away for me at all. TISI is still one of my favorite songs. And even some of Adam's more upbeat songs were great. Runnin, Chokehold, Lucy, Sleepwalker etc. He has had some gems on his albums and it is painful that so many only think of dance music when they think of him. That perception will not move much forward. Thankfully, he is actually one of the artists who goes on tv and performs without backup dancers so don't know why others think about him and dance. He has never presented himself as Chris Brown, Bieber, Usher. Gaga or Derulo etc. Tho, he does have some smooth and rocking dance moves that he uses beautifully and spontaneously when needed. But the only time I remember him using backup dancers on tv was an LGBT Logo program and it made sense for that event. I dislike Time for Miracles, a lot. I think the "he screeches" carry over from Idol would have continued. In it, for me, he pushes his voice way too much, and it's just over the top. No nuance whatsoever. I don't get the "grown ass man" dislike - I don't care one way or the other, but if it's just about the swearing then that really limits him. Part of his ability to relate has been his ability to be frank, disarming, funny, and lewd all at the same time. As far as "he does dance music" I think that's a "he's gay, I don't know his songs, he must do dance music". concept and not a commentary on the songs at all.
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Holst
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Post by Holst on Dec 31, 2018 22:15:19 GMT -5
Yep. All of these songs were relatable to me but since they were never released as singles we will never know if they would have connected with the public or not. And even if released, it would have been up to radio to play them enough to even attempt to make a connection. For some reason, the "grown ass man" did not take any of the emotion away for me at all. TISI is still one of my favorite songs. And even some of Adam's more upbeat songs were great. Runnin, Chokehold, Lucy, Sleepwalker etc. He has had some gems on his albums and it is painful that so many only think of dance music when they think of him. That perception will not move much forward. Thankfully, he is actually one of the artists who goes on tv and performs without backup dancers so don't know why others think about him and dance. He has never presented himself as Chris Brown, Bieber, Usher. Gaga or Derulo etc. Tho, he does have some smooth and rocking dance moves that he uses beautifully and spontaneously when needed. But the only time I remember him using backup dancers on tv was an LGBT Logo program and it made sense for that event. I dislike Time for Miracles, a lot. I think the "he screeches" carry over from Idol would have continued. In it, for me, he pushes his voice way too much, and it's just over the top. No nuance whatsoever. I don't get the "grown ass man" dislike - I don't care one way or the other, but if it's just about the swearing then that really limits him. Part of his ability to relate has been his ability to be frank, disarming, funny, and lewd all at the same time. As far as "he does dance music" I think that's a "he's gay, I don't know his songs, he must do dance music". concept and not a commentary on the songs at all. I agree about disliking Time for Miracles a lot. "Grown ass man" spoils that song for me--not the swearing--it just sounds juvenile in a song that isn't particularly juvenile.
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Post by sizzling63 on Dec 31, 2018 22:25:24 GMT -5
I agree 100% with everything you said. Unless Adam absolutely doesn't care about furthering his career, I think it is time for him to solidify his musical identity as a highly skilled and powerful singer first and foremost. For selfish reasons as well, I hope that Adam is taking note of what just happened a few days ago at KCH and make wise decisions accordingly, and I pray that he will start his next chapter with a song that allows him to connect. (I think Soaked, Underneath, and There I Said It were decent attempts but they were not relatable enough. And the "grown ass man" really killed TISI for me) For me, the one song that could have made it "big" would have been the one that moved Brian May "to jelly" when he heard it first - Time For Miracles. Yep. All of these songs were relatable to me but since they were never released as singles we will never know if they would have connected with the public or not. And even if released, it would have been up to radio to play them enough to even attempt to make a connection. For some reason, the "grown ass man" did not take any of the emotion away for me at all. TISI is still one of my favorite songs. And even some of Adam's more upbeat songs were great. Runnin, Chokehold, Lucy, Sleepwalker etc. He has had some gems on his albums and it is painful that so many only think of dance music when they think of him. That perception will not move much forward. Thankfully, he is actually one of the artists who goes on tv and performs without backup dancers so don't know why others think about him and dance. He has never presented himself as Chris Brown, Bieber, Usher. Gaga or Derulo etc. Tho, he does have some smooth and rocking dance moves that he uses beautifully and spontaneously when needed. But the only time I remember him using backup dancers on tv was an LGBT Logo program and it made sense for that event. The Runnin, Chokehold, Sleepwalker medley was my favorite part of TOH tour - three tremendous songs with a similar vibe mashed together perfectly. (To follow up with my previous statement about Soaked, Underneath, and TISI... neither of them sounded like great singles choices to me, even though relatable to some extent)
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Post by sizzling63 on Dec 31, 2018 23:34:45 GMT -5
I get what you are saying. He has ballads on all his albums that are stunning but some may not be relatable to everyone. But only fans hear them. Broken Open, Underneath, TISI, OOL, Can't Let you Go. I loved his song Heavy Fire but no one else seemed to talk about it. But OOL would be the only one not universal to me. I think a lot of his songs would be more relatable if he did not explain them in detail or if fans did not attach an LGBT meaning to them. Even when he says it is univerersal fans pick up something (like the line in Underneath about release inside me) and make it about sex when it clearly was about emotion, imo. And I agree with toramenor who said there is still discrimination in his way to a degree. And I don't think he needs to release all ballads to the point that he would be depressed but a mixture of some that hit people and some that rock. Others do that and I don't think Adam is more emotionally fragile than they are even tho he faces more barriers. There was one song he did (can't remember the name) but it was beautiful but he explained that it was about his relationship with Sauli so I could never relate to it. It made it too personal and I always felt as if I was prying, lol. If no name had been attached to it in an interview it may have worked better maybe. But like anything there needs to be a balance. I don't think he would want or need to do SS/Adele type heavy stuff all the time but it might work to at least release some of his stunning ballads to let the public know and hear that gorgeous voice and talent and with depth. Some of the heavier work just might get him more attention and some nominations. But I think with the new material, he has hinted that he will move more in a different direction. Excited! I know I'm late to this conversation but just now found the time to get here. I agree that Adam's albums have been full of great pop, rock, and definitely ballads. Lurleene, you mentioned some of the best: Underneath, OOL, Broken Open, etc. Broken Open and OOL have definite gay themes. But they are beautiful, heartfelt songs. I think, in general, mass audiences love a singer who can hit those glory notes. Remember during Believe when Adam hit that one high note and everyone oohed and aahed and applauded? THAT'S what people love. But to us loyal Glamberts, that note was not a rare occurrence, nor was it unique in its execution. He sings that well all the time. People love the "showiness" of the glory notes. That's why big emotional ballads with long extended notes sound so impressive. Lots of pop singers can't come close to singing like that, but their songs are fun and popular anyway. I'm hoping that the Believe performance marks a turning point. New listeners and old casual fans haven been awakened to an Adam Lambert that they either never knew or thought was someone else. Adam can mix up his song styles with the best of them. Hope A4 shows us that. And I think the Sauli-related song you're thinking of is Broken English. I'll mention it again on the later thread since this thread is probably done. It may not be the glory notes that people love and more the emotional connection through vocal story telling. That gorgeous glory note in "Believe" was measured beautifully though. I think Adam has learned that it is less about vocal acrobatics and more about song, and in his case being the standout singer that he is his voice shines through with every syllable.
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