I cannot find within me any cause to worry about Trespassing. I know nothing about the industry, nothing about marketing, nothing about numbers, nothing about what makes a hit in pop. So, take it for what it is worth.
1. Adam has a devoted and growing fan base. They will all jump on the album the first week. His Glamberts will probably buy more than one.
2. The radio people and media people seem eager to hear and embrace Trespassing. Where some looked side-eyed at the gay, emo, rocker, theater kid from Idol with the cray fans the first time around, many seem to have reframed their perception of Adam. Somehow, in the past two years, his brand has changed. He has gained legitimacy in the music business. He has evolved from weird outsider to hip, now, next insider and celebrity. Just his name brings sites hits. He has world-wide recognition. He is culturally relevant and influential.
3. Adam has worked hard to build a good relationship with the media. They LIKE him. He's one of the good guys. He's accessible. He's clever, funny, talks good sound bites, looks stunning, and is dependable for a great interview. It has taken a lot of hard work on Adam's part, and a determination to do whatever it takes with a smile on his face. It has paid off.
4. Adam is wowing the big guns in the music industry with his voice and with the ease of working with him. He is exciting them with the possibilities of great music in collaboration. The buzz has been intense, and intensely positive.
5. Adam has immersed himself in all aspects of the pop music business. He is familiar with all the players, with their products, with their sound, with their particular strengths and talents. I get the impression that many pop singers do not put in nearly the study he does. They rely on other people to be the experts and craft their sound for them. In contrast, is there any group, any artist on the music scene today that Adam is not familiar with? He lives and breathes this stuff and is relentless in learning more.
6. Adam has grown immensely in the past three years. Musically, personally, as a celebrity, as a spokesperson, as a business man. Recently, I have seen a subtle but sea change in his presence. He is mature, confident (but never cocky), and grounded, while still keeping that enthusiasm for life, that child-like excitement and joy front and center. It just feels like he has come into his own.
I may or may not like the sound/genre on Trespassing. I have to wait and see. But, I have total confidence that Adam has made a fantastic and highly marketable offering of the best quality. It's gonna be great!
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