|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:35:30 GMT -5
SOFPEDIA Album Review: “Trespassing” Is The Best Pop Release Of The Year
May 13th, 2012, 07:00 GMT · By Elena Gorgan
Adam Lambert “Trespassing” – Album Review
news.softpedia.com/news/Adam-Lambert-Trespassing-Album-Review-269180.shtml
Back in 2009, Adam Lambert followed up on his American Idol success with his first studio material, the chart-topping “For Your Entertainment.” His sophomore album, “Trespassing,” will be out this Tuesday, May 15, 2012 – and it's just as fresh, exciting and groundbreaking as its predecessor.
Fans (Glamberts) must already know that Adam took his time with this second release, pushing it back twice, until he was fully satisfied with it. He produced many of the tracks on it, while assembling a dream team for the rest.
This is Adam, and this is why fans love him so much: not only is he painfully talented, but he's also a consummate professional, always thinking of the fans and striving to deliver the best he can offer at one particular moment.
“Trespassing” is no exception. Though embracing more the trends in today's dance music, which it combines with pregnant electronica, '80s disco dance and rock influences, the album marks a step up for Adam as an artist.
“[It's] an exciting journey through the past two years of my life. It's been a transformative period and I really wanted to make music from what I've experienced. All these songs honestly explore the ups and downs of my reality,” he once said about how he'd best describe his latest album.
Indeed, it might be energetic, booming and, at points, hidden underneath very complex and heavy layers of sound, but the message of “Trespassing” is clear: this is a man who is no longer afraid to shout out to the world that he's not about about to change just because it wants him to, or believes he should.
If liberation (and no, not just sexual) had an official “spokesperson,” it would be Adam – and “Trespassing” the album would be the anthem.
Adam gets personal but keeps up the pace on his sophomore album
It's no wonder then that the album opens up with the title track, Adam's very own manifesto. Written by Adam himself and Pharrell Williams, and produced by Williams, the track is powerful and motivational, without as much as explicitly stating what it's rebelling against.
“Cuckoo,” yet another brilliant combination of modern and vintage sounds, has Adam at his most audacious, singing about getting “crazy” and wanting to “lose his mind” and, for once, do whatever he feels like.
Proving just how versatile he is, Adam tries on next a track that would probably also suit the likes of Britney Spears (minus, of course, the amazing vocals): “Shady” (featuring Nile Rodgers & Sam Sparro), which even has her now-trademark uuuhs and aaahs and heavy breathing.
The same goes for “Kickin' In,” which also sees the mischievous Adam singing about a possible threesome. Strangely though, “Never Close Our Eyes” makes a discordant note with the rest of the album, prompting many to say it would have been a better fit on “FYE.”
“Naked Love” takes on a more personal note, though it blatantly refuses to slow the pace. It's, if you will, a preparation for the heartbreaking ballads included on the album – just two of them, considerably less than on “For Your Entertainment.”
“Pop That Lock” brings the listener to the theme of the album: this is a party and we shouldn't be missing out on it. In this sense, this track is the best dance invitation ever.
Adam returns to matters closer to his heart on “Better Than I Know Myself” and “Broken English,” which deal with various aspects of making a relationship work and how important a healthy one is.
However, he saves his best for the next song, arguably one of the strongest on the album: “Underneath.” It's so basic and personal that it almost feels like we're prying from behind the curtain right into Adam's soul. His voice soars and descends beautifully, evoking strong emotion – the best way he knows how.
“Better Than I Know Myself” is the leading single off “Trespassing”
Staying true to his style, Adam doesn't allow his fans to wallow in misery or melancholy for too long, so he takes them out of the state he put them in and quickens the pace with “Chokehold” – still a very personal track, but one that those feeling blue too often might prefer instead of the previous one.
Rounding up this excellent display of perfect showmanship that is “Trespassing,” is “Outlaws of Love,” the second of the ballads that made the cut, the best manifesto the LGBT community could have asked for – or dreamed of.
Three bonus tracks are also included, “Runnin'” (which will definitely set your pulse racing, in the best way possible), “Take Back” and “Nirvana,” which brings the listener full circle: from trespasser to rebel to winner and to the holder of absolute wisdom and compassion, as its name clearly indicates.
“Trespassing” will be out in music stores on May 15, 2012 but it is now streaming online on his official website.
The Good
Some of the sounds on “Trespassing” might be common pop fare, but there is absolutely nothing common about this album. What keeps it together, and gives it meaning and depth is Adam's unbelievable talent, his confidence and his cheekiness. Truly, he is a one-of-a-kind artist.
The Bad
Fans were heartbroken at having to wait so long for “Trespassing” but, in the end, it's been worth the wait.
The Truth
All in all, with “Trespassing,” Adam takes his fans on another crazy yet meaningful journey, one that exposes his bare soul and most intimate thoughts. Here is an artist who is not afraid to express himself and who, just as importantly, has what it takes to do it so gracefully and with purpose.
“Trespassing” is the best pop release of the year, so even those who don't count themselves as his fans should at least give it a try.
|
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:35:47 GMT -5
UNDER THE GUN REVIEW: Adam Lambert – Trespassing Rating: 9/10
Shotwell @utgjames
Editor/Founder - Under The Gun Review (@utgreview), Co-Owner -
Antique Records (@antiquerecords), professional cinephile. I love
entertainment. Michigan/Boston · underthegunreview.net
UNDER THE GUN
REVIEW: Adam Lambert – Trespassing
Review written by Grace Duffy | May 12th, 2012
www.underthegunreview.net/2012/05/12/review-adam-lambert-trespassing/
Artist: Adam Lambert
Album: Trespassing
Genre: Pop
Label: RCA
Adam Lambert is one of the few artists who make reality talent shows seem worthwhile. In a sea of indentical, fleeting wannabes, he stood out even during his American Idol days as a talented and provocative artist and extravagant showman. This diligence and glamour has seeped into his music, which often represents the very best medley of his influences and which, more than anything, captures an infectious and jovial sense of fun. It is pop music and unashamedly so, but it’s sophisticated pop music – lavish, thoughtful, sublimely executed, with exquisite attention to detail.
Lambert’s phenomenal vocals in the past are, as always, the driving force behind this album. Trespassing is his second full-length release following 2009’s For Your Entertainment and sources inspiration from 90s music, disco, electronica, and even a little bit of dubstep (enough to provoke but not to destroy). It’s a consuming mixture of songs, all bright sparks and theatrical flourishes designed with maximum visual and aural stimulation in mind. Lambert’s range allows him to dominate no matter what the song style – his voice an energetic thrust for the flamboyant tracks and a solid, powerful fulcrum for the slower songs. Indeed, it is marvellous to hear how he can take tricks and styles familiar to all in the trade and twist them so rambunctiously to fit his vision. Lambert is a showman above all else, and he provides a sumptuous, all-engrossing experience to go with his stunning voice.
The album’s title track is the opener. “Trespassing” is a really fun, vibrant, intoxicating pop track with enough offerings from various genres to transcend genre. It’s rhythmic and compelling, with Lambert’s starry and charismatic vocals bringing more life than anything else going on behind him. “Shady” is terrific, an easy throwback to the funk-infused tracks of the Seventies. The opening is deadpan but intense, with a smooth bass line and exhilarated vocal refrains. As the song progresses, it takes on a classical twist in the form of strings and layered voice harmonies, creating a rich and compelling pop tapestry. “Never Close Our Eyes” comes from a more thoughtful place, but dresses itself in such stylised, gaudy disco beats that you’d hardly notice. Bruno Mars was involved in putting this together, and such is evident in the soulful, considered vocal line, which adds an earthy gravitas to the biting rhythms of the chorus.
The unabashed swagger of “Kickin’ In” is a fine throwback to Michael Jackson, while “Naked Love” is of a more organic persuasion. It feels like a 90s throwback in many ways, with drums rolls and sugary vocals. By Lambert’s standards, it is perhaps a little underplayed or safe, but there’s a flavour of gentle, spirited cheer that makes it refreshing. “Pop That Lock” pares up again, with an eager charge ingrained into its beat from the outset. The chorus isn’t quite as riveting as I’d like, but it is a mark of how meticulous Lambert’s songs usually are that this seems almost underdressed. “Better Than I Know Myself” is a grower. It seems quite distilled at the outset, but builds into a sweeping chorus involving truly astounding vocal heights. The song itself is rather simple and yet it’s uncannily catchy. The sensitivity of the words peters through the polished production, making for an oddly heartfelt track in tremulous clothing.
“Broken English” is tremendous. It’s sophisticated and mysterious, downplaying the vivacious music and using only hints of percussion and backing vocals to create something pervasive. The understated intensity is striking, as it creates an air of intrigue and adventure. “Underneath” is broad and evocative, with Lambert’s voice shining in the minimalist setting. It’s quite ambitious in scope and creates an atmospheric, almost cinematic sound. It feels brooding and nebulous, but this deadened poignancy is brought vividly to life by the power in his voice. “Outlaws of Love” comes from a similar place, but it’s much barer in sound. He sings openly, with no embellishment, with a cold and emotive stance. It almost seems ghostly after all the colour that’s underpinned the album, but it’s a stark and gorgeous reminder of the pure electric talent at the heart of the record.
Trespassing is easily the most enjoyable pop album yet this year. It’s a welcome injection of life and stunning artistic achievement for a sterile scene, from a visionary performer who ought to be celebrated.
Rating: 9/10
|
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:36:06 GMT -5
Saturday Telegraph UK Advertisement: Adam + Queen 14 July Hammersmith HMV Apollo Concert |
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:36:34 GMT -5
The Hub Now: "...Trespassing will be breaking onto the charts with a bang."
Adam Lambert Trespassing onto Positive Reviews
May 12th, 2012 | Posted by Philip Carey in Featured Music | Music | Top Posts
thehubnow.com/adam-lambert-trespassing-onto-positive-reviews
With Adam Lambert’s Trespassing set to be released May 15, the reviews are starting to arrive.
Feel good Glambert fans, it looks like Trespassing will be breaking onto the charts with a bang.
Lambert serves as executive producer on his sophomore album, and unlike his debut, the songs take on more serious matters.
Lambert tells Billboard Magazine:
This is a big make-or-break thing for me, especially for someone who comes off of Idol…
I did have a hit, which was great. That was one big step. Now what? Is that going to be it? Am I a one-hit wonder?
So I wanted to get really involved in the process to make sure I was doing everything I could to create a great album.
…And I think I did.
The new album will feature 12 tracks. There will also be a deluxe edition featuring 3 bonus tracks.
And, watch for Glambert to hit your televisions THIS WEEK:
On MAY 14TH, Adam is scheduled to perform his upcoming single “Never Close Our Eyes,” on Good Morning America.
On May 17th, he’ll show this week’s American Idol Top 4 how to perform when he takes their stage on the live show!
“Never Close Our Eyes” hits radio stations on May 28th!
|
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:36:54 GMT -5
Next Magazine: What’s Adam Lambert been up to since American Idol? (Artwork) Next Magazine
What’s Adam Lambert been up to since American Idol? Only getting healthy, feeling fierce and dropping his sophomore album Trespassing.
May 10, 2012 By: Alex Erikson
www.nextmagazine.com/content/rock-queen
 Photo/Artwork: Tim Paul
Last Thanksgiving, out American Idol Season Eight runner-up Adam Lambert had an experience many gay men can relate to: he felt fat. The singer/songwriter, whose newest solo release, Trespassing, drops May 15, says he went on a juice fast, lost a bit of the bulge and has been on a health-food kick ever since. “I got my own juicer and have been doing vegetable juices,” he says. And being surrounded by like-minded health-food junkies has made his newfound focus on wellbeing that much more accessible. “Here in L.A. it’s easier, too. There are lots of great vegetarian restaurants, lots of very health-conscious food.”
On the one hand, it’s not particularly surprising that Lambert—a musician who now seems to exist in a mainstream world sanitized of idiosyncrasy, especially after his controversial 2009 American Music Awards performance—would be into juicing his own veggies and eating at the trendiest vegan restaurants. But at the same time, who can argue with someone who’s in tune with themselves enough to know what works best for their body?
Don’t think the San Diego native known for his plugs, funky jet-black locks and love of Rick Owens combat boots has gone soft on us, either. It goes without saying that he’s a strident voice for gay rights—and one that’s not afraid of a little self-reflection, challenging our own notions about what it means to be a gay artist. “There’s a huge double standard within the mainstream media and the music industry,” he says. “Even within the gay community there’s a double standard. You can be too gay, or you’re not gay enough,” Lambert points out. “There’s this weird kind of give and take on that. And it depends on which generation you’re talking to, it depends on someone’s own outlook.”
He doesn’t stop there. “I think really what that leads me to believe is that you need to move past it all together,” the Equality Idol Award-winner says. He believes that qualifying something as gay marginalizes it. He’s a post-gay man working in a pre-gay industry. “I’m a human performer, not a gay performer. I’m a man, not a gay man. We should progress past it. Harping on it and constantly qualifying it, I feel, is a bit dated.”
Now that his second album is complete, he says he’s excited to be able to share it with fans. “It’s a bit of an evolution for me,” he says. “I’ve written a lot of the songs on the album, and some of the themes it explores are very real…One of the things I love about it is that it has two different sides to it.” The first half of the album, he says, is a celebration of all things rebellious, funky and ferocious. “It’s sexy. It’s kind of about going out and being fierce and feeling fabulous and having fun and getting laid. All of the things we all love about going out in life,” he explains. “The back half of the album kind of explores some of the underside of that. About how sometimes when you’re trying to be fierce…how underneath that you’re not as fierce.” He says those two sides to nightlife are something gays will be able to relate to. “I think that everybody kind of goes through that. It’s realness.”
Lambert is also unique among his peers in that he not only has some serious vocal chops, as evidenced by his Idol success, but has benefited because of Idol. “I don’t know [if I’d have made it without American Idol]. Not to the level I’m at now,” he reflects. “I think I probably would have found some sort of my own personal success, but I think that Idol is a major PR platform.” Now set to return to the Idol stage May 17 to promote Trespassing, Lambert auditioned for the 2009 season after he’d already been writing music, pounding the pavement, looking for his big break. “What I realized is that I don’t think I’m going to be able to walk in—even with a great demo—to a mainstream music label and have them sign me. I’m just not the typical choice.”
One of the few out voices in the mainstream pop/rock scene today, he is an obvious choice to front four shows of Queen’s reunion tour this summer. “I think there are a lot of Queen fans that are going to be excited to hear someone singing the music,” he says. He’ll bring his signature theatrical performances to the Queen shows, but don’t expect him to try to fill Freddy Mercury’s shoes. “I’m bringing my own shoes to the concert!” he laughs. “And hopefully they’re fierce.”
Trespassing is available everywhere May 15. Visit AdamOfficial.com for more info.
|
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:37:13 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:37:29 GMT -5
AT40: NCOE "Feast your ears on Adam’s latest single..." |
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:39:39 GMT -5
Auditory Slam: "...I am NOT an Adam Lambert fan." SCORE: 7.5 of 10
Adam Lambert – Trespassing Review
Posted by Auditory Slam on May 9, 2012 in Music Reviews
auditoryslam.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/adam-lambert-trespassing-review/
So, let me start this review by pointing out that I am NOT an Adam Lambert fan. I was not impressed by his American Idol run nor did I like his first CD. With that said, I made a promise to a friend, whom happens to be a Glambert of the first degree, that I would listen to this CD objectively and give it a fair shot.
So, with that said, let’s see what we have here.
1) Trespassing: A really great sounding, catchy track that mixes modern dance beats with a rock track that just screams Another One Bites The Dust.
2) Cuckoo: Huge beat with a great vocal. Almost has a Michael Jackson-ish vocal styling a la Billie Jean. This one should definitely be big in clubs.
3) Shady: Songs starts with a HUGE beat that almost sounds like a cross between Foreigner’s JukeBox Hero and some Steve Wonder style funk. Once again, another huge sounding song that should be a hit in clubs. The production quality so far is top notch.
4) Never Close Our Eyes: Adams vocals really shine here. He sings this in an almost Savage Garden Darrin Hayes way, weaving flawlessly between the raspy low end of the verses into the sustained higher notes on the choruses. Great tune with another huge dance style beat.
5) Kickin’ In: I’m hearing some Prince influence all over this one. The beat is another huge sounding groove but it’s funky as hell as well. Once again, Adam weaves between the high and low end vocals without missing a note.
6) Naked Love: Another big sounding song. Not my favorite but I don’t hate it either.
7) Pop That Lock: Big sounding song but I can’t help but feel this has been done a hundred times by other artists. Definitely think this one should have been left to someone less talented than Adam.
8) Better Than I Know Myself: The first slow song on the CD. Big backing beat with a great vocal delivery. Once again, delivered without all the over-singing that I hate in pop singing.
9) Broken English: Another slower song with a big vocal delivery by Adam. Again, another song that I think could have been left off without really being missed. Has some cool dub elements mixed throughout though.
10) Underneath: Slower song that once again screams of an almost Darren Hayes style vocal delivery. Adam sounds really great here. His vocals really shine with only sparse keyboard backing throughout.
11) Chokehold: Great song delivery here. The bass/guitar mix is perfectly laid over a sultry, raspy style vocal by Adam. Definitely a radio hit in here somewhere on this one.
12) Outlaws Of Love: Another almost Savage Garden style delivery here. Adam really lets his voice shine here. Great restrained style vocal laid over a sparse style drum track.
13) Running: wow! just wow! My favorite track by far, thus far. Superb vocal delivery here over a track that just swirls around you like a tornado. This will definitely make it’s way into the playlist for my radio show. The dub style flair at the end just puts it totally into the stratosphere.
14) Take Back: Another huge sounding beat with a classic Adam vocal on it. I can definitely see this one making its way to the clubs as well.
15) Nirvana: Great song to end the CD. A really great mix of singing, electronic elements, and a really cool sounding drum track. Lyrics are very cool on this song especially.
Conclusion: Overall, a really great CD by Adam and his band. My biggest knock against Adam was his habit of over-singing on songs in the past. He has almost entirely avoided that here opting instead for a more laid back yet still dead on style that flawlessly weaves between his subtle, raspy low end and his ability to hit notes most singer couldn’t dream of. I love that this CD has a huge Darren Hayes/Savage Garden style to it. And please, do NOT take that as me saying Adam is copying Darren’s style. I mean that in a VERY POSITIVE light/way. While there are a few songs here that I think could/should have been left off, this CD really has a great number of songs that impress even me, one of his biggest critics. This has monster hit written all over it and it should have. This has flawless production throughout with a great mix of rock, pop, electronica, and dance.
Thanks to Lacy Carper for making me listen to this. Adam should reward you for helping convert a non-believer.
Kudos Mr. Lambert, Kudos. You’ve made me believe.
SCORE: 7.5 of 10 (lose tracks 6,7, & 9 and this jumps up to a perfect score.)
STANDOUT TRACKS: Running, Chokehold, Shady, Cuckoo
EDIT: It’s been pointed out to me that the musicians that played on this CD are NOT the same ones that play in Adam’s touring band. I was not aware of this at the time. I’m new to the whole world of Adam so thanks to those that pointed out my mistake. Also, keep in mind that I don’t think the tracks I named are BAD songs, just songs that I think would be suited for someone else. With all that said, thanks to everyone for making this go viral and being so awesome. You guys/gals rock!
|
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:46:19 GMT -5
All Music: Trespassing Editor Rating ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Q3 ~ This is used by Metacritic in their score.
All Music
Adam Lambert Trespassing
review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
beta.allmusic.com/album/trespassing-mw0002289102
editor rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
release date: May 15, 2012
duration: 42:34
genre: Pop/Rock
styles: Pop, Pop Idol
Three years removed from American Idol, Adam Lambert is finally allowed to shake off the pageantry of the televised talent competition and dive into glitter on his second major-label album, Trespassing. There's a distinct lack of ballads on Trespassing -- they're clustered toward the end of the record, sometimes given a spangled once-over by producer Dr. Luke so they don't feel staid, sometimes hinting at the chilly, austere vistas of Ryan Tedder but sounding grander, warmer in the hands of Lambert. Here, the distance from the stuffiness of Idol is apparent but the heart of Trespassing lies in the first two-thirds of the album, when Lambert is strutting like a glam-disco diva, sparring with Dr. Luke and Pharrell Williams, belting out his hooks with an easy confidence. And he's got some great hooks here, too: big, bright, insistent hooks powering songs that revel in their sleaziness. Lambert matches their appeal, singing with an untrammeled joy suggesting that he's relishing an opportunity to make modern dance music. Williams is his greatest foil -- "Trespassing" and the Michael Jackson-via-Justin Timberlake "Kickin' In" grab immediately -- but that's not to slight the rest of the record, particularly the pulsating Nile Rodgers-fueled funk "Shady" and mirror-plated pop of "Cuckoo." Even if these songs never grace the charts, they sound like inevitable hits and prove that Lambert is a genuine pop star who has now left American Idol far behind.
|
|
|
|
Post by 4Ms on May 12, 2012 23:46:37 GMT -5
NY Daily News: Jim Farber’s Top Ten In Music For Sunday #1 Adam Lambert "Trespassing"
Jim Farber’s Top Ten In Music For Sunday
NY Daily News, May 13, 2012
www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/jim-farber-top-ten-music-sunday-13-2012-article-1.1075043#ixzz1uloJxyv7
1) Adam Lambert “Trespassing” The second studio album from “American Idol’s”
best singer ever tips in a dancier direction. Yet it’s Lambert’s vocal mix — of the
awesome and the absurd — that makes it such a charming hoot.
 Amy Graves/WireImage Adam Lambert’s new album “Trespassing” is full of dance beats and the singer’s patented over-the-top delivery.  |
|
