www.chron.com/life/article/Lambert-s-Trespassing-is-fierce-and-flashy-3557619.phpLambert's 'Trespassing' is fierce and flashy
By Joey Guerra
Published 05:02 p.m., Monday, May 14, 2012
'Trespassing'
Adam Lambert
RCA
**** (four out of five stars)
Blame Adam Lambert for the loss of "American Idol" shimmer (and glitter) in recent years.
Since Lambert finished second - still hard to believe - to Kris Allen in 2009, the show just hasn't been the same.
No one since has brought his mix of polished talent, over-the-top theatricality and pop fabulousness to the stage. (The jury's still out on current contenders Jessica Sanchez and Joshua Ledet, whose potential will soon be tested on post-show albums.)
"For Your Entertainment," Lambert's 2009 debut, did a good job of channeling his flashy persona into big, bracing pop songs. "Trespassing," online and in stores Tuesday, builds on that framework with bigger anthems, bolder colors and a nod to the current musical climate.
This is fierce, fun dance music, lifted high into the heavens by Lambert's supernatural range - and expert help from Pharrell Williams, Dr. Luke, Nile Rodgers, Sam Sparro, Bruno Mars and Lester Mendez.
The title track sets a seductive, swaggering tone and rides a bassline reminiscent of a Queen anthem with a hint of Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl." ("Make their faces crack," Lambert quips.) It's likely no coincidence. Lambert is set to front several Queen performances in Russia and Europe.
The album's first half is a beat-per-minute celebration, all sex and clubs and smoky disco haze.
"Shady" boasts just a touch of the Beatles' "Come Together" amid the clubland glitter, and "Kickin' In" serves up blocky beats reminiscent of Madonna's "Hard Candy" and diva-worthy wails. (Not a bad thing, by the way.)
Current single "Never Close Our Eyes" riffs on Coldplay's "Clocks" amid sliding electro riffs. It's a much stronger representation of the album than Pink-esque first single "Better Than I Know Myself," which did little to distinguish Lambert's musical persona.
The best stuff here positions him as a smarter, sassier male equivalent to the likes of Rihanna and Katy Perry. More Kylie Minogue, less Ke$ha and no David Guetta remix necessary.
Tag the ridiculously catchy "Naked Love" as a future single, thanks to Lambert's lighthearted delivery and a series of "whoa-oh-ohs" destined for singalongs. It's a bright-and-shiny ode to stripping down to basics (figuratively and literally speaking).
Stormy ballads populate the album's final few stretches and, of course, highlight Lambert's searing vocals. The sinewy, push-pull dynamic of "Broken English" is an ode to Lambert's boyfriend, Finnish reality star Sauli Koskinen. And there's nothing like hearing him wrap his range around the angsty lyrics of "Underneath."
"Outlaws of Love" is the album's emotional centerpiece, a moody call for equality that finds Lambert exercising a bit of vocal restraint. It makes the message - "They say we'll rot in hell/But I don't think we will/They've branded us enough" - all the more powerful.
There's a lot going on throughout "Trespassing," but it's to Lambert's credit that he never drowns in excess. He's a capable enough singer to not only keep his head above water but also to make almost every moment soar.
Just follow the glitter trail in the sky.
