Adam Lambert's debut CD, For Your Entertainment, arrived with almost unprecedented hype. However, commercially speaking, the album has slightly underperformed despite starting off with a bang. ( It just was certified gold, meaning it's sold 500,000 copies. ) So, critically speaking, how does the album stack up? Here's a song-by-song look at the CD:
—"Music Again": This song definitely echoes bands like KISS, giving off an arena-rock vibe. It would not have sounded out of place on a TV series like That '70s Show.
—"For Your Entertainment": "For Your Entertainment" ( sung during that infamous American Music Awards performance ) is another fun song, throbbing with electronica and a little swagger.
—"Whataya Want From Me": One of the best cuts on the album, this tune, backed by Pink and Max Martin, is also one of the most personal. As long as he doesn't try to duplicate Pink's performance at the Grammys when singing this, he should be fine.
—"Strut": With lyrics like "Open your mouth/Open it wide/Let the freedom begin," it might be hard to believe that American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi was behind this one. However, listening to the music, you may change your mind—the song has a sense of sameness that does not distinguish it from tons of other tunes out there—including "For Your Entertainment."
—"Soaked": This ballad re-defines "over the top," and probably belongs on a Broadway album instead of this one. With drums, guitars and strings piled to excess, "Soaked" seems a bit overstuffed.
—"Sure Fire Winners": I kept thinking of Queen's "We Will Rock You" when listening to this one—and I'm sure that's no accident. Lambert urges you to "take a walk on the wild with" him; however, it's a little bit more mild than wild, although it's still fun.
—"A Loaded Smile": If nothing else, you have to love that title. Fortunately, Lambert brings something else to this moody ballad: a spacey, almost intergalactic, feel. This song seems perfectly suited for him.
—"If I Had You": Another glam/rock/techno stomper, "If I Had You" will move some bodies. When he starts off with "So I got my boots on/Got the right 'mount of leather," you know you're going on a ride. While listening to this, I could not stop my toes ( and hands ) from tapping.
—"Pick U Up": How did Rivers Cuomo ( of Weezer ) end up on this one? This pop confection—like most confections—has a light, airy feel. Lambert seems to be having fun with the song, although the tune does not seem to stand out in any way.
—"Fever": At first, I thought Lambert was going to redo the Peggy Lee classic. ( After all, Madonna went uptempo with it, and Beyoncé recently released a very seductive version of the song. ) However, his song, co-written by Lady Gaga, takes a different tack. Lambert unapologetically—and thankfully—lays his orientation out there ( "There he goes/My baby walks so slow/Sexual tic-tac-toe" ) , adding some spice to this rocker.
—"Sleepwalker": Compared to most of the other songs on the CD, the unfortunately titled "Sleepwalker" sounds almost, um, sleep-inducing. This ballad seems a bit pedestrian, especially for Lambert.
—"Aftermath": The slide continues with this song, which almost sounds like a track that an American Idol winner would have to sing on the final episode. Lyrics like "Take a step before you leap/Into the colors that you seek" don't help, although the message that everything will be alright is admirable.
—"Broken Open": This ballad also has a spacey feel but is different from "A Loaded Smile"—and that's not necessarily a bad thing. This standout track is, some ways, similar to Tears for Fears' "Mad World," as performed by Lambert on American Idol.
—"Time for Miracles" ( bonus track ) : The song, from the 2012 soundtrack, sounds like the ultimate power ballad—and I couldn't get it out of my head. "Miracles" deserved to do better on the charts.
What's my overall take? While some of the songs may not necessarily be radio-friendly ( a term that seems more nebulous by the minute ) , For Your Entertainment has a very fun vibe. I give Glambert's CD a very solid B—and I'm taking the cover into consideration.
E-mail Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com .
