Between Coldplay and U2, the biggest “rock” acts these days are almost the most safe. Sorry, Bono, but “Get On Your Boots” is not innovative or risky. And then comes Adam Lambert, delivering a rendition of U2’s “One” that, well, made us appreciate Bono & Co. actually spitting this one out. No wonder it’s so easy to report that Clay Aiken fella wants to team up with Lambert.
But because we’re just one week away from the finals (OMGZ!!!!), the contestants performed más de uno songs. Here’s Aerosmith’s “Cryin'”:
Sam
I totes agree with you re: “Get On Your Boots.” But vapid vocal acrobatics just do not trump soul. Comparing Adam Lambert’s screaming to Bono’s throaty growl is like comparing Jessica Simpson to Janis Joplin.
I’ll take the U2 original of “One” over this blandness any day.
Alexa
I can’t stand U2, and even Adam couldn’t save this. Not bad, but far from his best performance. Crying, though, was excellent.
Kbutterum
Does AI try to sway votes? Not only through Judges comments (yes Kara I’m talking to you) but I notice some singers get reverbed the hell out of their vocals or they bring up the back up vocalists mike. Adam was being drowned out by his back up singer on Crying. I not an Adam fan but I thought it was shady.
The Gay Numbers
I question your taste in music.
Marty
Adam Lambert seems to me what Sam Harris would sound and look like if he had tried to be ROCK instead of camp …
dgz
i might actually vote this year, if only to protect my ears from a possible danny gokey version of “a moment like this.”
Aaron
One is the only U2 song that I like, and he destroyed it. His version was pretty awful and completely drained of the emotion or feeling or whatever from the original.
Colleen
He butchered one – since when is out of control screeching talent? He actually lost control of his tongue midway through – yet the judges wanted him to win so bad they praised him for it. This is sooo rigged.
dgz
@Colleen: like it or not, that “screech” was not out of control. he was using peripheral structures to “dirty” his falsetto, and kept it on pitch. that’s what makes it sound like he’s still in his “chest” register.
it’s not my favorite type of sound, either, but i just had to nitpick. for a true, out-of-control screech, i’ll point you to the hokey-gokey’s horrifying performance during rock week.
vernonvanderbilt
@dgz: Mega co-sign.
@Aaron: Furthermore, “One” is not a song that can really be condensed into a 90 second version. It probably wasn’t the best song to adapt for the show, but that was Simon’s choice. We cannot blame Adam for that.
Also, am I the only person who preferred his version of “One” rather than his too tame, too faithful version of “Cryin’?”
dgz
@vernonvanderbilt: no, i whole-heartedly agree. i liked “one,” but was a tad bit disappointed by “cryin,” considering so far his song-choice/interpretation has been impeccable. hopefully, he’s saving his best for the finale.
vernonvanderbilt
@dgz: Hopefully America puts him through to the finals. This being Top 3 week, I’m having gut-churning Melinda Doolittle flashbacks right now. America has a knack for fucking up where this show is concerned.
louann
Wow gay guy beats christian white guy? Who knew? Probably split the vote between Kris and Danny.
They sound sung out. Adam needs to rest his voice if he going to pull this off.
louann
Was “one love” a gay anthem? I hope so.
Lance Rockland
Adam vs Kris in the finals.
Go Adam!
scott ny'er
yeah, he’s on pitch but it sounds like a screech. Hence, why I don’t like Steve Tyler.
I do think Adam’s voice is similar to Sam Harris and Steve Tyler’s.
scott ny'er
oh and he ruined “one”.
louann
@dgz: very good nitpicking.
louann
@louann: I listened to him sing the national anthem in San Diego — no “screaming” and it was absolutely one of the best renditions of the SSB ever.
The Gay Numbers
If this guy were straight, no one would think he’s all that good. This is quite sad.
vernonvanderbilt
@The Gay Numbers: Call me “no one” then, because as far as I’m concerned, we only get a voice like his once a generation or so. Adam Lambert is magical, like a unicorn. His voice will save the world.
I’m so not being facetious.
Raven
Its amazing how they have this person with an obvious bias writing a review.
Nickadoo
@The Gay Numbers: I need to disagree here. I actually despise American Idol. I think it represents everything that’s wrong with the music industry, and hate everything it stands for. However, I can’t help but to be struck by Adam. There’s something special and genuine about his ability to both sing and perform, and I have little doubt he’ll succeed regardless of whether he wins the show or not.
I think his two performances on the last show, One and Cryin’, were both pretty disappointing. I happen to think Danny was given the stronger song choice of Dance Little Sister. But Adam’s been stronger than any contestant I’ve ever seen on the show. I’ve actually avoided watching American Idol, but I find myself seeking out Adam’s performances on YouTube. There’s an undeniable presence about him onstage that I can’t deny, even if I try.
The Gay Numbers
Vern
Okay- I got the joke at the end. Call me slow. At first I took your post seriously. Here’s the thing- do I think Adam has a voice? Yes. Do I think he reminds me of an early Mariah Carey? Yes. Is this a good thing? No. Why? Because Mariah confused showing her range with control of her voice. Adam’s voice has power. But he lacks nuaince and control. It’s all razzel-dazzle. No authentically emotional moment. In a way, it’s not surprising that someone like this would appeal to American pop culture. Loud, no nuiance and the world is black and white. No valleys. No mountains. No complexity. The truth is that I was once one of those guys who would have been into the hype. I loved Mariah. The truth is that I am moving beyond the hype of the moment and look looking for something that emotionally touches me. I want to feel something with Adam, but I don’t. What I feel is the spectacle. But, it’s not really even his spectacle, because at least that would be nice. It’s the spectacle of his name being pushed into pop culture because of the machine behind him. Maybe one day that will change. Right now, listening to him- I don’t feel anything.
The Gay Numbers
Nick
I will say the same thing I said to Vern: I don’t feel anything when I listen to him sing. No authetic moment of discovery. No sense that I am drawn up into a moment that’s not something reducible to the razzle dazzle or that I will want to listen to over and over again like I do when I find something I love. If I love a performance, I will listen to it over and over again until I am so sick of it that I can remember each move the person makes when they singing. In fairness, I am hard to please. I want a lot because I have seen and heard a lot. So, I do not get the Adam thing because ultimately I do not see him lasting beyond the moment in my emotional memory. I do not see me repating his songs over and over again until I can remove every move he makes.
The Gay Numbers
remove is remember
rici
I wanna know where he gets his dud, I need some of that leather and those chains, and I would even look better in them. Hot threads
rici
By “dud”, I mean duds (clothes) I like how they fit and the feel of that leather and those jeans must be great.
dgz
@louann: i hope it was a gay anthem! it’s about time this generation gets its own elton!
@vernonvanderbilt: i know — melinda doolittle was heartbreaking. so was daughtry and his silly beard. i seriously intend to vote this week, even if adam chokes. kris is apparently a nice guy, but his john mayer facial contortions and pop-technique yodel-crack drive me INSANE.
vernonvanderbilt
@The Gay Numbers: Just because I’m an Adam fan doesn’t mean I can’t embrace humourous hyperbole, eh? 😉 But in all seriousness, this past week aside, Adam has shown near-masterful vocal control. His performances may get a bit histrionic at times, but there is no comparison where Mariah is concerned as far as that goes. Mariah made a name for herself with her ridiculous dolphin calls and little else. Anyone who’s listened to her stuff for the last…um, when did she decide to stop showing off her voice and just be a skank? Okay, so I don’t listen to her.
Maybe I watch this show differently than most people do, but when I’m listening to the contestants, I don’t just listen to what they’re doing right now. I’m also listening to their potential, what I think they will be able to bring us in the future. As far as Idol is concerned, Adam has more potential than any AI contestant has ever had. I think, once he gets unshackled from 19 Entertainment, we can expect a long, successful career that will provide us listeners with plenty of great music. Just because you don’t feel anything now doesn’t mean you never will.
And I’ve said it about Adam before, but he is by far the most original, creative, and interesting Idol contestant in the history of the show. I know that’s not saying much, but it’s true. Even his detractors have to admit that.
@dgz: Sometimes I wonder if I’m the only person in America who thinks Daughtry was permitted to stay on the show too long. Sometimes I wonder if I’m the only peson in America who knew exactly how boring Daughtry would be from the moment we first heard him sing.
As for Kris…he’s cute. I don’t see myself ever purchasing one of his albums, but he’s damn pleasant to look at. It’s just not a style of music that interests me. The “cute guy with an acoustic guitar” genre is just about played-out as far as I’m concerned. The market is entirely oversaturated with these disposable, wholly interchangeable performers. They’ll always have a market for it, but I believe their time at the edges of the mainstream is nearly over. Something new is on the horizon…I’m just not sure what that is yet.
The Gay Numbers
I think he will vanish into obscurity like most of the idol winners like Taylor Hicks.
vernonvanderbilt
@The Gay Numbers: Taylor Hicks fell victim to his contract. He’s not an awful singer, but his album was atrocious. I agree that, aside from Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, the Idol winners have pretty much all proven to be anticlimactic, but that’s what makes Adam all the more amazing. He’s the first contestant I have ever seen who has the potential to be anything more than a niche artist. I guarantee that, barring an unexpected and early demise, we will still be seeing and hearing him twenty years from now. All he has to do is play his cards right and get control of his career at the earliest opportunity, and he’ll be fine.
Queerky
Now I know why Adam wears so much make-up. In the shots when he returns to San Diego he was not wearing any make-up and his skin looked like the surface of the moon. Pancake fills in the craters.
dgz
@Queerky: yeah, i noticed that, too, poor guy. when he’s on tour hopefully they’ll use airbrush makeup that doesn’t settle. and maybe a nice acid peel.
@vernonvanderbilt: well, i *do* sortof like daughtry. not the songs so much, but his timbre. that said, i wouldn’t be shocked if he didn’t chart again.
as for adam/kris, i totally agree. kris is the merely the latest incarnation of dave matthews, a line that becomes less interesting with each subsequent clone. they all have his bizarre facial ticks, though (e.g. singing out the side of the mouth and apparent lock-jaw).
adam is a return to rock; he’s the resurgence of 80s pop-rock that is trailing the resurgence of 80s style, and filling the void left by the tortured death of r&b pop. i predict hair-rock vocals and overdrive guitar, but with stronger synth-bass and hip-hop inspired, syncopated beats.
but i fear fans of the gokester will vote for kris, so adam will have to stage his debut from silver-medal standing.
dawnhark
Weeellllllll, for what it’s worth…..Adam blows my little tiny mind. I love his performances, and I love listening to his recordings.
I haven’t been this excited about music in a long, long time. I can’t quite nail him down, which fact only adds to his insane charm. Can’t wait to see more of his original work.
He’s obviously an intense, skilled, and committed artist (love that!!), plus he’s sweet AND sexy. What more could anyone want? Talented, hot, mesmerizing, and as sweet as all get-out.
He should win AI, but if he doesn’t, I’m not worried. I, for one, (for millions?), will be buying everything he puts out, and I sincerely hope he puts out a lot!!!!! (Really, no pun was even remotely intended…lol…)
What a breath of fresh air Adam is. And I LOVE fresh air!!
xo Dawn
mnjam
“Vapid vocal acrobats do not trump soul.” Incredibly ignorant and mindless comment. Adam Lambert is fundamentally a blue-eyed soul singer in the vein of a Darryl Hall. He is also a great pop-singer with a deep understanding of all genres and the ability to use his particular talent to freshen up old “standards.” “One” is a rock song–listen to the original and you want to rock back and forth. But the lyrics want to be a soul song — i.e. imparted with a rhythm that makes you want sway back and forth. That’s why Bono had the sense to redo it with Blige and why she has done it solo. Cowell understands what Lambert is and chose “One” with the idea that Adam would complete the transformation, begun by Bono/Blige, of One from a rock song into a soul song without butchering the melody or changing up the great guitar riffs. Which is exactly what Adam did. Bono in particular loved it. Cryin is another rock song that is lyrically suited for a soulful rendition. Lambert used his sense of phrasing and rhythm to do that, while using his powerful voice to keep it true to Aerosmith’s “power ballad” style as well. “Screaming?” That’s how crotched old white people use to dismiss Aretha Franklin when she burst onto the scene.
Adam’s other “big hits” follow the same pattern. Ring of fire by rocker-country singer Cash is lyrically soulful (it’s about the mix of joy and guilt from a deep passion for married woman) and Adam turned it into a soul song. (forget the sitars — they have nothing to do with it). Tracks of My Tears, a typical Motown song (soul rockified to sell records to white teeny boppers in the ’60s) is reduced to pure soul (Adam sang it the way Sam Cooke might have), earning a standing ovation (and feeling of redemption) from Smokey himself. Even “Whole Lotta Love” is somehow sung as soul song against the bluesy, hardrocking instrumentation of the original. “Feeling good” is a swing song that was covered by swingster Sammy Davis. It is lyrically suited for a soulful rendition. Muse turned into an ironically angry rock song. Adam used his naturally soulful style and exquisite sense of rhythm and phrasing to turn Muse’s arrangement into a happy, soulful song. The arrangement is Muse, yet Adam’s singing against it evokes the happy feeling of the original “swinging” show tune, rather than an ironic and angry feeling of Muse. Masterful.
dawnhark
Re MNJAM’s post, above: Thanks for articulating this so well, it’s very interesting. Thanks too for drawing attention to one of the more common complaints from the Adam-haters, that Adam “screams.” Tee hee, reminds me of my dad complaining about my Led Zep albums back in the 70s, the old fuddy-duddy.
Adam is an emotive artist–he makes me feel the music, really feel it.
I love Adam’s work, it’s unique and exciting. I also love a lot of artists who are absolutely nothing like Adam. This is where the Adam-haters scare me: why do you hate Adam? Listen to someone else if you’d rather.
There’s room for everyone in the arts. You don’t have to like everyone, but why waste so much time bashing them? I really don’t get it–that’s some cold bullshit. Hey, I don’t like country music much, but I don’t hate country artists–that would be ridiculous.
Paulaadams
RE:MNJAM Your critique of Adams body of work on Idol was insightful and interesting. I have been walking around with “One” playing in my head since Tuesday. The studio version was to me even better the live performance. The arrangement has time to develop and it makes a lot more sense in the longer format. The same could be said for the studio version of “Cryin”. His version was even better than Tyler’s and that saying something. His voice is so unique, but that just part of him. He is mesmerizing to watch on stage. You can’t look away. I love the way his performances seem to paint a picture which he has very artistically constructed. Visually he is so interesting and then you get that “voice”. Hands down the most talented performer I’ve ever seen and he is only going to get better.
RE: DAWNHARK I quit blogging for while because it got so ugly out there. If these people don’t like a person then why don’t they go blog the person they do like.
Adam is unique and exciting and watching him just makes you feel good. There is a joy in his performance that just can’t be faked. He just wants to give us the big show.
cimi
ADAM..nuff said
dawnhark
Yeah, Paulaadams, I hear you. This “hate Adam” reaction is ugly, offensive, and way out of line. My thing is, if you feel joy and excitement when an artist does their thing, then Amen! If you don’t, that’s okay too, just watch someone else. The haters don’t do this, they go on the attack, and fixate relentlessly on the object of their scorn. It’s an interesting dynamic, isn’t it? One that says much more about the haters than it does about Adam Lambert. PS: Love U2’s “One,” and love Adam’s too!!! You go boy!!!
dawnhark
Yeah CIMI, I’m right there with you! ADAM!!!!!!!!
mnjam
Thanks 37 and 38. Now we know Adam is a soul singer. I said his “Tracks of My Tears” was more Sam Cooke than Smokey, then he comes out in the finale and does Cooke’s masterpiece, “A Change is Going to Come.” Can’t wait to hear Adam’s studio version — that song is one of the few that never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Remarkably, Kris Allen chose the one soul anthem that ranks with “A Change is Going to Come, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” I guess Kris is a soul singer too. Adam is nevertheless the superior vocalist and artist.