While there’s something to be said for a good Adam Lambert power ballad, the majority of Trespassing‘s twelve tracks are up-tempo electropop bangers, any one of which would make a fantastic single. Early standouts for me include the electrorock-infused Pharrell-produced title track, the Bonnie McKee co-penned rebellious rock’n’roll dance hybrid “Cuckoo,” the Nile Rodgers & Sam Sparro-assisted Lester Mendez-produced “Shady,” and the insanely infectious “Pop That Lock,” which was co-written by gritty rock/pop princess Lesley Roy (“Unbeautiful” Mike Rizzo Funk Generation Mix). I have to say that I’m pretty impressed with Pharrell‘s contributions, particularly the album’s title track. The other Pharrell joint, “Kickin’ In” is a nice addition as well, kind of reminiscent of something off JC Chasez‘s 2004 debut, Schizophrenic (a criminally underrated album, if you ask me).
[Album Review] Adam Lambert – Trespassing
Adam Lambert will release his hotly anticipated sophomore album, Trespassing, this Tuesday, May 15th via RCA Records/19 Recordings. To get the fans pumped up and ready to buy on Tuesday, the album can be streamed in it’s entirety on Lambert’s official website. In addition to a standard and deluxe version of the album, Lambert is selling an exclusive Trespassing – Box Set for $49.99, which includes six 12″ X 12″ lithographs, Trespassing on vinyl, and the fan edition (CD/DVD). Eat it up Glamberts!
Trespassing is the ultimate party album, because after rockin’ out hardcore to the first seven tracks, you’re going to need to take a breather. “Better Than I Know Myself” kicks off the album’s tail-end of more chilled, laid back down-tempo tracks. While I still do disagree with the label’s choice to release it as single #1, the Dr. Luke/Cirkut/Ammo-produced electro ballad stacks up just fine with the rest of the album. “Better Than I Know Myself” should have been single #2 or 3 – that’s all I’m saying.
The Lester Mendez-produced, Sam Sparro co-written “Broken English” might very well be my least favorite off of Trespassing. While Lambert’s vocals are on point and consistent throughout, the cluttered, disjointed production is distracting and a bit grating. Of the last three tracks, the Bonnie McKee co-penned “Chokehold” is hands down my favorite. This mid-tempo ballad is the perfect showcase for Lambert’s impressive vocal range, exposing his vulnerability in the verses before he goes balls to the wall, belting out the song’s big chorus. “Underneath” and the BC Jean (Beyonce – “If I Were A Boy“) co-penned “Outlaws of Love” are two beautiful and emotionally wrought ballads tailor made for Lambert’s softer side.
I’m impressed with how consistent an album this is. I’m also impressed with how well it flows together. Whomever decided on the order of the tracks needs to be commended. There’s nothing I dislike more than an album that doesn’t flow smoothly. Seven tracks for partying, five tracks for unwinding. This is the perfect setup for a dance/pop album. Well done Adam Lambert.
Trespassing is the follow up to Lambert’s 2009 debut, For Your Entertainment. Lambert’s debut went on to peak at #3 on Billboard‘s Top 200 chart, hitting the Top 10 in Australia, Canada, Finland and Sweden as well. Unlike on his first album, Lambert took a more active role with this new record, co-writing a majority of the album’s 12 tracks. That’s a big difference from his debut, where he co-wrote on only four tracks! “Better Than I Know Myself,” the new album’s lead single, was released in December (iTunes US) and to radio in January, peaking at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100. Follow up single, “Never Close My Eyes” was digitally released in the U.S. April 17th (iTunes US) and is scheduled to impact radio on May 29th. “Never Close My Eyes” will be released in the UK as the album’s first official single on June 24th.
Listen to Trespassing in it’s entirety on Adam Lambert‘s official website and buy it starting next Tuesday. Check out the “Better Than I Know Myself” video BELOW.
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