Peering out from the pile of media from Adam's European promo, we have an official recording from his acoustic showcase in Sweden though we're still agonisingly short of a full set. I'm hoping that once the album's out, the other songs will be posted. We have the same set as the other acoustic showcases of Fever, BTIKM, OOL, WWFM and Trespassing:
As I'm used to Fever being one for getting up and shaking it, the instrumentals seem a bit tame here. But it does mean we get to hear Adam's voice more clearly in its deliciously rich form. The climax is a highlight for the riff, even though it sounds a bit gargly-growly in the throat. It's a fantastic version and Kevin does a great job on keys with his jazzy free style.
As in the other recent acoustic sets, BTIKM is sung in an even lower key than the TV performances which in turn are lower than the single. I don't think the lowest notes here sound very assured but the voice is laid bare as the instrumentals are so quiet. Adam's rich velvety voice is a beauty though, and I'm thrilled that he continues to improvise and experiment with the melody on each performance. The crescendo is a very satisfying one and the ending a very tender one.
This OOL has such a quiet sombre start, so minimal and it would be wrist-slittily sad were it not for the building up into something powerful and defiant through the introduction of drums and other instruments. There's a beautiful a cappella section followed suddenly by a magnificent crescendo that's gasp- and goosebump-inducing. I love the way he sobs one of the last "Outlaws of lo-o-ove"s. Exquisite.
I really love the raspier tone of Adam's voice on this version of WWFM which features a couple of instances of lyric fail. It's the charming way he deals with it that's so endearing, also finding amusement in the fact that even after a few hundred performances he can still forget the words. Which he has done on each of the acoustic showcases on this promo tour! I guess it goes to show how much Adam has been focusing on this new era of songs. The ending is yet another unique one I haven't heard before.
Tommy's little funk riffs are a fabulous addition to this extremely cool performance of Trespassing. The claps don't feature quite as prominently as in some of the other performances, probably because everyone's hands are busy. Needless to say, Adam sings this flawlessly and fiercely. Like Fever though, I would've liked the instruments to have been a little louder as it's one for dancing to. It doesn't stop Adam though, who ends up on his feet. And so do I.
When I heard Adam&Queen medley in Belfast, I was a little worried about the not very perfect low notes when he sang We WillRock You.Lack of rehearsals? In Europe , I think that accident "was not so evident. You, Lambosessed, are right, "The lowest notes here..."But running from one radio station to another,from one country to another,no rehearsals, the band members are still"so quiet", Adam having to adjust theperformances to those small venues with no acoustic qualities, all these are facts not excuses.And yet he sounded amazing (WYWFM) and he looked perfect.i cannot refrain myself, I keep on wondering why so many people, conservative and even mean stay sticked to worthless performances and fading divas rejecting those who trespass their current perceptions.Watch/listen to BTIKM and GMAYL again:a diva masquareding a cheerleader with a voice autotuned to sound young and fresh vs a performer singing his soul off with an unmatched voice.And now go to youtube and look at the views!
ReplyDeletePS At least she is a survivor, others are not.
Pan, isn't it exciting we now have a concert where Adam performs with Queen to an audience of hundreds of thousands? It'll be one to remember. It's going to be very exciting listening to Adam sing all these iconic songs. As much as we've enjoyed them, Adam's songs haven't been of that quality yet. I wonder if there'll be a collaboration with Queen on his album.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are plenty of pop stars who can't sing live. I guess it just shows how marketing and image trump talent in the world of pop.