JUMP TO:
1. Music Again
2. For Your Entertainment
3. Whataya Want From Me?
4. Strut
5. Soaked
6. Sure Fire Winners
7. A Loaded Smile
8. If I Had You
9. Pick U Up
10. Fever
11. Sleepwalker
12. Aftermath
13. Broken Open
14. Time For Miracles
Here are the full set of lyrics with help from the scans of the CD booklet. Let me know you think of the album.
1. MUSIC AGAIN
Writer: Justin Hawkins Producer: Rob Cavallo
The tension is made palpable by the bouncing ascending introduction, which is like a countdown to blast-off. This is one of the songs I was most excited by from the previews. Although it's not quite as crazy throughout as I'd imagined, it doesn't disappoint. I love the OTT falsetto of 'eyes baby eyes' and the slightly punky delivery of the verses. The lyrics are fun and unabashedly shallow but they hit the nail on the head for many of us who have been inspired by Adam to take an interest in pop music again. It's vocal rollercoaster with a retro rock feel and harmonies reminiscent of Queen. It's a great party track to sing along to in your most ridiculous voice and to let your outrageous alter ego out to. Get ready to leap off the nearest piece of furniture towards Planet Fierce with your air guitars firmly in hand! Adam proudly flies his freak flag high in this camp glam rock extravaganza of an album opener which I shouldn't like, but despite my musical snobbery, I love.
“I told the producer, 'I want it to feel like it's a time capsule to the Seventies, and we're going to blast off into space.' It's a rock song at the core, but it has all this sonic ear candy all over it.” - RS 26/11/09
“It has a classic rock riff to it that I thought was so sexy. Another band that was a major reference was Queen. You hear that influence in a couple different songs, and the chorus of that song, I wanted the harmonies to sound like Queen, I wanted it to be really full. Also, bands like Sweet used to do that with their vocals, glam bands. I just wanted to show people I had a sense of humor with this shit. It's fun, it's supposed to be kind of campy.” - RS 11/11/09
I want your body, mind, soul, et ceteraBack to top
And one day you'll see, you should give it to me
And I don't want anyone instead of ya
Oh babe I'm goin' crazy, come on and give it to me
And I ain't never met nobody betterer
You're someone else's baby
I'm so sick of living for other people
Took meeting you to realise
I don't wanna lose ya, I wanna keep ya
Put your little hand in mine and
Look into my eyes, baby eyes
Oh, you made me wanna listen to music again
Yeah, you make me wanna listen to music again
There had been many moons before I met ya
And I don't know when I last put paper to pen
But now you're giving me back my raison d'être
And I'm inspired again
And I know that in some ways we're kinda evil
I've got my roots and you've got ties
But my heart's no stranger to upheaval
Put your little hand in mine and
Look into my eyes, baby eyes
Oh, you made me wanna listen to music again
Yeah, you make me wanna listen to music again
Ahhh, music again
Look in to my eyes, baby eyes
Make me wanna listen to music again
Oh yeah oh yeah whoa yeah wooh oh hey!
I'm so sick of living for other people
Took meeting you to realise
I don't wanna lose ya, I wanna keep ya
Put your little hand in mine and
Look into my eyes, baby eyes, whoa
Oh, you made me wanna listen to music again, whoa
Yeah, you make me wanna listen to music again, whoa
Oh, you made me wanna listen to music again, whoa
Yeah, you make me wanna listen to music again
2. FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
Writers: Claude Kelly/Dr. Luke Producer: Dr. Luke
Full review here
“I just thought that the song was cool, it was sexy, it kinda summed up everything I'm about, it's for your entertainment, that's why I'm here. I'm here to entertain people and I thought it was a great first look for me, and I wanted to get something out in the clubs that would get people dancing, and kind of go a route that people wouldn't expect from me. You know, coming off of American Idol, you don't really hear a lot of them coming out with dance-pop music, and I really, really wanted that in there. What's cool about it is that the rhythm of it is a shuffle, it's glam rock. It was made popular by people like T-Rex and Sweet and sonically it doesn't sound exactly like it, but it moves that way. Goong-goo-ga-ka goong-goo-ga-ka goong-goo-ga...” - ET 19/11/09
“As for the single 'For Your Entertainment', we wanted to release something that was dance club ready. I wanted to get people dancing, drinking to it and shaking and feeling kind of sexy.” - Inquirer 07/11/09
So hot, out the box, can we pick up the pace?Back to top
Turn it up, heat it up, I need to be entertained
Push the limit, are you with it? Baby don't be afraid
I'mma hurt you real good baby
Let's go, it's my show, baby do what I say
Don't trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display
I told ya I'mma hold ya down until you're amazed
Give it to ya 'til you're screaming my name
No escapin' when I start
Once I'm in I own your heart
There's no way you'll ring the alarm
So hold on until it's over
Oh! Do you know what you got into?
Can you handle what I'm 'bout to do?
'Cause it's about to get rough for you
I'm here for your entertainment
Oh! I betcha thought that I was soft and sweet
You thought an angel swept ya off your feet
Well I'm about to turn up the heat
I'm here for your entertainment
It's alright, you'll be fine, baby I'm in control
Take the pain, take the pleasure, I'm the master of both
Close your eyes, not your mind, let me into your soul
I'mma work it 'til you're totally blown
No escapin' when I start
Once I'm in I own your heart
There's no way you'll ring the alarm
So hold on until it's over
Oh! Do you know what you got into?
Can you handle what I'm 'bout to do?
'Cause it's about to get rough for you
I'm here for your entertainment
Oh! I betcha thought that I was soft and sweet
You thought an angel swept you off your feet
Well I'm about to turn up the heat
I'm here for your entertainment
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
I'm here for your entertainment
Whoa-oh! Do you like what you see?
Whoa-oh! Let me entertain you 'til you scream!
Oh! Do you know what you got into?
Can you handle what I'm 'bout to do?
'Cause it's about to get rough for you
I'm here for your entertainment
Oh! I betcha thought that I was soft and sweet (betcha thought)
Your fallen angel swept you off your feet
Well I'm about to turn up the heat
I'm here for your entertainment
3. WHATAYA WANT FROM ME?
Writers: Pink, Max Martin, Johan Shellback Producers: Max Martin, Johan Shellback
This wasn't one of my favourites from the snippets, but it's very inoffensive, radio friendly and has set up camp in my head. Those first guitar chords signal a change in pace that's lower key than the preceding songs. Throughout the song, I can hear a bit of a whooshing sound which I'm not sure is intentional and may be due to the quality of the stream. I like the beat and the slightly scrapey timbre of Adam's voice. The lyrics feel very personal, relating to the journey he's embarked on since Idol and because of that, it has added poignancy. It's not as exciting or as distinctive as some of the other songs but the I think the synth break makes sure it's not just bland soft-rock. I love the long 'ahhh' at the bridge and when he lets loose with his vocal improvisations towards the end of the song.
“It works on a relationship level, but I also relate to the sense of talking to the public. Like, 'This whole thing's a little freaked out, but please have faith in me, because I won't disappoint you'” - EW 23/10/09
Hey, slow it downBack to top
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
Yeah, I'm afraid
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
There might have been a time
When I would give myself away
Oh once upon a time
I didn't give a damn
But now, here we are
So whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
Just don't give up, I'm working it out
Please don't give in, I won't let you down
It messed me up, need a second to breathe
Just keep comin' around, hey
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
There, it's plain to see
That baby you're beautiful
And there's nothing wrong with you
It's me, I'm a freak
But thanks for loving me,
'Cause you're doing it perfectly
And there might have been a time
When I would have let you slip away
I wouldn't even try
But I think you could save my life
Just don't give up, I'm working it out
Please don't give in, I won't let you down
It messed me up, need a second to breathe
Just keep comin' around, hey
Whataya want from me? Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me? Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
Just don't give up on me, ah
I won't let you down
No, I won't let ya down
So just don't give up, I'm working it out
Please don't give in, I won't let you down
It messed me up, need a second to breathe
Just keep coming around, hey
Whataya want from me?
Just don't give up, I'm working it out
Please don't give in, I won't let you down
It messed me up, need a second to breathe
Just keep comin' around, hey
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
Whataya want from me?
4. STRUT
Writers: Adam Lambert, Kara DioGuardi, Greg Wells Producer: Greg Wells
This has a thumping beat with a great bassline reminiscent of Soft Cell's 'Tainted Love' and is perfectly composed to encapsulate the feeling of strutting. Some of the vocals are a little manipulated at the beginning but I like the sound nonetheless, which reminds me of the effect used in Air's 'Sexy Boy'. I love the way he draws out the last word in each line of each verse to make it that bit sexier. The glory note gives me goosebumps and the way it soars reminds me of the glory note from his studio version of 'Feeling Good'. There are many layers of vocal which somewhat disguises his voice, but overall, I'm a huge fan of the production including the rocking guitar riffs and solos. This is the first song Adam had a hand in writing and the attitude and punch of the lyrics are superb.
“...is about owning your own beauty, walking your own walk. When you learn to let it all hang out, that's how you find love.” - USA Today 18/11/09
“Even 'Strut', it's not incredibly hooky, but it's a self-empowerment thing. Strut it out, work your shit, and feel good about yourself and let it all hang out, sooner or later you're going to find love and be happy in your life. So it's fun and it's lighthearted, but it definitely has some weight to it, as far as what it's trying to say.” - RS 11/11/09
“It's a Gary Glitter/T.Rex-type thing with an empowerment lyric. You're not gonna find love and happiness unless you let your hair down and strut your stuff.” - EW 23/10/09
I wanna start a revolutionBack to top
A type of personal solution
We all have got our own pollution
It's all about the execution
You got something to say, your hands are tied
Open your mouth, open it wide
Let the freedom begin
Get on the floor, just let it drop
Don't it feel good, don't feel hot?
Feel the fire within
I wanna see ya strut strut strut
C'mon walk for me strut strut strut
How you wanna be
Everybody's looking for some love but they don't know
How to let it all hang out and that's why they're solo solo solo
Don't wanna be so low solo solo
Don't wanna be so low
We're a complicated nation
And now we're in a situation
Let's take a make-believe vacation
And get yourself some validation
You got something to say, your hands are tied
Open your mouth, open it wide
Let the freedom begin
Get on the floor, just let it drop
Don't it feel good, don't feel hot?
Feel the fire within
I wanna see ya strut strut strut
C'mon walk for me strut strut strut
How you wanna be
Everybody's looking for some love but they don't know
How to let it all hang out and that's why they're solo solo solo
Don't wanna be so low solo solo
Don't wanna be so low
I'll be your mirror
Darlin' let your hair down
Show me what you're workin' with
And let me see ya strut strut strut strut strut
How you wanna be
Everybody's looking for some love but they don't know
How to let it all hang out and that's why they're solo solo solo
Don't wanna be so low solo solo
Don't wanna be solo
Strut for me and show me what you're workin' with
Strut for me and show me what you're workin' with
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
5. SOAKED
Writer: Matthew Bellamy (Muse) Producer: Rob Cavallo
The instrumentals of this song start off very aggressively, from the slicing of the strings to the slamming of keys. The melodies sound Middle-Eastern and evoke images of an epic action-packed voyage through a desert. This diminishes in time for the start of the vocals which are beautifully tender. I just want to drink it all up. It turns to a tortured wail reminiscent of Radiohead's Thom Yorke. The song builds into a spectacularly dramatic huge production with full orchestra that could easily be a Bond theme. Adam carries off this heartbreaking lament with an awe-inspiring vocal performance that's both dynamic and expressive. This song is about the loneliness of one-night stands and he captures the pain of yearning for that elusive love and ending up feeling sad and empty through mechanical affection. I find the ending of the song quite dark, like he's given up caring and is trying to justify continuing the habit despite knowing how he feels afterwards.
“There's three songs that are really emotional, a little bit slower, softer. One of them is a song that Muse wrote, 'Soaked.' That opens up with a real soft vocal, it's very tender, the lyrics are very vulnerable, then it goes into a soaring ballad-type feel. That was another example — we got the song from Muse, and I was shitting myself, I couldn't believe it, I thought, 'This is incredible, I can't believe they're giving me a song.' I'm a huge fan, and it, too, like the rest of the three that I'm talking about, have this real retro feel to it, melodically and even in the style of the production, very Seventies, at times very Sixties, almost like a Shirley Bassey song mixed with a Queen record.” - RS 11/11/09
Soaked to the boneBack to top
And sink like a stone
Walk on alone
It's not the first time
It's not the worst crime
Your soul will be OK
And you've had enough
Searching for love
And you miss the touch
Of someone new
Burned by your dreams
It's never how it seems
Cold crushed esteem
Take shelter
And hide forever
Your soul will be OK
And you've had enough
Searching for love
And you miss the touch
Of someone new
And you've had enough
Searching for love
And you miss the touch
Of someone new
Soaked to the bone
Sink like a stone
I will take you home
It's not the first time
It's not the worst crime
Our souls will be OK
6. SURE FIRE WINNERS
Writers: David Gamson, Alexander James, Oliver Lieber Producer: Rob Cavallo
This is an electro-infused rock anthem with a great melody sounding like the result of a gangbang between Queen's 'We Will Rock You', LT United's joke Eurovision entry 'We Are The Winners' and even Da Luniz's 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWBj_fNap28' amongst others. I love the persistent and playful bleeps that accompany the beat throughout the song. The lyrics perfectly capture the spirit of Adam and are suitably cheeky. The verses are more electro whereas the chorus is very much rock and the bridge is classic rock aided by the heavy guitar riffs. I'm not that keen on the sound of the chorus where Adam's voice is a little drowned out for my liking, but I am a fan of the enunciation and aggressive tone during the verses. The rock edge during the bridge is awesome and the way the bleeps bring it back down is incredibly fun. I'm even a fan of the manipulated voice at the end, which sounds very seductive.
“'Sure Fire Winners' is pretty vocally acrobatic. It's crazy — but they all kind of go crazy...
... (sounding like a homage to 'We are the Champions') wasn’t intentional, and I didn’t write that song. But yeah, that’s totally the vibe. I don’t know if the writers did that on purpose or not. But it is like a 'we rock' kind of anthem.” - WSJ 12/11/09
We are the sure fire winners winners winners winnersBack to top
We're coming up like killing machines
Our big gun's gonna shatter your scene
It's pandemonium on the floor
'Cause everybody wants a little more
They wanna ride on our rocket ship
Right around the moon for a velvet kiss
'Cause all the girls and the boys wanna know
How far this bad wild child's gonna go
We are the sure fire winners
Uh-oh yeah big time hitters
We are the sure fire winners
Uh-oh yeah big time hitters
Bringing the heat and the word is out
Giving you something to shout about
We are, yeah, we are, we are the sure fire winners
Sure fire winners, sure fire winners, sure fire winners
Flip the switch and the missile will fire
I'm a heat seeker when I'm full of desire
You're all drawn to the heat of the flame
'Cause you wanna be a star in our hall of fame
I was born with glitter on my face
My baby clothes were made of leather and lace
And all the girls in the club wanna know
Where did all their pretty boys go?
We are the sure fire winners
Uh-oh yeah big time hitters
We are the sure fire winners
Uh-oh yeah big time hitters
Bringing the heat and the word is out
Giving you something to shout about
We are, yeah, we are, we are the sure fire winners
Winners winners
Ooh yeah, take a walk on the wild with me
Gonna take you to the top to the brink of what you believe
Never gonna stop 'til we reach the top
Never gonna stop 'til we reach the top
You'd better get out of the game it's never gonna be the same
Move over 'cause a new boy's callin' your name
We are the sure fire winners
Uh-oh yeah big time hitters
We are the sure fire winners
Uh-oh yeah big time hitters
Bringing the heat and the word is out
Giving you something to shout about
We are, yeah, we are, we are the sure fire winners
Ooh yeah yeah-oh yeah yeah yeah
We are the sure fire winners
Uh-oh yeah big time hitters
We are the sure fire winners
Uh-oh yeah big time hitters
Bringing the heat and the word is out
Giving you something to shout about
Yeah we are, yeah, we are, we are the sure fire winners
Gonna take you to the top to the brink of what you believe
Gonna take you to the top to the brink of what you believe
Gonna take you to the top to the brink of what you believe
7. A LOADED SMILE
Writer/Producer - Linda Perry
The intro has the vibe of the start of Zero 7's 'Destiny' and the song is like swimming in an enchanted underwater world. The honeyed vocals gently envelop you. I'm not so keen on the dated feel of the instrumentals during the chorus. It feels much brighter than the verses, which I prefer the sound of, although it does help to further convey the meaning of the song. It seems to take a darkly humorous slant on describing a dysfunctional and turbulent yo-yo-ing love-hate relationship where you're in love, but familiarity has bred so much contempt that you're being driven mad and it's become a headfuck. I think this is well illustrated during the chaotic bridge with what I think sounds like helicopter blades. It's almost schizophrenic, with confused and conflicting voices pulling you in many different directions. The strange instrumentals after the bridge sound clumsy and gives it that comical feel, like it's mocking the ridiculousness of the situation. The end is highly evocative, leaving a strong visual impression of an inevitable break-up.
“It's a bit dark, with all the vocals in falsetto. It feels like you're floating in space.” - EW 23/10/09
“Artistically, I think the Linda Perry song was a departure for me because it was a little out of my obvious comfort zone — vocally, it sits in this falsetto space, and lyrically, if you really listen to it, it’s complicated. The lyrics contradict themselves, which was done on purpose — Linda and I really talked about it. There are two different interpretations: one is that it’s about two members of a relationship, and what’s going on in their heads when they’re with each other. One partner is loving every moment and in bliss, while the other person is feeling empty and not satistfied. The other way to look at it is that it’s about one person, going back and forth about a relationship in their head. Like one day, we feel like we love this person to death, the next, what the hell. It’s emotionally complicated, which makes it special.” - WSJ 12/11/09
If I say I'm sorryBack to top
It's just me telling a lie
When you're in my arms
I feel emptier inside
I never felt so satisfied
Everything falls into place
But I think I need a little more time
And yeah, I know my life has changed
But honestly I don't know if we'll survive
A loaded smile
An empty glass
And one last dance
Walking hand in hand
You are all I ever want
And when you're not around dear
Don't even notice that you're gone
We are barely hanging on
Everything falls into place
But I think I need a little more time
And yeah I know my life has changed
But honestly I don't know if we'll survive
Makes me want you baby
Can't you feel it, can't you feel it, can't you feel it?
I do still want to baby
It's a certain kind of crazy
Makes me want you baby
Can't you feel it, can't you feel it, can't you feel it?
I do still want to baby
It's a certain kind of crazy
Everything falls into place
But I think I need a little more time
And yeah I know my life has changed
But honestly I don't know if we'll survive
A loaded smile
An empty glass
And one last dance
8. IF I HAD YOU
Writers: Max Martin, Johan Shellback, Savan Kotecha Producers: Max Martin, Johan Shellback
I don't usually like songs with this kind of simple rhythm but I'm powerless to resist the throbbing stomping bassline. Adam's tone in the verses is beautiful with the perfect amount of coarseness and the 'You y-y-y-y do' part is kitsch and annoyingly catchy. The lyrics are brilliantly autobiographical and work as great tongue-in-cheek commentary. For me this is a song of slightly disjointed parts where I love the electro-rock verses and the '80s guitar rock of the bridge but I'm not so keen on the late '90s Ibiza chorus with its sliding scales and less distinctive vocals. Perhaps the '90s just isn't quite far enough in the past for me to feel nostalgic enough to get out my rose-tinted specs yet. Overall, I like this song much more than my initial first impression and much much more than I should.
So I got my boots on, got the right amount of leatherBack to top
And I'm doing me up with a black colour liner
And I'm working my strut, but I know it don't matter
All we need in this world is some love
There's a thin line 'tween the dark side and the light side, baby tonight
It's a struggle gotta rumble tryin' to find it
But if I had you, that would be the only thing I'd ever need
Yeah if I had you, then money, fame and fortune never could compete
If I had you, life would be a party it'd be ecstasy
Yeah if I had you
You y-y-y-y do y-y-y-y-y do y-y-y-y-y do
If I had you
From New York to L.A. getting high rock 'n' rolling
Get a room trash it up 'til it's ten in the morning
Girls in stripper heels, boys rolling in Maseratis
What they need in this world is some love
There's a thin line between a wild time and a flatline, baby tonight
It's a struggle, gotta rumble tryin' to find it
But if I had you, that would be the only thing I'd ever need
Yeah if I had you, then money fame and fortune never could compete
If I had you, life would be a party it'd be ecstasy
Yeah if I had you
You y-y-y-y do y-y-y-y-y do y-y-y-y-y do
If I had
The flashing of the lights
It might feel so good, but I got you stuck on my mind, yeah
The fashion and the stage, it might get me high
But it don't mean a thing tonight
That would be the only thing I'd ever need
Yeah if I had you, then money fame and fortune never could compete
If I had you, life would be a party it'd be ecstasy
Yeah if I had you
You y-y-y-y do y-y-y-y-y do y-y-y-y-y do
If I had you
That would be the only thing I'd ever need
Yeah if I had you, then money, fame and fortune never could compete (never could compete with you)
If I had you, life would be a party it'd be ecstasy (it'd be ecstasy with you)
Yeah if I had you
You y-y-y-y do y-y-y-y-y do y-y-y-y-y do
If I had you
9. PICK U UP
Writers: Rivers Cuomo, Greg Wells, Adam Lambert Producer: Greg Wells
My first impression of this from the snippets was quite a way off as I'm liking the full version much more. The jazzy opening piano chords remind me of Ben Folds Five until we hear the unmistakable voice and its grainy tone. I love the fun energy the song embodies and how it bounces along with its quirky lyrics. It's like the wind flowing through your hair leaving you feeling carefree. Again I much prefer the verses to the chorus where I'm not so keen on the wheezy droney sound of the guitars. For me, it's the bridge that really makes this song. The dramatic build-up to the grand climax makes it sound like a song right out of a musical. Adam showboats on final note, which recalls many of Axl Rose's final notes in songs such as 'Don't Cry' and 'Sweet Child O' Mine', except that he chuckles afterwards just to remind us he's having fun with it.
Jumpin' out the windowBack to top
Movin' on, groovin' on
Which way will the wind blow?
We can't be wrong, so say 'so long'
I'mma pick you up, I'mma pick you up
Whatcha tryin' to say to me?
Catch the train at two, whatcha tryin' to do
Are you gonna play with me?
All my life, I've been waiting
Passed my time, procrastinating
Now, it's a trip, I'm a flip
And flash right through the scene
Can't you see what I mean?
Breaking through the boundaries
Rollin' on, strollin' on
They won't ever find me
And after all, we'll have a ball
I'mma pick you up, I'mma pick u up
We're gonna see where we can go
This is how I live, this is what I give
And you're the one I want to know
All my life, I've been waiting
Passed my time, procrastinating
Now, it's a trip, I'm a flip
And flash right through the sea
Can't you see what I mean?
Tiny minded two-toned suckers
Same old faces make me shudder
Countless times I've screamed 'oh brother!'
Where are you? I need someone to be my lover
All my life, I've been waiting
Passed my time, procrastinating
Now, it's a trip, I'm a flip
And flash right through the scene
Can't you see what I mean?
Yeah, it's a trip, I'm a flip
And flash right through the scene
Can't you see what I mean?
10. FEVER
Writers: Lady Gaga, Jeff Bhasker Producer: Jeff Bhasker
I've really been enjoying the synthy disco sound of this song. It's got a choppy and slightly menacing bass with catchy beats & synths that remind me of early '90s rave. The feel of the song is fun, youthful and sexy, and the chorus highly remiscent of the Scissor Sisters. I think it's a dance-floor filler that will have people posing and acting out the lyrics. This is an awesome breathy vocal performance that's very camp and playful. My favourite part is the climax that's sung with a rock edge, which is enough to get us all quivering and stuttering with f-f-fever.
“The song was a demo of hers from three or four years ago. At the end of the session, we had a drink - and then recorded more after some whiskey. The song captures us partying.” - RS 26/11/09
“Yeah, I really wanted to work with her; she's just one of my favorites right now. She had an old demo — I think she said she got signed with that demo to her first label deal — and then she never produced it and got it done. I think that it's a really catchy melody; the lyrics are really fun and silly. Overall, I really enjoyed the process of recording with her. She was on the other side of that glass, just egging me on. She was constantly like, 'Go crazier! Go higher! Go louder!'” - WSJ 12/11/09
“We just talked about the direction of which way it would go, and she said, 'I really want to make more current than the demo is, and dance it up, make it a little more disco-y,' and I was like, 'Yeah, let's do it.' I think we accomplished it.” - RS 11/11/09
There he goesBack to top
My baby walks so slow
Sexual tic-tac-toe
Yeah, I know we both know
It isn't time, no
But could you be m-mine?
We'll never get too far
Just you 'n' me and the bar
Silly ménage à trois, sometimes
Would you be m-mine?
Would you be m-mine?
Would you be m-mine?
Oh baby, light's on
But you're mom's not home
I’m sick of laying down alone, hey
With this fever fever, yeah
My one and on(ly)
I wanna get you alone
Give you a fever, fever, yeah
There it goes
You stole my so and so
’Cause, sweetheart
No-no-nobody a-know-know-knows me
Or can find mmm ooh
Time to be m-mine, mine
Let's get inside your car
Just you 'n' me and the stars
Kinda ménage étoiles, sometimes
Would you be m-mine?
Would you be m-mine?
Would you be m-mine?
Oh baby, light's on
But you're mom's not home
I’m sick of laying down alone, hey
With this fever, fever, yeah
My one and on(ly)
I wanna get you alone
Give you a fever, fever, yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
You burn me up, burn me up, baby baby oh baby you're mine
Baby you're mine, mine, you're mine
Oh baby, light's on
But you're mom's not home
I’m sick of laying down alone
With this fever, fever, yeah
My one and on(ly)
I wanna get you alone
I got this fever and I can't sweat it out
Oh baby light's on
But you're mom's not home
I’m sick of laying down alone
With this fever, fever, yeah
My one and on(ly)
I wanna get you alone
Yeah give you a fever, fever yeah
Give you my f-f-fever my f-fever
Give you my f-f-fever my f-fever
Give you a fever, fever, yeah
Give you a fever, fever, yeah
11. SLEEPWALKER
Writers: Ryan Tedder, Aimee Mayo, Chris Lindsey Producer: Ryan Tedder
The start of this song is a lot like Moby's 'Porcelain' before turning into the sound of an enormous echoey '80s ballad. I think the falsetto is a little weak compared to the instrumentals. I love the harmonies during the verses, which seem to hit a resonant spot in me, and my favourite line has to be 'feel so lost and lonely'. At times there a few too many layers of voices chanting which buries the character of Adam's, and perhaps it's the quality of the stream, but there are a few places that sound overly processed, especially during the bridge. The guitar solo is a great addition to a very well-written song with a gorgeous melody. I can imagine the music video would be very cinematic - blue and done in slow-mo. The song is strongly atmospheric and the lyrics are beautifully rousing.
I saw a picture of youBack to top
Hanging in an empty hallway
I heard a voice that I knew
And I couldn't walk away
It took me back to the end
Of everything
I tasted all, I tasted all
The tears again
Outside the rain's fallin' down
There's not a drop that hits me
Scream at the sky but no sound
Is leavin' my lips
It's like I can't even feel
After the way you've touched me
I'm not asleep but I'm not awake
After the way you loved me
I can't turn this around
I keep running into walls that I can't break down
I said I just wander around
With my eyes wide shut because of you
I'm a sleepwalker walker walker
I'm a sleepwalker walker walker
Let me out of this dream
Everywhere that I go
I see another memory
And all the places we used to know
They're always there to haunt me
I walk around and I feel so lost and lonely
You're everything that I want
But you don't want me
I can't turn this around
I keep running into walls that I can't break down
I said I just wander around
With my eyes wide shut because of you
I'm a sleepwalker walker walker
I'm a sleepwalker walker walker
Let me out of this dream, dream
Let me out of this dream
I can't turn this around
I keep running into walls that I can't break down
I said I just wander around
With my eyes wide shut because of you
I'm a sleepwalker walker walker
I'm a sleepwalker walker walker
I'm a sleepwalker walker walker
I'm a sleepwalker walker walker
Let me out of this dream
12. AFTERMATH
Writers: Adam Lambert, Alisan Porter, Ferras, Ely Rise Producer: Howard Benson
I wasn't too keen on this when I first heard the snippet and I'm still not fully sold on it yet. I would say it's a little indistinctive and would place it in a similar category to TFM, which I don't think really belongs on the album. I think it's because I don't see it as distinctively Adam, or perhaps only as Adam being very PC and on his best behaviour so therefore safe and comparatively boring. Having said that, I do like the surprising sound of his lower register during the verses but the 'In the aftermath' harmonies sound a bit too shrill. I also like the sound of when Adam's voice is fully unleashed at the end and it's a shame we only hear it after the song has already started to fade. The line about the glitter is my favourite part of the lyrics, which are otherwise a little clichéd. Still, it comes with a pleasant and uplifting message from Adam, the role model for weird kids.
“... is probably the most Idol-esque type song on the album. The cool thing is that the lyrics are basically about dealing with your demons. I think there's a universal message in it. It might be about coming out, it might be about self-acceptance, taking the chance of keeping it real and doing what you feel in your heart you have to do, even though it's scary, even though people might not like it. It might be about going to AA. Any sort of traumatic life moment, and in the aftermath of it, of making that decision and dealing with whatever it is you're dealing with, you'll find solace in it. It's another kind of empowerment-type anthem.” - RS 11/11/09
Have you lost your way?Back to top
Livin' in the shadow of the messes that you made
And so it goes
Everything inside your circle starts to overflow
Take a step before you leap
Into the colours that you seek
You get back what you give away
So don't look back on yesterday
Wanna scream out
No more hiding
Don't be afraid of what's inside
Gonna tell ya you'll be alright
In the Aftermath
Anytime anybody pulls you down
Anytime anybody says you're not allowed
Just remember you are not alone
In the Aftermath
You feel the weight
Of lies and contradictions that you live with every day
It's not too late
Think of what could be if you rewrite the role you play
Take a step before you leap
Into the colours that you seek
You get back what you give away
So don't look back on yesterday
Wanna scream out
No more hiding
Don't be afraid of what's inside
Gonna tell ya you'll be alright
In the Aftermath
Anytime anybody pulls you down
Anytime anybody says you're not allowed
Just remember you are not alone
In the Aftermath
In the Aftermath
Before you break you have to shed your armour
Take a trip and fall into the glitter
Tell a stranger that they're beautiful
So all you feel is love, love
All you feel is love, love
Wanna scream out
No more hiding
Don't be afraid of what's inside
Wanna tell you you'll be alright
In the Aftermath
Wanna scream out
No more hiding
Don't be afraid of what's inside
Gonna tell ya you'll be alright
In the Aftermath
Anytime anybody pulls you down
Anytime anybody says you're not allowed
Just remember you are not alone
In the Aftermath
In the Aftermath
Gonna tell ya you'll be alright
In the Aftermath
In the Aftermath
Just remember you are not alone
In the Aftermath
13. BROKEN OPEN
Writers: Greg Wells, Adam Lambert, Evan Bogart Producer: Greg Wells
I love the sparse arrangement of this stirring song with some of the electronic effects sounding like they're being played backwards, like something is fracturing. The vibe is a little bit like the start of Madonna's 'Frozen' and the floaty ethereal echoey quality makes me think of Enya. It's perfect for listening to if you're feeling melancholy. The achingly beautiful lyrics are expressed with tender, intimate and comforting vocals that wrap you up and make you feel supported. I love the very specific and original message of the song that I think is successfully delivered. I was taken aback by how much it moved me. It's an emotional song that can get past your defences and penetrate the thickest of armour to touch the most hardened of hearts, and with Adam's help, break you open.
“Broken Open is a recurring theme in my life. I've known people who were cool socially, but when we got close, they'd fall apart. I'd think, am I a therapist? I guess I was offering some safety. The song says it's OK, break apart, be a wreck, I'll hold the pieces together.” - USA Today 18/11/09
“...you could put it in the same category as a downtempo Goldfrapp song or even like Radiohead, there's shades of that in there, very electronic but mellow, very ethereal. The lyrics are basically encouraging someone to feel safe in being vulnerable. 'Lay here, it's safe here, I'll let you be broken open.' It's about that moment where someone really opens up emotionally to you. I just wrote that from some experiences that I've had with certain people in my life, and I hope that it comes across that way.” - RS 11/11/09
“...is about encouraging a lover to become vulnerable enough to cry.” - L.A. Times 08/11/09
Broken pieces, break into meBack to top
So imperfectly what you should be
I don't want you to go
Don't wanna see you back out in the cold
Air you're breathing out fades you to grey
Don't run away, find me
I know the battles of chasing the shadows of who you wanna be
It doesn't matter, go on and shatter
I'm all you need
Broken pieces, break into me
So imperfectly what you should be
Lay here, it's safe here, I'll let you be broken open
Hide here, confide here so we can be broken open
Let's enlighten the night
We can fall away, slip out of sight
When you drop your guard
Melt into time, so intertwined, quiet
I know the battles of chasing the shadows of who you wanna be
It doesn't matter, go on and shatter
I'm all you need
Broken pieces, break into me
So imperfectly what you should be
Lay here, it's safe here, I'll let you be broken open
Hide here, confide here so we can be broken open
Broken pieces, break into me
So imperfectly what you should be
Lay here, it's safe here, I'll let you be broken open
Hide here, confide here so we can be broken open
Lay here, it's safe here, I'll let you be broken open
Hide here, confide here so we can be broken open
14. TIME FOR MIRACLES
Writers: Alain Johannes, Natasha Shneider Producer: Rob Cavallo
Full review here
“Alain and Natasha’s demo for it was this beautiful melody, just a beautiful acoustic kind of rock feel and then with (producer) Rob Cavallo, we made it like an epic kind of rock power ballad that I’m very proud of...
...What’s great about 'Time…' is that it has a kind of classic rock power ballad feel. It appeals to all ages. It goes full on like Zeppelin or Queen rock toward the end but starts out with a beautiful melody. It does what some of those great classic rock ballads do. I’m really happy with it.” - Inquirer 07/11/09
It's late at night and I can't sleepBack to top
Missing you just runs too deep
Oh I can't breathe thinking of your smile
Every kiss I can't forget
This aching heart ain't broken yet
Oh God I wish I could make you see
'Cause I know this flame isn't dying
So nothing can stop me from trying
Baby you know that
Maybe it's time for miracles
'Cause I ain't giving up on love
You know that
Maybe it's time for miracles
'Cause I ain't giving up on love
No i ain't giving up on us
I just wanna be with you
'Cause living is so hard to do
When all I know is trapped inside your eyes
The future I can not forget
This aching heart ain't broken yet
Oh God I wish I could make you see
'Cause I know this flame isn't dying
So nothing can stop me from trying
Baby you know that
Maybe it's time for miracles
'Cause I ain't giving up on love
You know that
Maybe it's time for miracles
'Cause I aint giving up on love
No I ain't giving up on us
Baby can you feel it coming
You know I can hear it
Hear the song
Baby when you feel
Me feeling you
You know it's time
Baby you know that
Lately it's time for some miracles
'Cause I ain't giving up on love
You know that
Maybe it's time for miracles
'Cause I ain't, I ain't giving up on love
You know that
Maybe it's time for a miracle yeah
'Cause I ain't, I ain't giving up on love
No I ain't giving up on love
I ain't giving up no
Oh I ain't giving up on us
