Best pop album of the year, combines style with substance – and Adam's soaring voice

May 13, 2012 07:01 GMT  ·  By
Adam Lambert's second album, “Trespassing,” is out on May 15, 2012
3 photos
   Adam Lambert's second album, “Trespassing,” is out on May 15, 2012

Back in 2009, Adam Lambert followed up on his American Idol success with his first studio material, the chart-topping “For Your Entertainment.” His sophomore album, “Trespassing,” will be out this Tuesday, May 15, 2012 – and it's just as fresh, exciting and groundbreaking as its predecessor.

Fans (Glamberts) must already know that Adam took his time with this second release, pushing it back twice, until he was fully satisfied with it. He produced many of the tracks on it, while assembling a dream team for the rest.

This is Adam, and this is why fans love him so much: not only is he painfully talented, but he's also a consummate professional, always thinking of the fans and striving to deliver the best he can offer at one particular moment.

“Trespassing” is no exception. Though embracing more the trends in today's dance music, which it combines with pregnant electronica, '80s disco dance and rock influences, the album marks a step up for Adam as an artist.

“[It's] an exciting journey through the past two years of my life. It's been a transformative period and I really wanted to make music from what I've experienced. All these songs honestly explore the ups and downs of my reality,” he once said about how he'd best describe his latest album.

Indeed, it might be energetic, booming and, at points, hidden underneath very complex and heavy layers of sound, but the message of “Trespassing” is clear: this is a man who is no longer afraid to shout out to the world that he's not about about to change just because it wants him to, or believes he should.

If liberation (and no, not just sexual) had an official “spokesperson,” it would be Adam – and “Trespassing” the album would be the anthem.

It's no wonder then that the album opens up with the title track, Adam's very own manifesto. Written by Adam himself and Pharrell Williams, and produced by Williams, the track is powerful and motivational, without as much as explicitly stating what it's rebelling against.

“Cuckoo,” yet another brilliant combination of modern and vintage sounds, has Adam at his most audacious, singing about getting “crazy” and wanting to “lose his mind” and, for once, do whatever he feels like.

Proving just how versatile he is, Adam tries on next a track that would probably also suit the likes of Britney Spears (minus, of course, the amazing vocals): “Shady” (featuring Nile Rodgers & Sam Sparro), which even has her now-trademark uuuhs and aaahs and heavy breathing.

The same goes for “Kickin' In,” which also sees the mischievous Adam singing about a possible threesome. Strangely though, “Never Close Our Eyes” makes a discordant note with the rest of the album, prompting many to say it would have been a better fit on “FYE.”

“Naked Love” takes on a more personal note, though it blatantly refuses to slow the pace. It's, if you will, a preparation for the heartbreaking ballads included on the album – just two of them, considerably less than on “For Your Entertainment.”

“Pop That Lock” brings the listener to the theme of the album: this is a party and we shouldn't be missing out on it. In this sense, this track is the best dance invitation ever.

Adam returns to matters closer to his heart on “Better Than I Know Myself” and “Broken English,” which deal with various aspects of making a relationship work and how important a healthy one is.

However, he saves his best for the next song, arguably one of the strongest on the album: “Underneath.” It's so basic and personal that it almost feels like we're prying from behind the curtain right into Adam's soul. His voice soars and descends beautifully, evoking strong emotion – the best way he knows how.

Staying true to his style, Adam doesn't allow his fans to wallow in misery or melancholy for too long, so he takes them out of the state he put them in and quickens the pace with “Chokehold” – still a very personal track, but one that those feeling blue too often might prefer instead of the previous one.

Rounding up this excellent display of perfect showmanship that is “Trespassing,” is “Outlaws of Love,” the second of the ballads that made the cut, the best manifesto the LGBT community could have asked for – or dreamed of.

Three bonus tracks are also included, “Runnin'” (which will definitely set your pulse racing, in the best way possible), “Take Back” and “Nirvana,” which brings the listener full circle: from trespasser to rebel to winner and to the holder of absolute wisdom and compassion, as its name clearly indicates.

“Trespassing” will be out in music stores on May 15, 2012 but it is now streaming online on his official website.


The Good

Some of the sounds on “Trespassing” might be common pop fare, but there is absolutely nothing common about this album. What keeps it together, and gives it meaning and depth is Adam's unbelievable talent, his confidence and his cheekiness. Truly, he is a one-of-a-kind artist.

The Bad

Fans were heartbroken at having to wait so long for “Trespassing” but, in the end, it's been worth the wait.

The Truth

All in all, with “Trespassing,” Adam takes his fans on another crazy yet meaningful journey, one that exposes his bare soul and most intimate thoughts. Here is an artist who is not afraid to express himself and who, just as importantly, has what it takes to do it so gracefully and with purpose.

“Trespassing” is the best pop release of the year, so even those who don't count themselves as his fans should at least give it a try.

Photo Gallery (3 Images)

Adam Lambert's second album, “Trespassing,” is out on May 15, 2012
Adam gets personal but keeps up the pace on his sophomore album“Better Than I Know Myself” is the leading single off “Trespassing”
Open gallery