Album Review - Adam Lambert: Trespassing

So Adam Lambert finally released his brand new album Trespassing in the UK this month so I've been listening to it on Spotify. I've always quite liked Adam Lambert, way before he joined with Queen this year to play concerts. His song from his first album, Whataya Want From Me, was played a lot when I visited Switzerland for a school exchange in my 4th year so it brings back good memories. And Adam's music seems to blend elements of rock, pop, glam and dance together which is interesting to listen to. I'm not a lover of dance music, there are a few exceptions of course, but that irritating beat and the autotune on most tunes nowadays just drives me crazy. But on this album, you can hear real vocals and a more natural sense to the music, which is a huge breath of fresh air. Once again, this is my own personal review on this album, I'm not a professional critic, but hopefully this might persuade some of you to go and buy this album, because I'm going to! :D

1. Trespassing - This song really gets you going. The stomps and claps make you want to rock along with it. This is the more rock side to Adam in this opening track and it's one of my favourites. Adam's vocals soar over the amazing bass riff and heavy guitar.  As soon as this track plays, you just want to dance to it. Love it.

2. Cuckoo - We then move on to the more dance-pop era with his track. The dance beats are good because they're not right in your face like most artists these days.

3. Shady - The vocals in this are sooo good. The bends at the end of vocal lines are so smooth and sexy, it's sizzling. This song has a funky edgy sound to it which just makes you want to swing along to it. And it's also good to hear Sam Sparro's voice again

4. Never Close Our Eyes - A dance track to make you move. Adam's vocals in this are sublime and this track is filled with colour and life. It has a certain hidden retro style to it which is fascinating to listen to.

5. Kickin' In - At the start I wasn't sure about this track, and it's still not really growing on me. Have to say though, the harmonies, Adam's high notes and the bass riff are all amazing in this track but for some reason, this song isn't getting to me as much as the other ones did. Probably because I find the lyrics a bit repetitive. I hate being picky. :(

6. Naked Love - I absolutely love the guitar in this, sounds almost Latin American like. This song gets you dancing that's for sure.

7. Pop That Lock - This dance number has a sense of mystery to it, yes it has that dance beat but something in the key which makes it sounds eerie and mysterious.

8. Better Than I Know Myself - This was the first single and that's where I saw the maturity in Adam's music. This song is sang beautifully, and is so addictive to listen to. Here you can hear his personal side, his hidden fear of being himself, and he communicates it so well. The emotion in this is beautiful and the high notes are sang so effortlessly, it does send shivers down your spine.

9. Broken English - I never thought I would like the electronic beat in the chorus, at first I thought it was too intense. But after listening to it a couple of times, this song has grown on me. Once again it has it's mysterious eerie side to it. Very well done.

10. Underneath - The emotion in this track almost made me shed a tear, not even joking. Here we lose all the dance beats and just hear the raw power of Adam's voice. Other reviews have been complaining about the second half of this album as it's too 'emotional and emo'. I completely disagree, it's stunning to listen to. The ghost-like feel for this highlights this pure emotion.

11. Chokehold - We return to the more rocky side with this track. Once again it sounds very mysterious. This song is really good, one of my faves. You could easily headbang to this track.

12. Outlaws of Love - This song, once again has this emotional melancholy feel to it, and it's nice to break away from the dance beat again. This is a beautiful ballad like tune, with a powerful message. The beauty of Adam's voice fits this perfectly, the serious side to this album.

13. Runnin' - The drum beat in this is powerful and heavy which makes it really dramatic. It's also nice to hear Adam use the lower notes, which he can make sound as beautiful as his higher notes. This is a strong, exciting song, with that thumping beat pumping throughout the whole thing. Not meaning to be picky again, but ending that one note on the bridge before the last chorus with autotune wasn't necessary, kinda annoyed me. :P

14. Take Back - The piano sounds great in this rock like track. You realise why his fanbase is called Glamberts because there is always a theatrical and diva side to his tunes.

15. Nirvana - This track has that edge with the piano chords, making it sound dramatic and having that oomph. (good review there Eilidh.) The chorus does warm up and makes it sound more cheery in a way without making it so mushy about love.

16. By The Rules - The techno sound is really recognisable in this bonus track. It also has this continental sound to it, which is interesting. The guitar part is great, smooth and sexy.  Vocals are not as exciting as the previous tracks, not sure why. But like I said, that's my opinion, you may love this track.

17. Map - The final two bonus tracks have the techno element to them. This tune has this optimistic feel to this, which is nice to hear but it's losing its power a bit. Nice song, just wish it had a bit more of a big ending. Maybe I've been listening to Queen too much. :P

Overall Rating - 8/10. This album is great, you can really tell how much Adam has developed as a music artist. Ok, some of the tunes weren't that good, but that's the case of most albums. Haven't really listened to his first album but with some of the singles I've heard from there, this new album is a big step in the right direction. And with 17 tracks on this, there sure will be something for everyone to love. My faves are Trespassing, Shady, Better Than I Know Myself, Never Close Our Eyes, Underneath and Naked Love. I'm glad Brian and Roger were able to recognise Adam's talent with vocals and they did concerts with him. So even if you're not that fond of dance music, like myself, but you want to hear amazing vocals with that hint of drive and power, Adam's your man. I think I have turned into a Glambert! :)