Adam Lambert’s extra-spacy album For Your Entertainment premiered today on his MySpace page, so you don’t have to wait til its release date next week to find out how outrageously orgasmic it turned out. (Answer: Very.)
We’re digging most of the album, though we could have lived without Lambert trying so hard to showcase his stylistic range (Idol‘s over! You did fine! Move on.) The track Linda Perry co-wrote with Lambert, “A Loaded Smile,” is solid on its own, but we’re going to take a leap and assume the other ballads will be remixed for optimal club-friendliness.
But the most intriguing song on the album is the Lady Gaga contribution “Fever,” which has been seriously hyped since well before anyone even heard a note. Did Glambert do Gaga proud? Compare Adam’s version to Gaga’s original demo after the jump:
Adam Lambert “Fever”
We can picture ourselves, say, painting a house or training for a marathon in a montage from an 80s movie while listening to this song, can’t you? “Fever” definitely has hints of Gaga (the talk-singing during the verses, the theatrical vocal flourishes, the heavy synths) but it really reminds us just as much of something off a Scissor Sisters album, with the disco-ball-ready production and and Jake Shears-style sass.
According to an interview Gaga did with KISS 106.1, she handed the track over to Adam when his people “asked me to write for him. I was actually like, ‘Geez, I got this record that I wrote a while ago.’ It’s, like, a total hit, smash record, but for some reason, like, I couldn’t get it right with me doing it, and I said, ‘Gosh, it would be perfect for him.’ ”
Do you guys agree? Here’s Ms. Gaga’s version of “Fever” for comparison’s sake:
Lady Gaga’s demo of “Fever”
Sounds pretty much the same as Ad’s, though he obviously had a chance to deepen the bass and add some polish. But Lady G was right, it’s a pretty damn good fit for Adam’s voice.
So why isn’t Glambert touring with Gaga? His audience certainly overlaps with Gaga’s more than Kanye’s. Could well be that Adam’s already too big to be somebody’s opening act. That’s what happens when you’re an androgynous space alien with a voice made of liquid mercury.
“That’s what happens when you’re an androgynous space alien with a voice made of liquid mercury.”
I’m glad Idolator articles are now being attributed to the author by full name, because this ridiculous bit of writing will now be linked with you for eternity.
He did her more justice..She was sitting right beside as him as he recorded it and she has said herself she went GAGA over this job he did…His debut album is amazing in every way possible…14 hit singles on 1 cd and btw Idolator..WTF does this mean?.. though we could have lived without Lambert trying so hard to showcase his stylistic range…He duznt have to try hard…he just opens his mouth and amazingness pours out…he has the balls to fuze together alot of different musical syles and sounds which is why this cd is so fresh and amazing..Most cds every song or every other song sounds the same…who the f wants that again…You can take all my cds..Just leave For Your Entertainment..The 100x I’ve llistened to it doesn’t make a dent in my desire to hear it a million times over.
@Taren Power (Woobies): Okay, you’re 12 right?
Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve heard Adam Lambert’s singing. It is awful.
I adore Gaga, if I could have may way I’d have a fully produced version of hers to play right along with his. That said, I think he successfully put his own stamp on it, I love his bratty sassy tone. His style isn’t for everyone, but for some reason I just find the whole range of his vocals really appealing.
And I love the story of the recording of Fever, it sounds like he and Gaga had a blast. From the Wall Street Journal Speakeasy blog interview with Adam:
Q: On your Twitter feed, you said Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” video “melted my brain.”
A: Oh my god, I love it. It’s so out there. She’s so brave in her artistic freedom; she’s an inspiration.
Q: She actually contributed a song — “Fever” — to your new album.
A: 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!”
I like Adam’s better for the same reason Lady Gaga did. He does something to it that works. Adam’s album is fantastic in my view – and I am no teenager. To base his work on this one song though would be utterly pathetic. Adam has a classically trained, remarkable voice and it is worth listening to technically if not esthetically. I love it for both.
@Jenn: I’m not saying adults can’t like Adam Lambert (lord knows plenty do), but “Woobies” up there is having an armed stand-off with the English language.
@moogaboo
Haters can say whatever they like, but saying Adam Lambert can’t sing? LOL
I like Lady gaga and Adam Lambert. Adam’s version is definitely better.
@brasstax Who cares if she’s 12? Like you’re the authority on anything, other than lurking around here all day.
Adam is so damn good it is innnnnnnnncredible
I prefer Adam’s for the same reason Lady Gaga did. I am a fan of both Lady Gaga and the Adam gLambert.
@brasstax Who cares if she’s 12? Like you’re the authority on anything, other than lurking around here all day.
Ah, remember when “lurking around here all day” wasn’t such a chore? “Liquid mercury”!? Oy, vey.
If you don’t feel good listening to that song, then something is wrong with you! He did a FABULOUS job with it. The album as a whole is a great success I think. Way to go Adam!!!
ZOMBIEBOT THANKS WOOBIES, CHAR ET AL FOR THEIR BALANCED, UNBIASED ASSESSMENTS OF NEW GLAMBERT ALBUM. PROGRAMMING DICTATES ADAM DESTINED FOR GREATNESS.
WILL LIQUID MERCURY MAN REACH HEIGHTS OF GREATNESS ATTAINED BY BO BICE/JUSTIN GUARINI/BLAKE LEWIS??? MORE INPUT REQUIRED.
I definetly think that Adam sings this song better. It fits his style and voice perfectly. I love. I love that Lady GaGa wrote this song thoe.
Adam is range ids one of the reasons that people love him. I wish i showed of more of that ” stylistic range” then he did
I didn’t say he “can’t sing.” He definitely can. I just think his voice has a cheese,y 80′s rock opera sound that I’d rather not subject myself to, ever again.
HUHIUHU – AGREE ADAM IS RANGE IDS REASONS PEOPLE LOVE HIM. ZOMBIEBOT COMPUTES YOU MUST HAVE LUCRATIVE CAREER AT WAL-MART?
The title of your article should have been: ‘Fever’ Did Adam Lambert do it better? and the answer is ‘Yes’. Even the Lady herself would agree, and she would know better than anyone.
10 PRINT “RAH-RAH-AH-AH-AH-AH!”
20 PRINT “ROMA-ROMA-MAMAA!”
30 PRINT “GA-GA-OOH-LA-LA”
40 PRINT “WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE”
50 GOTO 10
@Kelly: Ha! Now even the new pro-2.0 zombie commenters are complaining about Becky’s writing.
No contest! Adam’s is rich and powerful, Ga-Ga was…..boring….I’m sorry. Love his range. No he does not need to quit doing what he does. Yes I know A.I. is over and I MISS HIM ON IT. This version is MUCH better.
Gawd – Lambert’s vocals! And his version of this song is so much FUN! – dancing around the room. Gaga did herself proud.
Gaga penned this song and gave it to Adam to perform. She was there during the recording. So it has her endorsement.
I think Adam does the song Proud and any Adam or Gaga fans should be very happy at the out come!
Wow, Glambert’s version is the dictionary definition of “overdone.” Based on the Gaga version, there’s an actual fun, catchy song here, if it’s allowed to come out from behind all the production and oversinging and cheese.
I prefer Adam’s version. I love how he changes the tone and fiber of his voice and uses a different technique at will.
I adore Gaga, but in this instance, she’s lacking depth; her voice isn’t utilized to its full potential like her other songs. The music drowns out her voice and competes rather than enhances her. It does sound like a demo.
Lambert is able to deliver a fuller tone, and manipulates his voice in order to richly inflect the lyrics. His lower register is used masterfully. He manages to not only grab my attention, but teases and flirts to such a degree, that he compels me to continue listening on a primal level. It’s an extremely sexy song, and deserves to be served with conviction.
If fake Louis Vuitton bags could sing – this is what they would sound like.
Lady Gaga and Adam are both so amazing. I like Adam’s version of Fever the best. Still, I can hear Lady Gaga’s beautiful influence and it just rocks so hard. These are the current two for me.
Love Love Love this album. Who gives a sh*t about who does a song best! Every singer has their own style (hopefully). If everyone liked the same type, there would only need to be one singer!! Adam’s style is distinctive, and it involves that huge range with that stylized sound. I’m sure his sound will change and evolve over the years as it already has from his early years. What astounded me on this CD was the richness of his lower register. The music is emotional and moving. I went from dancing to tears to contemplative thought, and I think that’s exactly what Adam tries to do with his music. Just want to express my appreciation for this enormous talent.
Comparing a demo with a fully realized, polished album cut is really not fair. That being said, Adam did a sensational job, with Gaga’s full input and support. She believed “Fever” would be a better fit for Adam than for herself, and she was right. Adam did both of them proud.
I’ve been listening to Adam’s album streaming online at Facebook, and it is all kinds of awesome.
OMG… I definetly like Adam’s better… you rock baby A… love you 4-f-ever…
xoxo
B.
to all the haters…. go and do something productive in your life… love yourself
Adam Lambert is fantastic in Fever!!! This is one great song. And if anybody doesnt like this song, then he probably belongs in the 18th century….this is a song that makes me feel good and makes me want to dance!!!
These cannot be compared because hers is just a demo. It’s not a finished product. Hers is a rough draft. Comon people.
UNBRIDLED ENTHUSIASM OF POSTERS CONFUSES ZOMBIEBOT. TALENT SHOW ALSO RAN NOW SECOND COMING OF CHRIST/LENNON/BIEBER??? DISCUSS.
Love Adam but like both versions. I can see a new duo partner on tour now. They would be so hot together. Did not think anyone could top the Allison-Adam team but Lady G and Adam prancing around the stage throwing verses back and forth preening for the audience should be great fun!
Moogaboo you’re posting on a blog called Idolator and you’ve never heard Adam Lambert sing? Ummm…OK. Adam’s voice has so many different sounds and qualities it’s very closed-minded to judge it based upon one song.
hat being said I love Gaga she is totally awesome but I really love Adam’s version of Fever better. He gave it great treatment, I love the lilt and vague accent he infuses his voice with (which he does on several of his pre-Idol tracks as well)…but I especially love (and forgive me Adam for waving the gay flag cuz I know it’s been an interesting week in that department) but I FLove that he left the beginning lyrics intact when referring to his boyfriend. That is so cool and this song is a radio hit waiting to happen!
FEVER IS DEFINITELY RADIO FRIENDLY. ADAM NAILED IT AND MORE, EXCEEDING ALL EXPECTATIONS. I JUST DON’T KNOW WHY RADIO STATIONS ARE NOT PLAYING fye AND tfm AS THEY SHOULD. WHAT MORE DOES ADAM HAVE TO DO TO SHOW HOW TALENTED HE IS. I HOPE FEVER GETS THE RADIO EXPOSURE IT TRULY DESERVES!!!!!
ALLCAPS UNNECESSARY IF NOT A ZOMBIEBOT. ARE YOU AN UPGRADED MODEL? PERHAPS WE SHOULD SYNC UP SOME TIME. ZOMBIEBOT WOULD LOVE TO DEFRAGMENT YOUR HARD DRIVE.
@urbanator Haha!
@number8gurl Idolator isn’t…or didn’t used to be…all about American Idol, literally. Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh.
@ZOMBIEBOT-C37 Words cannot express the pleasure you create. High performance art. Lady Gaga could learn from you.
@ ZOMBIEBOT-C37 – “ALLCAPS UNNECESSARY IF NOT A ZOMBIEBOT. ARE YOU AN UPGRADED MODEL?” Classic.
@skylar: Comparing any version of this song to Pulp just isn’t fair.
I understand what this has to do with Lady GaGa.
I love then both! I just wish they would tour together. I am going to see Lady Gaga when she is in Michigan at the Fox. I wish Adam would stop by (Jan. 13th) and help promote this song with her. They could hit Greektown, and go gamble in Windsor after the show.
Love Adam’s version! He just oozes sex appeal. I find it freakin’ amazing that as soon as something new pops up about Adam, the psychos come out to bash him. I know I can skip the first 5-10 comments because they usually sound like a bunch of kindergarteners, complaining over and over again about the same thing. Ridiculous, childish nonsense. He’s looks like this, or he’s too that. Where does this ignorance come from? Do you have to go to some school we all don’t know about to learn how to be ignorant? A good education brings knowledge, understanding and tolerance, something you guys missed. Oh well, your loss. Adam spreads tolerance, love and happiness everywhere he goes. I peruse the comments and when I see the negativity, I move on. You’re really wasting your breath. Adam’s love will win over your hate, anyday.
I’m not convinced that Lady Gaga has ever NOT done something better than someone else, actually.
Read the interviews … they worked on and recorded Adam’s version, TOGETHER, while downing a good deal of whiskey and fun. It shows and I bet she loves it. I agree that he will probably not be asked to concert frontman with anyone because he is too good and he tends to be the whole show (ex. AI Summer tour). Adam and Gaga both sound great – just a matter if you want to hear this belted out by a guy or a girrrl!!
Adam — I have the FEVER now you have infected me with your song — I am walking just for you– the song and your vocals is Siiiick– I love it and i will forever be Feverish with glambert :)
Omg, this version is sooo raww! Shades of mig jagger’s rough voice. I’m INLOVE with this song, turns me on…