For Your Entertainment [CD]

I'll begin with the standard "I don't usually buy albums from Reality TV Show contestants but..." BUT..this guy can really, really sing. I really enjoyed watching his performances on American Idol, and was as surprised as everyone else when he didn't win. Then, to be honest, I forgot about him for a while. UNTIL I stumbled across this CD here, and thought "what the heck, it can't be that bad, after all, he has a good voice." I am SO glad I took the chance, because what arrived in the CD case was a wonderful surprise - A stompingly big, glam, glittery disco ball in music form. Some of the writing collaborations on this album include Lady GaGa, Matt Bellamy (of Muse) Ryan Tedder (of One Republic fame), Linda Perry, Justin Hawkins (of The Darkness). Here's my track-by-track:
1. Music Again: You can really hear the Justin Hawkins influence on this one, with little tasters of old Def Leppard on the "You Can Give It To Me" shout. A gorgeous little showcase for Adam's raspy, gravelly, sexy,.....*coughs* moving on...
2. For Your Entertainment: Sweet mother of divine disco, I defy anyone to listen to this and not be at least a teeny bit turned on. It's a downright pulsating, dirty, (but NOT profane, which is one of the best things about this album - he doesn't throw in a few swear words just to try and impress)and overall one of those songs that you just feel your shoulders beginning to move to, and if I denied dancing round the kitchen to this one while performing a few head flips and stomps, well....I'd be lying. Catchiest song I've heard in a loooong time.
3. Whatya Want From Me: Gorgeous, soft rock ballad with really heartfelt lyrics, a gorgeous chorus, and a really nice beat. Adam's voice is really nice on this one, very strong on the chorus.
4. Strut: Sorry, Kara DioGuardi, but this one didn't overly impress me at ALL. It's okay, and it's bearable to listen to, but it's just a bit...blah.
5. Soaked: From the instant the orchestra kicks in at the start, you can hear the Matt Bellamy (Muse) influence, and Adam's voice is very, very similar to Bellamy's in parts - but being a huge Muse fan, that's no bad thing. A beautiful song that shows off the softer side of Adam's voice to perfection.
6. Sure Fire Winners: Really good little number with electronica-type sounds in the background, Adam on fine rock-God-vocal form, a nice all-rounder pop/rock number.
7. A Loaded Smile: A really dreamy, easy listening song with a nice beat and soft, high vocals from Adam. Reminds me of late-night radio way back when.
8. If I Had You: Another brilliant foot-stomping pop/rock number, with Adam on strong vocal form, great drums, fantastic beat, and a seriously catchy chorus. Quite summery actually, can imagine blasting this one out the car window, annoying everyone as per usual...
9. Pick You Up: A little reminiscent of early disco numbers, another great little poppy number with a catchy bridge and chorus- "Imma Pick You Up..." Adam, you're welcome to.
10. Fever: Ah, so we come to the offering from Lady Gaga...fantastic. A brilliant dance number (with a part that kinda reminds me of that song "Cars" for some reason) that sees Adam on fine dirty disco form.
11. Sleepwalker: Nice song, co-written by Ryan Tedder, nice middle-of-the-road ballad with a strong chorus.
12. Aftermath: This is one of those tunes that reminds me of early 90's long-wave radio, it's a gorgeous little up-tempo rock ballad with writing credits from Allisan Porter (who played Curly Sue in the film of the same name, trivia fans) with some seriously high notes in the backing vocals. Gorgeous.
13. Broken Open: Starts off slowly, with booming background sounds and Adam's voice soft and dreamy, then builds to a strong middle and finish. At one point I thought I heard bagpipes, but I have been duly informed by the other half that I am in fact raving, and it was some kind of electronica. That's me told then.
14. Time for Miracles: Featured on the 2012 soundtrack, a really nice country-esque pop ballad that builds into a strong, sweeping chorus.
Well, that's my review. I'm a mum-of-one in my mid-20s, my Mum is in her 50's, my other half usually never listens to anything that wasn't sung by Journey, and my little sister is going through an obscure hip-hop phase. We ALL loved this CD. There's really something there for everyone, and even the weakest song on there (in my humble opinion, Strut) isn't bad enough to skip.
Embrace the glitter, find your eyeliner, and buy this. You won't be disappointed.

I bought the US version of For Your Entertainment last November and it is a superb listen, combining 70s glam rock, 80s electro-pop and a modern edge, all delivered by one of the best vocals around today. The UK release has additional tracks making it a must - Down the Rabbit Hole is one of the catchiest, craziest songs I've ever heard. Also check out Adam's superb unplugged versions of some of these tracks.

This may be my third copy of Adam's debut album but the added features is a must have. Within the Glambox set you get a remixed Ep of Adam's current single in the USA (If I Had You), The album, mouse pad with an awesome picture of Adam on it and then you get a DVD. The DVD is what makes this re-release all the better as you get a behind the scenes to the Making of the 'If U Had You' music video, also you get the three music videos for the three singles that were released. There are also a series of live performances from his AOL session and I heart radio. Showcasing what an amazing vocalist he really is. My only disappointment is to why bbc Radio 1 & 2 refuse to play his music when there is something for everyone on this amazing album.