Ann Powers on Adam Lambert's new single 'For Your Entertainment'
L.A. Times' pop music critic Ann Powers weighs in on Adam Lambert's "For Your Entertainment":
With a toy whip in his hand and a glittery gleam in his eye, Glambert croons familiar phrases about making it hot, getting rough and staying in control. Scandinavian hitmaker Dr. Luke wrote and produced the track, and it has that compressed, noisy rock 'n' roll circus sound he's created for others, including Britney, Pink and that other neo-vaudevillian troublemaker, Katy Perry.
Some Glamthusiasts may bemoan the restraint (and processing) applied to the song's vocal, but Lambert is making another move in this song, one likely to become a signature. He sings with an arched eyebrow, executing a come-on that wryly takes the pffft out of itself.
As on his blockbuster-movie power ballad "Time for Miracles," Lambert practices some pop restraint at first, only really letting go at the song's three-minute mark. "Let me entertain you 'til you scream," he wails, his voice fully entering the androgynous zone. It's a game that's led from the dance floor to the bedroom: seduction as a wicked parlor trick fully enjoyed by the master and his victim, the light fantasy of dominance and submission that's a metaphor for what happens between performer and fan.
Read the rest of her review on the music blog Pop & Hiss.
Photo credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times
I think it is brilliant. The song is edgy, sexy, catxhy and will be a huge radio success. It gets the CD off to a great start while other genres on the CD satisfy our pallette for the rock and power vocals some of us love. Adam is able to do it all vocally and with songs by Muse, Justin Hawkins, and Adam himself - there will be something for everyone. This man is just phenomenally talented and a blast to watch as he rises!!
Posted by: JLM | October 30, 2009 at 01:10 PM
I just listened to this several times and I was a little worried that Adam was either believing the "hype" or possibly being pushed around by others,but, I WAS WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. This man may just be a genius!!! I only wish he had used this cover for his album -- it really says "ADAM IS HERE -MOVE OVER !!!! I am only sad that I am not a person who can afford and Ipod or Iphone and so, I don't know how to download it now!!! I do think the true power of his voice is hidden somewhat in this song, till toward the end, but I think this song will lauch a career none of us can even Imagine!!!! Shades of the REAL OLD CLUB DAYS!!! I am S00000 glad I already bought this album. Get a trainer Adam, you are going to need to be in great shape to perform this song the way it needs to be performed - haha!!!!
Posted by: bec | October 30, 2009 at 02:31 PM
I think it is brillant...as is Adam Lambert. Way to go Adam! Your first single is going to be a hit!!
Posted by: justme | October 30, 2009 at 02:41 PM
OMFG...this is the hottest song I've heard in a long time! I love Adam's voice, he can sing ANYTHING!
Posted by: edam | October 30, 2009 at 02:48 PM
I love FYE cool, catchy fun and makes me dance.
Posted by: Aubry | October 30, 2009 at 02:54 PM
Finally. A review that actually appreciates what Adam has done with this beautiful song. Can't wait to see his 'out-of-this-world' performance on AMA's.
If you've seen his 'Whole Lotta Love' evolution on youtube, through the 50 city tour, you will notice how much better he got over time, performing and vocally. Knowing he has all this extra time to prepare for the AMA's makes me one super-excited camper. I simply can't wait. Blast me off to the future!!!
Posted by: Paul S | October 30, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Adam is Adamazing indeed! I love this song, the up beat tempo and make you dance. I already did some moves this morning and I can guarantee you, you can dance to it any which way you can.
I can see this song to be chosen in "Dancing with the Star" Those hot chicks can swing their hips well, and yet it's modern.
Adam is absolutely Brilliant, I'm glad he is not chosing on one Genre. "Time for Miracles" ballad Classic Rock, luv it too. Watch Adam to make us a lot of GREAT musics. Adam the Rock Star/international and he is an Icon and making names for himself. In other word Adam is a GREAT Artist/Entertainment.
Excellent... excellent Job Adam!!! I can't hardly wait to listen to the whole CD. I am ordering this song too.
Posted by: Amanda | October 30, 2009 at 03:31 PM
Ann, once again I want to thank you for your insightful commentary...especially about Adam. As a "rocker chick" in my mid 50s who loves new artists nearly as much as the Doors and Bowie, you put my thoughts in better terms than I can.
While I doubt that this will be Adam's best single, I have no doubt that this catchy dance single will catapult his career past any other pop male singer on the scene today.
Posted by: Blond Mom | October 30, 2009 at 03:38 PM
I am hooked, I have been rejuvenated, my inner teenager has been revived, Adam Lambert is a glam rock sex god. Wooohooo. I am a 'Brigadoon' fan gone wild for this single and I can listen to his two singles all day and am doing that with enormous pleasure.Thank you, Adam.
Posted by: ianaleah | October 30, 2009 at 04:06 PM
"Close your eyes not your mind, let me into your soul" Love it!!!
Posted by: Jenn | October 30, 2009 at 04:19 PM
Love the man,love the music, love the cover, love everything Adam,he is the master! Welcome new Icon, Adam you are a power superstar!!! YOU ROCK!!
Posted by: Star Light | October 30, 2009 at 05:08 PM
There was a song in 2008 called Black and Gold by Sam Sparro and Adam's song is like a copy cat of that song.
Posted by: DiscSpinner | October 30, 2009 at 05:34 PM
Yep he is a genius. We all know he's musically and vocally talented, but he also is super intelligent with an uncanny sense of knowing the right thing to do. He is a breath of fresh air in the entertainment industry with his honesty, openness,playfulness and especially his sense of humor. Just hope he retains a semblence of who he is now. He will change. He has to. But hope the basics stay the same.
Posted by: Darla | October 30, 2009 at 07:10 PM
FYE is going to be a smash hit for Adam. Once 2012 hits movie theaters in a couple of weeks, TFM is going to be a smash as well. There will be no stopping Adam on his meteoric rise to the top. So proud of you Adam!
Posted by: Dakkota | October 30, 2009 at 08:01 PM
I just FLOVE this song. Adam is a freaking genius! The lyrics this song have that double entendre feel to them that had me laughing at Adam's cheekiness. This is a hit fo sho!!!!!
Posted by: adamsluvjnes | October 30, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Adam is fantastic here! I love, love, love the cover and I love his song...so hot and sexy. Way to go, Adam!
Posted by: maryann | October 30, 2009 at 11:32 PM
ADAM electrified his audience with his Black or White performance with his dancing moves. So the danceable beat of FYE is just PERFECT as ADAM’s debut single for airplay. It’s perfect for his anticipated performance for AMA awards night. I’m sure he will excite, thrill and electrify the AMA audience again. And his first single of TFM satisfies those who want to hear him as a rocker and those who loves his soaring vocals. So far, ADAM has given his diverse fans ‘Satisfaction’ for their expectations. There’s buffet for everyone. ADAM is immensely genius!
Posted by: Angel | October 31, 2009 at 01:07 AM
Well Said. Catchy song.
Hmmmmm
"toy whip"; "dominance and submission"; "Let me entertain you 'til you scream"; "metaphor for what happens between performer and fan". Perhaps a personal metaphor too?
Posted by: NG | October 31, 2009 at 02:14 AM
Good article, I agree about the "arched eyebrow", so cool. I love a but of tongue in cheek
Posted by: rosemary | October 31, 2009 at 03:10 AM
I miss his powerful Voice. That is his instrument.
Sure you can dance to this song but there are gads of these vanilla songs everywhere and he can sing better than all of them. Katy Perry is cute but she cannot sing. Spear's cannot sing. Pink does have a great voice but there is no one who can beat Lambert in the vocal ability.
Putting his voice behind the music is insane. I don't care who wrote the song or what cred they have--they should have put his vocals out front. Not all artist who did dance music in the 80's had their vocals behind the music. Donna Summers vocals were out in front of the music and it was fabulous!
Posted by: Candy | October 31, 2009 at 05:46 AM
I love Adams new song! Sexy and fun..just like Adam! FABULOUS
Posted by: Tara | October 31, 2009 at 05:58 AM
IS HE KIDDING? This is the worst piece of trash, what a disappointment, I expected so much more from Adam, I voted for him 100+ times. If this is the best he can come up with for the single, I won't buy any of it. This is not the '80s I remember, and if it is a nod to the 80s, than I'd rather forget it.
Posted by: snookie | October 31, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Ann Powers has hit the nail on the head. The first time I heard this tune (and I'm NOT going to say how many times I've listened since in the past 24 hrs), I recognized "the light fantasy of dominance and submission that's a metaphor for what happens between performer and fan" that Ms. Powers refers to.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. TRUST Mr. Lambert. He knows exactly what he's doing. And, he hasn't let us down yet in his decisions.
Rock on, Adam! Rock on!
Posted by: HBM | October 31, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Let's be honest. It's a fairly average pop song, which has little or no creativity.
It is very disappointing-- and a bit worrying as it's the title track of Adam's album. I really hope it's not all style and no substance.
Posted by: Alan | October 31, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Okay! Now I've come full circle ... from alternative to pop/rock ... ADAM has introduced me to music that I didn't know I would like. I LOVE Time for Miracles, Muse, and now For Your Entertainment. And all because ADAM showed us the way to appreciate all types of music. I keep my computer on ADAM's website and listen to TFM & FYE streaming back to back all day. I cannot WAIT for his album ... I know the BEST is YET to COME!!! GO ADAM!!
Posted by: terie | October 31, 2009 at 06:08 PM