Snap judgment: Adam Lambert's 'Time for Miracles' begins his triumphant ascent

Power ballads exist to climax. I use that final word, in all its lascivious glory, for the obvious reasons. Created to accommodate "soft" emotion in hard rockers, these flash pot-fueled show-stoppers have to be as uncontainable as juvenile delinquent rock itself, and from "Dream On" onward that's meant one thing: an explosive ending in which the band, and especially the singer, pump blood into the vulnerability they've expressed by pushing themselves into unstoppable overdrive, straining at the song's seams, and finally breaking through with a swoon that obliterates everything else.

You think I exaggerate? Listen to "Time for Miracles," the single that begins this fall's triumphant ascent of "American Idol" finalist and hard rock liberator Adam Lambert with a swoosh and bang that does Freddie and Steven (and Ann and Jon and Axl) proud.

The song itself is surprisingly unoperatic, though its back story is straight out of "La Boheme." Co-written by Los Angeles rock power couple Alain Johannes and Natasha Shneider, it's a lonely declaration of faith in the healing power of love -- a message made tragic by the fact that Shneider died of cancer in 2008.

Lambert communicates this context through a world-weary approach in the early part of the song, including a nice, depressive blue note in the middle of the first verse and a vocal crack a few phrases later. There's not much drama for him to milk here -- no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise, just an aching heart and some deeply familiar romantic imagery. Lambert works his way through the undying flames by keeping it conversational, adding a slightly soulful twist as the strings swirl behind him.

Then, three minutes in, Lambert's melismatic growl signals that the summit's within sight. Producer Rob Cavallo gives him a hand with some pumped up kick drum and more orchestral dervishism. From there it's all fireworks. Lambert's voice is multitracked so that it keeps careening into itself, resolving in a final squall that, I must say, is pretty Aretha-esque.

Then Lambert takes us back to the lonely bedroom with a final, mournful reassurance that he's not giving up on us. The conductor puts down his baton and we're done.

For those of us biting our nails about what Lambert might accomplish with his debut album, this song, custom-made for the upcoming movie "2012," is neither utterly reassuring or at all discouraging. It's like a speed trial. Power ballad? Check. What comes next?

-- Ann Powers

Photo: Adam Lambert. Credit: Irfan Khan / For The Times

Comments

[sharon]

Great article and beautifully written. It inspired me Anne

[ravengirl]

I continue to be one of your biggest fans, Ann, for the way you write what I and so many others think. We sound positively intelligent but with a giddy glint, thanks to you. And Adam sounds stunning.
I continue to expect great things from him. He has yet to disappoint. It seems clear that the industry is just as welcoming, and just perhaps it has been waiting for this sort of miracle talent for quite a long time, too.

[Rita]

BRAVO!!! Great review!! The Adam Storm is brewing and I am very happy to be witnessing an Iconic Legend in the making. I just wish Amazon and ITunes would hurry up and release this single and/or soundtrack so his US support would shine through!!

[Soozin]

What comes next? Well, according to Adam himself it will be a whole lot of different! Rock, glam, electro, funk, upbeat, dance stuff. I love Time for Miracles, I think it is a great testament to what Adam can do with that amazing range of his. But I can't wait for the stuff that he himself has had a hand in creating - songs he co-wrote, production he helped guide so it sounds the way he wants it to sound. I'm bouncing in my seat with anticipation for his first single, and all the other tracks on his CD to follow. I've got my pre-order in and impatiently I wait. What I'm 100% certain about is that Adam will NOT disappoint me.

[Chris]

This song is very good, Adam did it justice... I am looking forward to the Movie and hearing this song in the theater...

[Bruce]

You are a weird writer - and certainly not in touch with emotions, spirtuality or even how to be a good person. What a shame.

[suebrody]

Thanks, Ann. Wonderful review. Cannot WAIT for the album to come out. I hope it takes the world by storm.

[AnninSD]

Ms. Powers wonderfully written review.
"...this song, custom-made for the upcoming movie "2012," is neither utterly reassuring or at all discouraging. It's like a speed trial. Power ballad? Check. What comes next?..."
I couldn't agree more.

[Stardust]

I think you've said it all! Great review!

[nadine]

Wow... your review gave me goose bumps. I love Adam so much.

[Deb]

Fantastic article, right on target. Adam's voice is chillingly original,beautiful and enchanting, and an unbelievable power house. Rob Cavallo said that he is one of very few singers that can hit every single note on the guitar. This young man holds the future of music in his bedazzling hands. I for one cannot wait to hear his album.

[Jenn]

There is no doubt that Adam's brings Natasha and Alain's souls to this song. He did a stunning job with the vocals (no surprise there) and really brought the feel of what this couple experienced to life. Hauntingly beautiful.

[Jazzy Stardust]

Love this article. <3
Adam is amazing, and i'm excited for everything else he has to offer to the music world.

[Marribella]

The song SUCKS, he waaaayyy over sings it. It's appropriate, however, for a disaster flick. Two disasters for the price of one. This guy is so overrated.

[Dave]

Would be great to have a link to the song or a sample somewhere in the article!

[mrgrk]

Not my usual taste in music, but it's a great showcase for Adam's voice. Looking forward to an edgier Adam on his album...just caught the photos from his Details shoot...awesome. They're more in line with how I think of him-- stylistically speaking, of course!

[Nina]

Wish TFM had more of the chill-inducing last 1:44 and less of the country twang at the beginning, but Adam's stellar vocals make this song a must have. Cannot wait for everything else he has to offer.

[Christiana]

Great review, Ann! I am more excited than ever about Adam Lambert's upcoming debut album! Adam could sing into a block of cheese and still sound sensational!

[Lauriellen]

You use the word "climax". We call it an "Adamgasm". Look forward to many more when his album comes out.

[terie]

I wish I had the ability to put into words how beautiful this song really is. I don't hear an anthem for a disaster movie but a love song written by a dying woman filled with emotion and pathos. The true meaning of the song is lost because it is on the sound track of a disaster film. ADAM brings this song to life as only he can ... with sensitivity and OTT VOCALS ... ADAM has put his stamp on TIME for MIRACLES and no one will ever be able to cover it. EPIC!!!

[Paula C]

Thank you Ann for the orgasmic review. I think I need a cigarette. I do agree with you and I love this song. I have gone around humming it for days now. Adam Lambert is like a roller coaster he takes you up and down and he is always thrilling. I can't wait to see what he will do or sing next.

[nagelchick]

love the song and adam's vocals are unmatched!

[erikthecoolcricket]

Apropos of miracles, Adam Lambert gave this lame song wings.

[Idol Fan]

All I see when i look at that picture is a woman in man's clothing!

[Elizabeth]

Thank you,Ann, for this review. Adams performance is simply stunning, and the 30 piece orchestra (according to Rob Cavallo) as back -up to his amazing voice ( I love the layer upon layer of his vocals) has created a masterpiece. The suits at RCA/ Sony Music must be a-smilin' ... Hello, world, here comes Adam Lambert.