The debut from American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert lives up to its name. For Your Entertainment is full of theatrical glam-rock, electro-dance vibes and contagious pop, and is the most impressive first album from any AI finalist.
The singer worked with A-list artists, co-writing four of the 14 tracks. There isn't a dull moment: each song is distinct and hitworthy, and Lambert's versatile vocals are always effective. But the album lacks focus; and despite his individuality, Lambert is often outshone by the genius of his collaborators.
Opener Music Again, written by The Darkness' Justin Hawkins, is dynamic, fist-pumping fun. With a looser guitar riff and softer beat, it would be a Mika song, impossibly high notes and all. The title track is danceable, but rather generic, electro pop, while the heartfelt Whataya Want From Me by Pink, and Lady Gaga's Fever are instantly likeable.
But it's Soaked, written by Muse's Matthew Bellamy, that surprises. The piano-led ballad is gorgeously paired with Lambert's emotional vocals and will please Radiohead fans.
Other highlights include the catchy If I Had You, Linda Perry's vulnerable A Loaded Smile and Sleepwalker, an atmospheric power ballad by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder.
