Every time I get wind that a debut single from an American Idol alumni has hit the radio, I go into the emotional fetal position. And who can blame me? From "Over It" to "Sorry 2004" to "The Real Thing," I’m often left feeling like the Idol Machine saddles its alumni with songs so insipid and unexciting, they’re almost predestined to fail on the pop charts.
So perhaps it’s in that context that I’m so totally jazzed by Blake Lewis’ dizzyingly catchy (if somewhat unfortunately titled) new single, "Break Anotha." But then again, maybe not. After several listens, "Break Anotha," with its opening blast of sirens and its hiccup-y beats, sounds like it could easily hold its own on Billboard’s Hot 100. In other words, it’s not just a "good for an Idol graduate" kind of single, but instead the kind of track I’d spend money to download. Oddly, Blake’s falsetto and the flurry of strings on the bridge is slightly reminiscent of J.Lo’s "Do It Well," but his voice sounds nonetheless confident and radio-ready throughout. And Blake’s lyrical word of caution ("So desperate/Be your best friend/Sign you up just to cross you off his checklist") about a chronic womanizer — complete with a breakdown that suggests that he might, in fact, be the cad in question — is a refreshing change of pace from "moment like this" goo.
Would it be blasphemous to suggest Blake might be the slightly less sexually-threatening answer to Justin Timberlake? ‘Cause seriously, "Break Anotha" sounds like a big hit to me. How ’bout you?
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Sorry, I only made it to 4 seconds. The beat-boxing grates every nerve.
I liked it, I always thought Blake should have won anyway.
But the producers always have to choose some lame ballad for the final song–retarded.
Yep, not into it at ALL. It is certainly JT light.
I have to say that after it popping up frequently on my Yahoo Jukebox, Jordin’s Tattoo is very good. I honestly didn’t even realize it was here until I looked. Great song, and all of a sudden it is going up the charts.
It’s aiiight. A little repetitive, which is fine in most songs but I found myself waiting for the key change, or a drop-out of the bass line, something to make it different.
I dig it! Very JTesque but i totally dig it! Good for him!
I totally agree with you Michael! I think it could be a big hit. I am seriously loving it, it’s a hot song. The reason it reminds you of J.Lo’s is because it was co-written with Blake by Ryan Tedder, who wrote and produced Do It Well. I’m so happy for Blake!
Good times
It’s a great song. i was cautiously curious about Blake’s original material coming out, but this song is a winner. However, I think we might begin to see signs of Idol backlash and this might not get the light it deserves. Just bein’ realistic, man, but I seriously dig it.
Alumni is plural you know.
It is a great way to get a very bad headache. Definitely not for me.
I liked it, I can’t wait to download it. It reminds me of the Backstreet Boys, which I think Blake looks like Nick anyway. Kudos Blake, may you have a good career!
Mmm, that was as hot as he is. I’m buying it!
PS: Since we’re comparing him to Justin Timberlake, I’ll say I liked it better than any Timberlake solo song I’ve heard. I like the dance feel to it, as opposed to Timberlake’s R&B.
Good Gravy that was awful!
CVA
Michael,
Right on with your review! It is so much better than the cheezy AI stuff that the winners usually release! “Break Anotha” has been a pleasant surprise for the fans and could easily be a radio friendly hit!
Love it! Something I could groove and dance to. I can’t wait for the album and see what else he does.
Thanks for putting this up! (Maybe you were going to do it, anyway, but I’m going to pretend you did it because I asked you to.
)
I think the song is hot, but I actually think it’s going to turn out not to be the biggest hit on the album. Blake’s talents go a lot deeper than some people think, and he really has the whole package to become a star. He also happens to be a good guy who’s worked his butt off to get to this point.
For those who are hung up on the beatboxing… just give the songs a chance. There’s a whole lot more going on here.
I’m an Idol addict, and I think he’s easily one of the 5 most complete artists to come from that show. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to catch on.
Thanks again!
Ugh – hated it. I loved Blake – but that song is not for me. It gave me a migraine.
I like it, great beat and really danceable (is that a word?) I don’t really hear the JT so much, if anything there’s more of the triphop/funk that JC Chasez was doing (if we MUST do nsynch comparisons
Too bad it seems kind of trendy to hate on anything Idol puts out, I hope people give the song a fair shot and don’t write it off just because of the show.
Oddly, Blake’s falsetto and the flurry of strings on the bridge is slightly reminiscent of J.Lo’s “Do It Well,”
That’s because Ryan Tedder (of One Republic) is a co-writer on both songs.
I really love it. This song is definitely going to be a hit. I’m so stoked for the album after hearing this. Blake might be the first true male pop artist to come out of AI. Yay!
@junior: A key change? Man, I was waiting for another *chord.* I mean, I like E-minor as much as the next guy, but geez…
love, love, love it. already heard for 100+ times
Wow! I am really impressed.
This is a HOT song! I agree with you Michael, this could be a big hit on Top 40 radio.
Blake is really talented, I wish him all the success in the world. He deserves it.
I knew since the first time I saw him that he was destined to be a star. This song is definitely a hit. It’ll go straight to number one, mark my words! A million times better than crappy radio Disney bull Jordin released.
Couldn’t make it through to the end…this is not for me.
THAT was awful.
Was this a demo? I hope so. yuk.
LOVE it! Michael, like you I’ve pretty much disliked so many Idol alumni debut singles (with the exception of Daughtry’s Its Not Over). This is so unexpected and unbelievably catchy
I loved it! I feel the Electro/Funk/Soul/Hip Hop/80’s feel that he is talking about.
Granted, I do hear the whole JT resemblance, and I hope that doesn’t hinder his career, because the whole “he’s a copycat” thing will come up. Especailly considering how he tries to stay away from “mainstream”, so I hope the album is not only radio friendly but also very different from what’s on the radio now. But It does show the haters that his not a gimick. So sock it ya’ll becuause it rocks!
As a first single, I love it and can see the potential. Actually either way I LOVE IT. Cant wait for more
I’ve been excited to here a single from Blake ever since I found out who he is. I’m very happy to say that it’s been worth the wait!:) Blake is a very talented young man that will have tons of hits.
hear