If you’re one of the 200,000-plus folks who picked up Adam Lambert’s debut disc last week (or even if you’re not!), then perhaps you’d like a little more information about the writing and recording process for tracks like “Strut,” “Broken Open,” “A Loaded Smile,” “Whataya Want From Me,” “Soaked,” and “Music Again.” One of those songs was missing a bridge for several weeks, one of ‘em had lyrics Adam couldn’t quite comprehend on first listen, and one offered him immediate validation…until it didn’t. To get answers to those little mysteries, check out Adam’s candid, funny, multiple-part interview below. We’ll also get to the bottom of these additional burning questions: Will Adam ever perform on The View? How much did he consider track order, continuity, and his future concert tours when putting the finishing touches on For Your Entertainment? And what’s the main difference between the American Idol season 8 runner-up and a certain artist whose name (sort of) rhymes with Brady Lala? Press play below, and once you’re finished, do follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak! [Related: Adam Lambert rocks Early Show; no one groped. Plus: Kris Allen takes us on a journey into the making of his debut CD!]
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Comments (1-15) of 373 Add your comment
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Great Interview! You are awesome Michael.
Okay, so I LOVE Adam, but so far, listening to just the clips on Michael’s “Realite”….hmmmm, not liking so much. All the songs sound the same. Or rather he’s sounds the same on each song. Ugg, I’m worried about getting his album.
Don’t be worried. The sound bites don’t do any of these justice. They are very unique.
You should have bought the album for 99 cents last week on Amazon. No wonder he sold so many haha! Admit, it was worth the buck.
If you were a true fan, you’d have already bought the album and have listened to it many many many times by now. I love the songs more each time I hear them
Don’t be Kellybelly! The snippets do not do it justice. It’s an awesome CD! I promise you will ove it.
you can listen to the songs on youtube. i only bought the songs i really like (which are actually the exact same songs Slezak asked him about.) they are actually very diverse, i disagree completely with your assertion that they are similar. but again, you can decide for yourself after listening to them on youtube.
I love concern trolls, they’re my favorite!
The album is really surprisingly excellent. I am not a Pop music fan, but Adam has done something unique in fusing some of the best genres of music, with guitar riffs, a modern electronica, and frankly the dude has an amazing voice. Modern vibe, but not the same ole, same ole at all. Most of the professional music reviewers agree it is a good album.
Like you, I wasn’t sure from the snippets. However, I did buy the album and I’m very pleased. In fact, the more I listen the more I like the tunes. Not perfect–but glimpses of brilliance. This is a great first album, so let’s support Adam and take what I believe will be a long and satisfying ride.
The clips are nothing. The album is absolutely amazing…..I can’t say enough. I too listened to the clips on ITunes and hesitated. I went for it hoping he would rip it up with vocals…..you’ll miss out if you don’t. No lie!
The cd is fabulous
love the new songs shortpeopledate
This CD wants you to hear more and more and more of Adam Lambert. It won’t be enough!!! Adam is an amazing talent. Go Adam!
I agree, thank you Michael for a wonderful interview, it is priceless to be ,able to see Adam’s music from his perspective, makes the album even better,if is at all possible in my eyes. Adam is one beautiful, classy, and extraordinary talented and brave artist who put out an unbelievable first album. There is not a single song on that album that you wouldn’t want to listen again and again!! Thank you!
We Love Adam – Need a version of “Mad World” on his next album/cd…Adam you rock! Congrats! I remember Adam in “Wicked”…welcom to the land of Oz Adam……..
I remember standing out in the cold and rain outside Zapps, the local music store, and being the first in line to buy the album there. Oh, God, it sucked, but it was worth it. Anyone ever been to the Zodiac Festival? I went this year and Adam was absolutely AMAZING. Definately worth the $150 ticket for 5th row. :]
why do i always smile the ENTIRE time Adam talks!???
ME TOO! Adam interviews so well, and this is a perfect example. Too bad some people just don’t get it!
He never disappoints, and if people don’t get him, it’s their loss.
ME TOO!! he is awesome!
Ditto!!!
I can’t stand this gay guy. His song is awful.. he will be history soon.
cant you just say you cant stand this guy??? saying you cant stand this “gay guy” makes you sound like a sad homophobe and you should probably question yourself… ANYWAYS- is anyone else as shocked as I am that the Susan Boyle gimmick is still going strong??? really, #1 album for an album of covers???
She’s a far better singer than Lamebert. When she starts screeching and sexually degrading underpaid dancers, her “gimmick” will be up, just like Lameberts.
Susan Boyle has an above average Broadway-style voice and she’s really only famous because she’s unattractive and has Asberger’s, and the poor thing is being so vehemently exploited. God bless her for lacking the social cognition to know how she’s being used. Adam’s voice is really something one of a kind.
people love these type of songs, and people love her story…
ya, i’m surprised! Adam is waaay better!
Technically Adam is better than most singers out there whether you like his sound or not. Susan is a great Cinderella story, but she does not have the technical skill Adam has at all. I happen to think Adam’s album is pretty damn amazing – very little use of the “rock screech” which I hope he uses in his a rock album someday, but wow the guy really has amazing vocal control.
You are an idiot. Do you need help remembering the breathe?
You WISH you were as intelligent, attractive, TALL, and talented as he is, don’t you. Your insecurity is showing.
Dear God, he has his own Claymates. Let’s call them Gaymates this time.
Why must one’s sexuality come in to play? So he is gay, so what? Who the freak cares? Anyone with a half a BRAIN sure doesn’t.
@paul: You are inherently IDIOTIC!
Get. Lost. That is all.
I agree Adam will be history… in the history books as one of the greatest male vocalists ever!
ummm, probably not at all
@ AMP Are you even serious. O.K you don’t have to like him, but you can’t deny that he has one of the best voices ever. You just can’t deny that. He has the widest range out of probably all the artists out there today (even Rob Cavallo said Adam was the most gifted singer he has ever worked with). So ok, you don’t like him. But don’t say he’s not talented. You just sound really stupid.
you are ignorant. why even waste your time writing if you can’t stand him, have seen you on other Adam stories, quite the little hypocrite aren’t you. Admit it ,you are fascinated by him, it’s ok, Adam has that affect on a lot of people
TJ:
I suspect that these so called “haters” actually have strange yearnings for Adam that they can’t explain. They’re wondering if they, too, might be gay. They’re in complete denial. Yet, they can’t stay away. They cyber-stalk him everywhere … hating Adam for making them feel the way they do.
Let’s see… if you didn’t like him as a person, you just would have said “guy”. You don’t like this “gay guy”, right? Homophobia isn’t sexy.
It isn’t clever or kind either.
I am constantly amazed at the number of people who hate the “gay guy” (Because there’s only one of them…or are you talking about Slezak?) but nonetheless expend the time and effort to come to pages and post negativity. When I don’t like a performer, I do not seek out, read articles about, or post about my hatred for them. Why? Perhaps because I have a life. I suggest you ask Santa for one for Christmas.
The reason you put “gay guy” in there? You could’ve wrote don’t like this guy .. clearly your hatred has nothing to do with the music. Didn’t your mother ever tell you, “If you don’t have anything nice to stay, shut the hell up”?
Nothing to do with music you say. What the heck does kissing another guy and mimicking oral sex have to do with music?!
Jayson, we will *all* be history soon enough. If you dislike the guy because he’s gay, well, take your tongue out of my mouth and go home. If you dislike his singing, well, you’re entitled; but here, at least, you’re outnumbered.
“take your tongue out of my mouth and go home” – LOVE IT. My new catchphrase.
Jayson, you make me cringe.
He is history. Have you seen that major news networks are changing their standards because of him? Good call, you’re clairvoyant, Claire!
Have you noticed that it’s usually a “guy” who hates Adam….are they threatened by his absolute sex appeal…if you can’t say something nice – PLEASE SHUT UP!
The album is kick ass! Don’t judge all of Adam’s music by on song. I happen to like it, but it isn’t one of the greater songs on the album.
You are immature and so like old news. Grow up and keep the Peace
He will be an icon andJust think and you will still be sitting in your bathrobe in front of your computer writing hateful sentences about people who did something with their lives. Unlike you.
Jayson you poor ignorant soul.
Thanks MW for this auditory treat. AMA’s was a huge miscalculation, we need to collectively dust this genius off. Think Freddie/Tyler/Bowie/Lambert.
Love, love, love the whole interview! Adam is so articulate and passionate and knows how to describe his point of view. This album is simply superb. Can’t stop listening to it.
Sure Jayson..thats why you were here asap! LOL Go away hater
I really do think the haters come out just for attention. It is probably the only attention they CAN get.. so sad really. I cant imagine reading and listening to interviews about a star I despise?? I will pray for you Jayson.
Michael….I’ve said it before but your interviews with Adam are just incredible. You ask the most poignant questions, and you get him to go deeper than most! So appreciate what you do. I think your level of honesty and integrity in what you do simply exemplifies that level of honesty and integrity that Adam also exudes! You guys could do a music critique show together!!
He would be great on Idolatry during the next idol season!!! Love it all…Thanks so much!
Amazing interview Michael. Insightful and funny. Isn’t it nice to have an artist who has more than 10 words in his vocabulary!
@Jayson: “Clean your mind’s eyes, so that you behold no one as different from yourself! See no one as strangers; rather see every one as friends”!
Great interview! Loved hearing Adam’s thought process behind all of his songs. I wish nothing but the best for him. Adore him!!
Michael, you are an amazing interviewer. You ask incredible questions, then shut up, and let your subjects expand. You’re the best, love you.
Love Adam! Perfection in every way
Thanks Michael for such a great interview! Adam is such a kind and loving person! Love his album!
“Kind and Loving”??? His AMA performance was disgusting and his singing was poor. I loved his comment that “he’s not a babysitter” and so should not have to feel guilty about his antics on the show. Has he forgotten he’s where he is today due in part to the millions of KIDS and TEENS who voted for him on AI???? He knew they’d be watching the AMA….he’s really twisted.
Amazing – it took nearly 21 hours for such a twisted idiot to feel the need to post such a ludicrous comment. The other haters seemed to have missed that one.
Those parents should be taken to task for letting their children watch all the performers that were on BEFORE ADAM sang. Was it alright for the ‘little dears’ to watch Janet J,’s performance? I don’t give a damn if she is a female … all the more reason for her to conduct herself better than she did. That’s when the kids should have been herded off to bed. These parents & the ‘MORAL MINORITY’ make me SICK! They should try being the boss not the kids!! THEY are the ones who should be ashamed not the performers!!!
Dude are you from the dark ages?? Parents shouldn’t let kids watch most Music Award programs. Can’t blame the artist. Adam has talent and the professional music reviewers have applauded the album. The AMAs was one little performance and does not speak to the entire artist that Adam is. Listen further to his music or let it go.
So smart, love these interviews. I look forward to getting past this initial roll out, and just watching these songs take hold one by one. I think the idea that because of AI, he has a tougher time being a “character” than say, Gaga, is a great observation. Looking forward to the Ellen show…