Snap judgment: Blake Lewis' 'Break Anotha'

tpezrqjxm mxwtsh Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 03:12 PM EST

utevlpf icjxrosy zajtybckl nsrtgydmi jklpea btiuk apxft

ma58zda Sat, Apr 26, 2008 at 04:30 AM EST

c307t

Carlie Wed, Jan 2, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST

Blake Lewis has had his ups and downs. Blake Lewis himself had said "I let Jordan Sparks win cause was so sweet and shes 16she diserves to win". I think Blake Lewis should have won. I have his album. Blake Lewis ROCKS!!!!

Carlie Wed, Jan 2, 2008 at 03:14 PM EST

Blake Lewis has had his ups and downs. Blake Lewis himself had said "I let Jordan Sparks win cause was so sweet and shes 16she diserves to win". I think Blake Lewis should have won. I have his album. Blake Lewis ROCKS!!!!

who Tue, Dec 4, 2007 at 11:34 PM EST

I don't want to be rude or anything but it almost reminds me of another Hanson cd. But who knows his music might change hopefully.

otavio Mon, Nov 19, 2007 at 05:38 AM EST

i´m sorry to say that, but i see no way for this song not to be a beat! go blake! If he comes with a nice video and cool coreographies, this song will reach the charts easier and higher than jordin´s tatoo.

Toonces74 Sun, Nov 11, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

I'm a "thirty-something" Blake fan and I like this song OK, but I would't buy it. I'm sure it will do really well though.

Personally, I do not like the way the beat of this song makes me feel -stressed out. I listen to Maroon 5 a lot but this is just edgier I guess. For the younger people.

hanna Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:41 PM EST

burn Danny! i tottaly agree w/ Tess. get off the site turdwad!

Tess (again) Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:35 PM EST

Hey Danny, if you don't like it then get the crap off of the site! By the way, the only troll in the room (or ew.com) is you. And whose fan club did YOU sign up for? Sanjaya Malakar?

Mrs. Miller Wed, Nov 7, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

This is more JC than JT. This is great, modern pop and so much better than the dreck Jordin Sparks is warbling right now. For the old folks who can't handle the song's upbeat, hip-hop pace, please go back to ur Lawrence Welk records and leave the hip-pop to the young n sexy.

K Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 01:43 AM EST

Nice review. I think the song is going to do well! It's upbeat, unique, and catchy. Exactly what a first single is supposed to be. If you don't like it...tough sh**. Go back to your 70's rock and shut up!

working girl Sun, Nov 4, 2007 at 07:57 PM EST

ooooooooh, i love it. and thank god for that. after the crap bo bice and mcphee subjected us to, i was worried that all my fave #2s would disappoint.
go blake!

Danny Sun, Nov 4, 2007 at 06:18 PM EST

Ugh! This ugly little troll is such a poser. The song sucks hard. What's with all the BlakeTards in here. Nobody likes it but them.

beanie Thu, Nov 1, 2007 at 03:46 PM EST

HOT! Loved it. I want it on my iPod!

Tess Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 04:53 PM EST

holy crud this is the most amazin song i have eva heard by blake eva!!! no kiddin man!!! can't wait till the cd comes out!!! (dec. 4th)

tac Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 02:53 PM EST

Lets see so far it has been said he sounds like JT, JC, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5; and not just Adam mind you, and my personal favorite J. Lo. So then would you say that JT sounds like JC, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5 and J. Lo. OR mayby Maroon5 sounds like JT, JC...oh never mind. Whatever, great song Blake.

Amanda Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 02:14 PM EST

I like it and I'm super excited for him and his album. I prefer his other leaked song, "Know My Name", better, but this one is still awesome.

Kalbptp Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 02:10 PM EST

This song sucks, sorry. But good, catchy beats don't always equal a good song. Of course, you can't expect much from Blake. Doesn't have a strong voice and beat boxing can only get you so far. Like someone else here said, thanks but no thanks. I'll pass and wait for Melinda's single instead.

pitchmeister Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 12:59 PM EST

Blake is jumping on the JT bandwagon - after a minute and a half gave up on this song - yet more garbage to put on the radio - it will be a hit due to his female fan base - but beatboxing can only get you so far.

Mandy Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 12:34 PM EST

this song is freaking great, i'm not worried at all i think Blake is gonna get far and he deserves it :)

Tamara Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

You're SICK, tracy! <3

You said it well, Michael: "dizzyingly catchy." As for the "unfortunate" title, I cracked up the DJ on one of my local stations when I called in to request it. He asked me the name and I replied, "Break Another," then sheepishly added, "well, anotha" and laughed. I hope they play it!

jason Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 11:42 AM EST

not too bad. i heard it yesterday on aolmusic, and it's not bad. it reminds me more of jc chasez's music, but also some JT. although not the best song ever, it's ok. the only thing i don't like is the breakdown in the middle.

Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 11:34 AM EST

That? Rocked!
Love it - can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

tracy Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 11:31 AM EST

i love this song! the beat is super-catchy and that drum breakdown is SICK. i hope this end up being a hit for him; i love me some bshorty! <3

janereaction Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 10:30 AM EST

Didn't watch Idol this season but this is a damn good song. I would definitely download it to workout to. I'm impressed.

ANTM Freak Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 10:19 AM EST

Put Maroon 5 + N Sync in a blender, take a dump in it, and hit frappe. Voila, Blake Lewis has a song out. I can see this doing well because he has a lot of fan girls of questionable taste in music. No matter what he did in "Idol" they'd all be like "Call me crazy but that was hot!" Blah.

Thataboy Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 10:04 AM EST

If Adam Levine, JT, and JLo had a threeway, this song is what we would have to clean off the sheets. What a mess!

bb Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 09:48 AM EST

F'n Fantastic! Damn I want that on my Zune!

Phil Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 09:48 AM EST

I gotta agree with like 2 or 3 other people here, this song def. reminds me more of J.C. Chasez, not JT. But with that said, I do like it, & I hope Blake finds some success with this track, beacuse it is different from the current crop of Top 40 tunes. But I will also say this. It won't be easy for Blake. Clear Channel radio stations are ALL supporting Jordin Sparks' "Tattoo" because she is signed on to perform at all their major Jingle Ball holiday concerts in various cities. As of me typing this, Blake is NOT. Jordin, also being crowned this years' champ, has the dubious pleasure of having her cd drop the biggest sales week of the year, Nov. 20th, so that all shoppers can snatch up her debut as part of Black Friday sales the day after Thanksgiving. Blake's cd is not dropping until Dec. I do think "Tattoo" is a nice pop song, but a little too fluffy for me. "Break Anotha" sounds cool. I hope it can break the mold & shine on its own!

Stephanie T. Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 09:10 AM EST

Not all of the Idol songs are insipid. Akien's This Is the Night and Yamin's Wait For You (which is better as a dance tune) are not that bad. BTW: Hiccup beat box introductions are nothing new. Ben Harper used one in Steal My Kisses.

kats Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 09:06 AM EST

I like it!

to whoever suggested the J. Lo cover story below Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 09:01 AM EST

No

Nena Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 08:56 AM EST

It actually reminds me of another former N'sync dude -- JC Chasez. Sounded like the song he did for the Drumline soundtrack, "Blowin' Me Up With Her Love."

Amber Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 08:54 AM EST

It's better than Jordin's debut that's for sure.

Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 08:51 AM EST

"slightly reminiscent of J.Lo's "Do It Well,"That's because Ryan Tedder (of One Republic) is a co-writer on both songs."

So how come Jlo's CD tanked? failed as a hit song? Which reminds me EW popwatch, you should do a cover story on Jlo....what's up with her and all these projects?

Stephen, part 2 Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 08:49 AM EST

Upon another listen, still not digging it. I'll continue to wait for Melinda's album.

Sally Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 08:48 AM EST

Like this song, but like the other one Know My Name much better.

He's in a long line of blue eyed soul which is hot today...he's not attractive or sexy but talent and hit records help overcome that; right?

Gretchen Weiners Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 08:21 AM EST

London Bridge + Ring the Alarm + Robin Thicke = This song. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. Definitely won't do well on the radio, but I'd still want to hear the rest of his album.

Kathleen Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 08:21 AM EST

I don't listen to a ton of Top 40 dancey stuff, but I would buy this. Definitely would pay to download the single, verdict still out on the whole album. He can beatbox, true, but doing it on every track would suck.
I was always partial to Blake. I always had the impression (can't put my finger on why) that he would be a much more well-rounded musician, not just a performer (not that there's anything wrong with that :) ). I hope he has a nice long career.

joyce Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 08:06 AM EST

LOVE IT!!!!!!!! can't wait for the rest of the CD...Go Blake

Rachel Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 07:57 AM EST

I think the song sucks.
and, i dont think it will do well on the radio. :)
kthanks

davet Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 07:51 AM EST

Never liked Blake on Idol but like this song. Catchy from the moment it starts up.

jaw Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 07:00 AM EST

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but...I like this song. It has a funky beat, very catchy and a cool drum breakdown. Nice going Blake, you might actually be the first AI whose I album I would buy.

Elizabeth Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 06:45 AM EST

Not the trainwreck I was expecting - as far as WAY TO MUCH Beatboxing - here's hoping the rest of the debut is fun. Did I miss Jordin's?

Crystal Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 04:28 AM EST

Ever since Blake said the album was going to be like a hot 80s dance record I have been waiting in anticipation. And I don't even watch AI, I just watched a few songs from the finalists on youtube. Go on, Blake!

XSEDrake Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 02:44 AM EST

Friggin love it.

Gringo Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 12:03 AM EST

I love my Shake N Blake, so I was a little worried there at first when I didn't instantly love it. However, after a few spins, I really like it.

Gringo Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 12:02 AM EST

I wasn't so sure initially, but now I'm really enjoying it. I love my Shake N Blake, so I was a little worried there at first.

OhBrother Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 11:53 PM EST

This song sounds like something JC Chasez would do, although Blake himself is kind of a poor man's JT, minus the aloof cool that Timberlake has perfected.

speakergirl Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 11:33 PM EST

To the person who asked way up there, the drummer's name is KJ Sawka - he's on MySpace. And Michael, if anything Blake is MORE sexually threatening than JT. He has a bit of heat and danger that I don't get from Timerblake - and I've looked!

And hello to Kent! Congratulations on the tour - can't WAIT to hear you all live!

sam Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 11:14 PM EST

Blake's never been my thing--but you actually find Justin Timberlake "sexually threatening?" To me, he seems as sexy as the paperboy--meaning not at all.

TT Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 10:15 PM EST

Strongest debut ever by an AI contestant. Good for Blake. I would consider buying his album now.

David Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 09:55 PM EST

Good!

jimbob Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:52 PM EST

It is growing on me

Lauri Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:51 PM EST

I actually really like it!

Noelle Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:41 PM EST

Crap, this is from an Idol graduate? I....love it. Wow. It makes me actually wanna dance, unlike anything they usually release from that show. Good for him, I think this could be a big hit.

Bouffe Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:39 PM EST

I agree with you - this smells like a HUGE HIT!!! I don't hear the JT ressemblance tho - it is in the same category of music as JT, Timberland, One Republic, but different enough for it not to be compared to JT, at least in my opinion.

I am SO glad you gave this song a chance, even if it came from and ex-Idol. I hope more people will give Blake a chance - he is a very deserving artist!

SuzieC Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:36 PM EST

Me likey. I can see this landing in my ipod's rotation for a few weeks of play. Slightly JT-esque on the vocals but the repetitiveness makes me like it less. Beatboxing, always a plus.

optimus prime Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:34 PM EST

it would work as a dance song, but it slows tempo too much at the one part...It makes it seem like an entirely different song almost and then it picks back up again. if you were dancing I could see people stopping and going "what?" ...or slowing down your moves to do the robot.

Cara Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:29 PM EST

Wowwwwww. Kid, that's a damn catchy song! Good job! I thought I wasn't 100 percent into it, but I just caught myself humming it in the kitchen--that's got to be a good sign.

I'm so glad he didn't win. Some kinds of singers can survive the Idol Machine, some can't. They would have ripped his soul out through his mouth and mass-produced it for twelve-year-olds.

kent Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:24 PM EST

The Drummer's name is Kevin Sawka (kjsawka.com). We'll both be playing on the upcoming tour.

new yorker Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:23 PM EST

I heard this song this afternoon and I LOVED it!! It's a great song, and I'm glad he didn't win idol or we probably wouldn't have heard this for a very long time, if we had even heard it at all.

pumpkin Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:14 PM EST

The drummer is Blake's musician friend from Seattle, KJ Sawka. :)

leona Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 08:08 PM EST

Interesting. I'm not really into the Idol thing at all, but I remember flipping through the channels and seeing this guy sing the Cure. On American Idol. The Cure! That was a shock. Color me surprised again, because I loved this track. I was also diggin the lyrical hint at the end that the singer is actually both the player and the player hater in question- it's kinda like a jekyll/hyde vibe. The drum break down in the bridge is hot...any idea who the drummer is?

Lauren Kaminski Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:55 PM EST

hear

Lauren Kaminski Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:53 PM EST

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.

Butet Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:51 PM EST

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

Christina Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:40 PM EST

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

Thad Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:29 PM EST

Was this a demo? I hope so. yuk.

sweetsmoke Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:28 PM EST

THAT was awful.

MM Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:19 PM EST

Couldn't make it through to the end...this is not for me.

dhfjifojgjk Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:08 PM EST

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.

Ana Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:07 PM EST

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.

ron Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 07:06 PM EST

love, love, love it. already heard for 100+ times

Jack Fear Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:54 PM EST

@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...

Sarah Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:47 PM EST

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! :)

Michelle Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:46 PM EST

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.

actingup Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:45 PM EST

Ugh - hated it. I loved Blake - but that song is not for me. It gave me a migraine.

LLL Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:43 PM EST

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!

Cari Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:38 PM EST

Love it! Something I could groove and dance to. I can't wait for the album and see what else he does.

Pam Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:30 PM EST

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!

CitizenVA Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:29 PM EST

Good Gravy that was awful! :(

CVA

BrandonK Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:28 PM EST

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.

Jamie Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:27 PM EST

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!

Bobbi Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:27 PM EST

It is a great way to get a very bad headache. Definitely not for me.

Laura Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:14 PM EST

Alumni is plural you know.

monee Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:11 PM EST

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.

Red Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:10 PM EST

Good times

Nikki Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:09 PM EST

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!

Kristi Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:07 PM EST

I dig it! Very JTesque but i totally dig it! Good for him!

junior Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:03 PM EST

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.

Nick Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 06:01 PM EST

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.

Kim Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 05:48 PM EST

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.

Stephen Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 05:41 PM EST

Sorry, I only made it to 4 seconds. The beat-boxing grates every nerve.