Happy birthday, Blake Lewis!

jill Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST

BLAKE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

danigirl Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST

I love Blake! I think he has a very unique talent. He should have won AI, but Jordin Sparks father is an former pro football player. What can you expect? Look at "DWTS" every pro football player has placed first or second. Everyone knows them. I call that an unfair advantage!

MONET Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 05:36 AM EST

I liked Blake Lewis on American Idol. I haven't bought the CD yet but, after hearing this song I will definitely go out and buy it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAKE!!!!

kelly Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

Blake is HOT!!! Not to mention an awesome beat boxer and singer. I would really love to hear from him!

Tony Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 10:44 PM EST

Great album plain and simple! I get sick of all these people saying how crappy it is, and how crappy he is. If they listened to this album a couple of times--and kept an open mind--I think people would appreciate how good it is. He got screwed!

Princess Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 02:04 AM EST

KO GO TO PRINCESS SO !!!! HAHAHAHAH
SO THAT YOU GO TO MY HOME GRR GRR GRR GRR GRR GRR GRR GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Princess Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 02:00 AM EST

!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAH

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

Zac Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

It could be the best album in the world. I still wouldn't listen to the creation of someone who wants to do a bar mitzvah because "Jews have money." He's a bitter little PR disaster and a failed one-trick pony.

Obscurity beckons, Blake; don't keep it waiting.

ashley Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 12:02 AM EST

yes...needs to be pick up by another label.....4 show...

Laurie Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 10:43 PM EST

Well Blake got his shot and he DID get label support at first. When it became clear he wasn't marketable beyond American Idol they stopped wasting money. I know you've got a hard on for the guy Michael but this is getting ridiculous. Blake Lewis types are a dime a dozen. 10 years from now he'll be a footnote, beatboxing his way through his construction job or something.

John Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 08:37 PM EST

Good to see the Blake love up in here. I had high hopes for him, but never expected to like every song on the CD. My personal favorite is "End of the World", which sounds like a modern-day John Hughes movie theme.

Terri Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 06:43 PM EST

Well considering Diana DeGarmo is returning to Broadway for the second time, this time in the Godspell revival, while Blake is an epic failure on all levels, maybe you should stop being a jerk to the Idols you so proudly brag about ignoring.

Rob Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 09:47 AM EST

I loved Blake last year,bought his cd,enjoyed it for awhile,then lost interest. I was more a fan of his pre-Idol stuff which is much more interesting. He seemed to be trying too hard on ADD and the cd as a whole is rather cacophonous. Actually I'm in a minority with favorite tracks cause my favorite ADD track is "Hate 2 Love Her" with that Maroon 5 sound. I think THAT could've been huge with a great video.
I agree that there's not much Arista could've done cause it seemed that radio was not open to him from the getgo. I do agree with you Slezak that "Know My Name" if released first could've gotten the album off to a better start, but while I see the track's appeal it also makes me run for the Ibuprofen.

True Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 11:19 PM EST

You may be my new favorite person, Mr. Slezak. Blake is so incredibly versatile and talented. Not every sound appeals to every ear but to just dismiss him with comments like "douchebag" and "uninspired" well, that's just ignorant and immature. What's that saying about negative critics just being jealous? Arista missed the boat when it comes to Blake's potential. Time will bear that out. The "industry" needs to open their eyes to the talent coming out of the Northwest - Common Market, Blue Scholars, Panda Conspiracy - all groups that Blake gave public love to. Thank you, Mr. Slezak for attempting to keep Blake's name and his music on people's minds. It's a worthy endeavor.

Jessica Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 06:53 PM EST

I love ADD! Kudos to you, for all the times you've mentioned the album. Now, if only more poeople would listen to you and buy it... Know My Name is a great song(plus, it's got Lupe!!!) as is Break Anotha, Here's My Hello, and my personal favorite What'cha Got 2 Lose-great dance album!

Kary Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 11:28 AM EST

Ooooo yeah! I would love to see Blake tour with Jamiroquai!!! "Know My Name" is the best song!!!!

Brad Galli Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 11:14 AM EST

Couldn't agree more! I love this song, and I have ever since the album dropped. Gosh, I thought I was the only one who thought that Break Anotha video was lamely produced. They gave this guy no pub, no love, but to be fair, his album droppedduring the writer's strike-pitting him against the talk show hub.

I still rally behind the guy and I'd love to see him come to Detroit.

Mack Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 04:25 AM EST

But how about your favorite boy toy - Jason Castro Mr. Sleaze-suck?!?!?! Will you be shouting to the rooftops and the chandeliers your undying support for JC when his birthday arrives?!?!?! America waits for your answer!!

Lisa Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:07 PM EST

You rock Michael Slezak!!!!
ADD is a awesome album. Every track has it's own style. Blake is a amazing musican and the beats just keep on coming.
Thanks for acknowledging Blake's music.
He is loved by many ppl.

Jay Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:49 PM EST

Arista wanted to make money off of this but the music is so horrible they realized the gimmick was not worth it. There was pleanty of promotion but face it. It's is worthless to promote anything that will loose money. Vary bad business decision for Arista.

RW Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:17 PM EST

Know My Name is smokin'. I don't understand the 'no melody' comment. To me, it's one big fat infectious melody backed by a heavy backbeat. The kind of song that if given a chance would catch on quickly with the general public.

It's confounding to me why Know My Name hasn't been promo'd more, esp. since Lupe is a contributor. Would be good association for Blake...what gives??

Brentwood Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 08:08 PM EST

I listened to ADD in it's entirity, and I can honestly say that I didn't like a single track on it. He does nothing that others don't do much better, I find his work derivative, uninspired, and just second-rate. At least a couple of the others you mentioned put out decent albums that could have sold much better with decent support. I doubt if this one would have done much better no matter what Arista did, and i think they knew that. Why throw good money after bad?

Sara Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:40 PM EST

I can agree with Slezak's comments here. Blake Lewis is a huge talent and people love him-I am so flabbergasted as to why no one bought his album. (I mean literally... no one.) I probably would have bought it if the first single was more like the Keane song he sang on AI. That seems to me to be where he thrives.

And Slezak you can continue to wish birthdays to Idols, as long as it's not crazies like Fantasia.

GAMissy Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:36 PM EST

You'll get no argument from me, Michael Slezak--Blake Lewis's amazing CD is underappreciated. Thanks for keeping a little light shining on Audio Day Dream. Blake's creativity can't be dimmed, and people who appreciate his music and artistry will be there to support him.

willy Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:13 PM EST

You've got to be kidding. As a former radio station Program and Music Director this kind of crap would never air on any station I was programming.

Cindy LooHoo Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 05:45 PM EST

Michael Slezak, you're my hero. Thank you for acknowledging Blake's amazing artistry (on his birthday no less!)and Arista's little support. The world deserves to hear Blake's incredible music! Blake made the CD HE wanted and he won't change to fit the mold that THEY want to put him in. That should get him that much more respect! Kudos to Blake! And to you Slezak, for sticking up for him!

Ep Sato Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 05:03 PM EST

I feel bad for Blake Lewis. He needs to hook up with Jamiroquai and the Roots and do a tour with them cats. The pop world was not made for a "gimmick" guy, at least not if he wants to have more than one hit single.

But seriously, wassup with the Yoko Ono record cover? Babaloo Babaloo babaloo, I love you!

Elle Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 04:36 PM EST

Hey Michael, cool of you to acknowledge Blake's birthday! "Know My Name" is also my favorite track on ADD and in my opinion it should've been the first single.

Barb Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 03:52 PM EST

Slezak, thanks so much for acknowledging Blake Lewis' music and his album Audio DayDream. Arista did little to nothing to promote the album and relied almost completely on the AI audience to sell the record. It's the first CD I've bought in a while and I love it! Unlike most of the garbage on radio today, this album actually has lyrics, melody, rhythm and beat. Wow! I hope Blake continues to stay true to himself and makes his music for years to come. I know I'll be supporting him.

Nikki Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 03:51 PM EST

ADD is very under appreciated! This song would be a hit a long with the other tracks on the album! Blake is amazingly talented!! If you see him live you will totally get it! Happy 2th Blake!!

supermart Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

Ok, a few months ago Slezak said some people gets Jason Castro and other people just don't get him. I think the same thing can be told of Blake. I GET Blake Lewis. This song is very Jamiroquai-ish, and I like it! Maybe this sort of music is not for everybody, but so many people could appreciate what Blake does. I think he is very under-rated and he deserves some support. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAKE, hope you get the good things you deserve !!!

Ed Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 01:22 PM EST

Sorry, Slez, I usually agree with you, but not on this one.

The song is just noise....annoying noise.

Michelle Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 01:16 PM EST

Aw, you're a sweetheart Slezak :) I agree, the fate of ADD had nothing to do with the music and everything to do with the business. It's too bad.

I mean, come on. What is top ten right now. "I Kissed A Girl"? puke.

Happy birthday Blake! Hope you have better luck now that you're out of the clutches of corporate music!

Nicole Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

Slezak, I fully agree with you. ADD is completely underappreciated, and Blake got screwed by his label. I still love and listen to ADD. It's creative, fun, and one of the best pop albums I've heard in a while. Hopefully someday it will get the recognition it deserves. Happy Birthday, Blake!!

Kirsten Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 01:10 PM EST

ADD is AMAZING! Everyone should own a copy! It's too good to not be shared with the masses! If you love amazing pop music that is eclectic and fun, then you will enjoy Blake Lewis' "Audio DayDream"!

Happy Birthday Blake!

Michael Slezak, you rock!

Daisy Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

Blake is so amazing!!! He should be HUGE!! ADD is an incredible album!!!

Jamaica Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:46 AM EST

It's nice to see the album being appreciated--ADD is a great cd, filled with very memorable songs and catchy beats--every time I listen I hear another layer.

Blake Lewis has real talent and his fans can't wait to see what he does next.

If you like what you heard on here, try "Human" --available only on itunes due to Arista's infinite "wisdom," but one of my favorites (other than "She Loves The Way"--only on youtube because it's too out-of-the-box).

If you love this album, do Blake a favor and turn your friends on to the CD too.

It's too good to keep underground.

Linda Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

Slezak, you are right on with this one. I totally agree. Blake's cd has gone so under appreciated! I think the cd is awesome and Blake is so multi-talented. Happy B-day, Blake!

Coach's Mistress Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

I like this song alot...he was my AI favorite last year but never bought the cd when it fell off the radar. I'll be downloading it this afternoon.
I've never understood why labels don't promote some records. Just doesn't make sense. Go Blake! Keep plugging away.

Heather Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST

I love it! ADD is great. Arista really effed up. It's such a great album.

Laura Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:31 AM EST

I totally agree with you! The composition of Audio Day Dream is one of a kind. Eclectic, yes, but it is definitely cohesive and creative. It's really refreshing to see and hear something new pop up in the world of Pop music. I'm definitely looking forward to Blake's next album...which will hopefully get some support from an indy label! Arista knows that Blake is marketable, they just didn't want to put the money into his album that they should've. Just goes to show that you get out of something exactly what you put into it!

Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

I'm not a fan of this "song" (most of it doesn't have a melody, and I believe songs are supposed to have a melody). would it have been a hit? Maybe--but I don't think this sound is expected from someone who looks like Blake Lewis.

ron Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

No, it won't be a hit. His singing is very weak. And he is a douchebag. People don't like him.

Lisa Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

ITA with Kate here-- and I have to say, I wish Arista had somehow managed to support this album of Blake's. We'll never know how big it might have become, in a time when many of us are really looking for something new.
The next album will be something more jazzy and ambient-sounding I think, and may be truer to what his natural vibe is. I wish him luck in pursuing what his heart guides.

kate Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

100 % agreed with your post. ADD is one of the best pop albums that came out this past year, and in fact in the past several years that clearly did not receive support from the label. From those of us who truly appreciate Blake's musicianship, you can be assured that you will never hear scorning or ridiculing but heartfelt thank you for thinking out of the box. There is no question that "Know my name" is a great catchy song that should be a huge hit on the pop charts.

Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:01 AM EST

OK, just gave the song a try and it stinks. Slezak, how do you expect to get any respect when you won't quit thinking with your d_ _ k? Of course you're not going to acknowledge the aforementioned others' birthdays.....you don't want any of them to stick it to you.

matt Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 09:35 AM EST

i loved "how many words"

Tim Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

Step away from the lame Idol discs. This is 10 pounds of garbage in a 5 pound bag. Unlistenable, derivative and completely uninspired.

Elizabeth Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 09:01 AM EST

I heard Blake in a department store yesterday - I may have to check that CD out. The one internet station I listen to at work used to play it.

NineDaves.com Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 08:56 AM EST

i fully agree slezak – blake lewis deserved better. audio day dream is a great album- totally under promoted and underappreciated. i still haven’t gotten bored with it. i love how blake made an album filled with creativity and energy, that could easily fall in line with junior senior, girl talk, m.i.a., etc. hopefully blake will continue to make music – i’d be annoyed if audio day dream was all we got to hear from him.