I Have Chosen Adam Lambert's First Single
Written Apr. 8, 2009 by Sean Ross in Content with 5 Comments
Even my co-workers who admire "American Idol" contestant Adam Lambert's stagecraft still will try to end any discussion by shooting back, "But what kind of radio career could he have?" This was, of course, the argument against Melinda Doolittle and, if you insist on pursuing it, Taylor Hicks is brought up, too.
Hicks was indeed a good example of the sort of artist that didn't lend himself to cheerfully executing whatever Today's Hot Songwriters put in front of him. And, yes, it's hard to imagine Adam Lambert singing "One Step At A Time" or "It's Not Over." And it's difficult, also, to imagine the type of record that would put David Bowie or Mick Jagger on Top 40 radio in 2009.
So I've decided to A&R Adam Lambert's first single myself -- not that I've worked it out with 19 Management or the label, or anything. But, hey, some of them will read this column.
I first heard Morton Valence's "Sailors" two years ago through the British Website/daily newsletter Record of the Day." At that time, I thought it could never be covered -- too quirky, and what other artist would say, "I can sing that"? But it's distinctive, sounds great, has an undeniable riff, and would play off Lambert's theatricality. Not everybody who hears this will like it, but you will undoubtedly be able to imagine Adam Lambert performing it.
Reader Comments
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sheesh
You gotta love professional journalism.
Please do your homework.
Taylor Hicks is doing just fine thank you.
He is currently in the cross country production of Grease
as "Teen angel".He is also doing a shadow tour in conjuction with his grease schedule to promote his new single and getting rave reviews on his new video.
see below:
American Idol winner Taylor Hicks performing "What's Right Is Right" from his new album "The Distance" just released March 10 09.
Taylor Hicks
What's Right is Right
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsShScrYhCo
and Please-try to stay current.
Oh, yeah, a touring company of a Broadway musical--that sure is the sign of a growing career as a *musician.* Right.
How many stations are on Hicks' single? Any major markets? Is it on any of the AC charts? Is it even on the pop charts? How many iTunes downloads? While you're at it, tell me how Kelly Clarkson's doing on the charts now. And then tell me with a straight face how great his career is going.
Look, can we retire the term "homework" in reference to media professionals?
Nobody who gets a paycheck does "homework."
Children do homework. Grownups do research. OK?
According to our data at Mediaguide (monitor 2550 US terrestrial stations) Taylor Hicks latest song "What's Right is Right" aired on 25 stations in the last week and got 109 plays, down 19 from the week previous. Just to quantify that this debate is a non-issue.
Hmmm, let's see: Four comments, and not a single one has anything remotely to do with the SUBJECT of Sean's piece! Another classic case of what happens when we allow someone like "getitstraight" to hijack the commentary with an unnecessary and irrelevant defense of Taylor Hicks.
Anyway, I just listened to "Sailors" and, yes, I can hear Adam doing that. I just hope like hell he doesn't. :-)
Fun stuff, Sean!