Badlands Could Reform with Adam Lambert on Vocals
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 12:01AM
Last night on American Idol, resident rocker and my favorite contestant Adam Lambert performed (what I consider to be) the most unique version of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" in the history of recorded music.
In short, he owned everyone. Sure, there are plenty of teenyboppers on the Internet freaking out because they didn't understand the performance or appreciate the complexity of the arrangement. The judges didn't love it, either. No matter. I'm here to tell you right now, Lambert no longer needs American Idol. In fact, it might be better if he gets voted off tonight so he can front a Metal band and save rock music.
Did I not mention it was "country night?" I reiterate: Bloody. Hell. Lambert took his country assignment and basically flipped a middle finger to the producers of AI.
In short, Lambert's voice is freaking perfect for Badlands. That is, if he wants to work with established musicians. His range is so out of this world, Adam Lambert can mop the floor with just about any Glam singer on the scene today. If you don't agree with my Badlands choice, who do you think Adam could resurrect - or save?
I swear, the prospect of his voice over top some pounding drums and a raging guitar solo gives me goosebumps.
Just to compare...here's Badlands, "High Wire."
...and in the event you've never heard Johnny Cash sing "Ring of Fire," here it is:
Reader Comments (46)
I don't believe I've said anything derisive, offensive, or hateful; on the contrary, I've said more than once that Adam Lambert IS talented, has great pitch, etc. Personally, I don't think he's the next big thing nor do I think the Freddie Mercury comparison is a fair or accurate one. From everything I've seen of him - and admittedly it's not EVERYTHING he's done - I think he's a fine cabaret performer but really nothing more. Hey, I could be wrong and he could be embarking on a world class career that will see him achieving superstardom, and if so, more power to him.
But again, this is my PERSONAL OPINION of a performer that has chosen to present himself on one of the most watched television shows available. He has put himself out there for the whole world to see and judge and I really doubt that the OPINION of one person will make or break him.
And just so you know - from one "child of the 60's" to another - I've been in the music business for over 30 years so my opinion, though it is just MY OPINION, may carry the weight of experience and personal insight with it.
Maybe--maybe one opinion can matter--having Smokey Robinson give you a sanding O--well--that counts for something, I'd say. That IS a very big deal.
My opinion and a quarter will buy nothing. But--yours will be remembered--you state it strongly. You have great confidence in your 30 years of music experience. I'd put my money where my mouth is and invest in this boy.--if I had any money left. But, my stock portfolio is so thin, I can read right through it. My 30 year experienced broker put me all in financials. He touts his experience to me just one more time...
Sorry to hear about your ankle; it seems that it's left you with too much time on your hands. I respect your opinion and your right to express it, but please, if you've got something to say to me don't dance around it with vague references to your "30 year experienced" broker or whatever else. I recognize that the difference of opinions and thought process is part of what makes the world go round but honestly I've wasted too much time on this thread already - especially given that I've expressed my opinon and my point 2 pages ago. I don't wish to engage in witty banter with you; nor do I choose to have a "flame war" on this board. Nothing personal so don't make it so.
Valentine.