Album Review: Adam Lambert Dazzles with Authenticity on Rock-Influenced 'Velvet: Side A'

   ★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5

   With nearly a decade of mainstream career experience under his belt, glam rocker Adam Lambert never let his runner-up performance on American Idol hinder his future endeavors. Following debut album For Your Entertainment and GRAMMY-nominated single "Whataya Want From Me", the artist followed up the whirlwind success by becoming the first openly gay act to earn a number one album on the Billboard 200 with 2012s Trespassing.

   Third studio album The Original High, led by moderate hit "Ghost Town", hit the shelves in 2015. One-off singles such as "Welcome to the Show" and "Two Fux" were shared soon after, just as Lambert was finding his footing on a new tour for Queen, alongside Brian May and Roger Taylor. As the band was conquering the world, and with appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race, The X Factor, a remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Kennedy Center Honors, serenading Cher with a show-stopping "Believe" performance, an announcement of an official fourth album was finally made.

   "Feel Something", a gospel-tinged ballad was released, but it wasn't until "New Eyes" and "Comin' In Hot" that fans got an official taste of what Velvet would truly sound like. Strangely, those tracks are nowhere to be found on the six-track, first half Side A, released today -- the second half out in the coming months. Instead, led by the bold "Superpower", Lambert intoxicates listeners with better-than-ever vocal acrobatics, hazy 70s vibes and rock instrumentals as he touches on new found love, individuality and perseverance.

   Lead single "Superpower" intriguingly blended the 70s rock aesthetic with 90s alternative pop attitude for an empowerment anthem with radio-ready flare. Crafted alongside producer Tommy English, who also serves up delicious funk guitar, the track is a vibrant, rebellious call to action. Fed up with rampant hate and discrimination, as well as his own record label frustration, Lambert encourages people to stand up for themselves and find pride in their own individuality.

   The celebration of strength and uniqueness continues on the equally-as-punchy "Stranger You Are", a brass-heavy number that finds Lambert detailing characteristics that make him an outsider. Instead of shunning those differences though, he embraces them. "But I'm six three, baby, with boots on, if you think you can beat me, I'm nothin' to walk on, it's all in the strut," he cheekily sings before the groovy nature of the chorus comes rolling through.

   "Closer To You", the lone ballad, finds Lambert using pitch perfect, melodramatic vocals to express his love, gratitude and commitment to his new man. Singing that he would walk through fire, endure the eye of a hurricane, just to move a little closer to the one who makes his heart flutter. Besides the supporting bass, and with endearing sentiment at the forefront, the effort is simply an avenue to let the artist's immense talents thrive.

   The dominating bass continues through "Overglow", as Lambert longs for human connection, a presumed dig at the current state of relationships only surviving through devices and social media. Soothing, moody vocals are carried by alternative rock production and authentic conviction creating a sense of urgency and discontent. "If you want something real tonight, baby, you know where to get it," the artist confidently coos.

   A demand for attention and sexual chemistry makes "Loverboy" stand out with its mix of playfulness and stern warnings. While Lambert has his sights set on a potential new suitor, accusing boys of his past of being all the same, he makes it clear that he's not up for the typical games this time around. With his lush falsetto, and English back with his funk guitar, the track has garnered Prince comparisons that don't sound too far off to believe.

   The first half of Velvet closes out with "Ready To Run", the most rock-forward effort on the release. Doubling as a criticism of a current relationship and the state of society, Lambert sings of running away to a better place. "Ain't no slowin' down from here, ain't no room for shackles, dear, so try to catch up if you dare," the artist taunts on the bridge as heavy bass and drums envelop his vocals to effectively connect what's been said, and what's still to come.

   Velvet: Side A gives listeners a satisfying sampler of work four years in the making, work that provides a genuine representation of an artist that never conforms to the norm. The project also cleverly stays true to its name: smooth, elegant, vintage-inspired. Adam Lambert finally sounds as if truly inspired by his personal artistic influences, perhaps even his time on the road with Queen, instead of driven by label desires and current radio trends. While the production and instrumentals can criminally overpower Lambert's trademark powerhouse vocals at times, perhaps some flaws with mastering, it somehow still gives the finished product an appreciated raw edge. Possibly purposeful, that lack of sheen symbolizes an artist taking over the reins and following his creative intuition. The independence helped craft the artist's most impressive body of work yet.

Tracks to Hear: "Superpower", "Stranger You Are", "Closer to You" and "Loverboy"