Lopez Blogs

RYAN FERRADA - ROOM 501

I seem to have been waiting for this album forever (indeed I last foretold of its coming back in March this year, and reviewed the lead off single "Dirty In The Club" back in October 2008 and the initial version in April 08). Indeed the lovely Ryan was one of my top tips for 2009. And with a month or so to go, the boy has done good by getting his outstanding album 'Room 501' out there for the public to feast upon. If you are looking for an album with sleek pop sensibilities, lush orchestral ballads and a dirty dance edge that mixes influences of Kylie, George Michael, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Darren Hayes into the pot, then Room 501 is the album for you. It's a veritable hotpot of potential singles, starting with the still sizzling Dirty In The Club, which rocketed all the way to #2 on the Music Week club chart with nary a promotion gimmick in sight earlier this year. The song is still a stomping pop-dance work out that practically oozes seduction and charm through the sultry beats and Ryan's intoxicating vocals. Second single is the title (and lead off) track of the album and continues the pace, standard and lyrical tone set by it's predecessor. Definitely one to get your blood pumping as Ryan sings "3s a crowd; 4s even better, 5,6,7 baby I'm in heaven"! It's not so much that Ryan is being so sexually suggestive - Janet Jackson, Madonna and Prince (for example) have been doing that for decades; it's more that it works because it is delivered with such conviction and excitement. The listener is drawn straight into this titillating situation and frankly I ended up with sweaty palms and having to cross my legs! Don't feel there isn't diversity within the album though, because Ryan isn't afraid to tackle other genres. Chemical Connection is possibly the most out and out "pop" moment on the album with a raucous, beat ridden, in your face singalong chorus that will make a triumphant third single - not only will it cement his popularity, but show people a different side to him. For something completely different, check out the most amazing ballad, Glorious. Drenched in a wonderful string arrangement, kudos must also go to Ryan's co-writer and producer Greg Fitzgerald. It's beautifully produced, with lush melodies and an impeccable vocal delivery from Ryan that is evocative of the best of George Michael. Certainly a highlight of the album and one that totally stands out amidst the more obvious tracks - much the way Is It Any Wonder did for Sophie Ellis Bextor on her debut. For more sumptuous balladry check out the personal and intimate What People Say where Ryan lays himself bare and invites the listener deeper into his world. A raw emotive song that showcases what a capable vocalist Ryan is and his solid understanding of how to craft memorable tunes.Oh, and Kylie fans are going to want to check out Drives Me Crazy - it has a reworked sample of Burning Up baked into the core of the song and it works brilliantly.

So overall, a tremendous effort and one that continues to reward with multiple listens. This could easily be a stand out epic for 2010 and deservedly so.
Potential singles: Dirty In The Club; Room 501; Chemical Connection; Glorious

ADAM LAMBERT - FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT:

Even though I didn't really get involved with American Idol this year (it takes on a whole different meaning I feel when you are somewhat removed from the hype you get from living in the country that airs the show), I certainly knew who Adam Lambert was. Perhaps the most refreshing runner up to the show's crown since Blake Lewis, I have to confess I was less excited for his debut album than I was for Blakes (though that may have something to do with a) Blake covered maroon 5 on the show and b) I sort of wanted to spoon Blake at the time!)... His 2012 movie theme "Time For Miracles" didn't inspire me with confidence and it's only at the enthusiastic reviews from some of my blog buddies and DJ Larry Flick that I checked it out at all. And I'm glad I did - it's an absolutely solid collection of entertaining pop tunes that are instantly catchy, entirely enjoyable although sometimes somewhat reminiscent of other fare. So let me preface this by saying I really like the album. It's a bold opening statement. And for better or worse, it's taken lessons from some of the best in pop over the past 25 years. Let me explain...

Throughout the album, I was constantly reminded of other acts. Sometimes that was The Darkness (understandably, as Justin Hawkins wrote amazing opening track Music Again), sometimes it was Queen (see Sure Fire Winner - and frankly Queen's not a bad template to model yourself on!). Other times, the epic and underrated template of McFly seeps through (they have excellent track record in epic, almost glam rock tunes like the amazing Transylvania and soaring Sorry's Not Good Enough) and some of the more anguished fare reminds me of Pink. Is any of this a bad thing? Not at all - Adam's vocal style, passion and enthusiasm totally make the majority of the album uniquely his. And compared to how derivative most idol/x factor alums albums are, that he has been able to mine some of the best moments of pop as inspiration for his debut makes him a promising new artist with huge potential to develop over the coming years. So rather than a full review (which Nick has done incredibly well here), I'll just point out some of my faves from the album...

• Soaked is by far my favourite song on the album. It's dramatic, engaging, exciting, soaring, epic and wonderful all at once. For me, it's the track that made me stop and think, by god this boy is going to go somewhere...
• The Justin Hawkins penned Music Again is also a complete winner. Fiesty, ballsy, energetic and a confident soaring vocal make this a wickedly effervescent way to kick off the album
• The good ballads - both Broken Open and A Loaded Smile are totally charming, ready for the european market and singable after just one listen. Similarly the Pink track Whataya Want From Me is custom made for a huge radio hit
• Fever! The Lady Gaga demo is transformed by Adam into something quite paletable, partying and pulsating all in one go. Just imagine if the Scissor Sisters came back with something as instant and glorious as this!

There are plenty more sure fire hits on the album (including Pick You Up and If I Had You) which suggest that this album will have legs throughout 2010 and possibly beyond. As I said, it's a confident opening statement from Adam, rich in pop history and diversity. It's the all important second album that will hopefully cement his appeal and clarify his sound for the world. For now, just enjoy because it's hard to do otherwise...
Potential singles: So hard to pick actually from this - any suggestions?

Finally, it's been hard to avoid Lady Gaga over the past week - on Monday my blogroll links was almost 80% Lady Gaga heavy! I've clarified my feelings towards her in Adem's excellent Fame Monster review (it's comment #10) and hope it makes sense :) Let me know what you think!!