Lopez Blogs

I've been a bit enamoured of RuPaul ever since I saw her tell Jan Brady that she better werk in The Brady Bunch Movie. Since then she's had albums out, indulged in book releases and continued with her acting. Most recently RuPaul's Drag Race has dazzled for being one of the most engrossing, entertaining and witty reality competitions on television. Filled with watercooler catchphrases ("ooo girl, you got she-mail"; "it's time to lipsynch... FOR YOUR LIFE"; "if you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen?!") and brilliant self-promotion, one thing always shines through - individuals are to be celebrated for their creativity and style regardless of how they express it. It's this positive theme that carries through to RuPaul's latest album, Glamazon.

More powerful than a BAM from Alexis Mateo, Glamazon is a collection of dance-orientated tunes that radiates values of confidence, acceptance, inner strength, triumph over adversity and a good old fashioned shindig. It's all wrapped up in a modern sounding electro-club vibe with some spot on production from (the very dreamy) Lucian Piane (who appeared on Drag Race when the queens took on different genres for album track Superstar). Lucian also infuses the album with elements of traditional pop, r'n'b and hip hop to keep it interesting and RuPaul keeps pace on every track, ensuring you just want to grab the one you love (or love at that moment :P) and shimmy!

It's a joy from start to finish. The Beginning (of course) kicks off the party atmosphere with cheering crowds and some vicious synth work that really make the track throb. The title track Glamazon is a huge dance number that takes references from Drag Race (Sashay & Shantay) and pulsates with energy. Indeed, this could easily stand up on the charts alongside recent Key-dollar sign-ha, Britney and Lady Gaga tracks. Talking of pop stars, if you are hungering for Madonna to return to a more Confessions era sound (as opposed to Hard Candy) do pay close attention to the sizzling Here It Comes Around Again. It's like Sorry travelled back to the 80s and had a torrid affair with True Blue. RuPaul sounds tremendous on this track and it earns a quick repeat every time it pops up. More dance happens with the effervescent Live Forever, which is firmly rooted in the 90s house era and lures you in to it's hypnotic rhythms and beats. It has a chorus that just keeps on giving and one that refuses to leave your head after just one play. All these tracks will guarantee that people will be jealous of your boogie when they play in your local pub/club/sauna of choice :)

Two of my favourite tracks on the album just happen to be bumping booty in the middle of the cd. Superstar has already appeared on Drag Race and is a lovely, mid tempo ballad. Penned by Lucian and RuPaul, it's an inspirational tune about picking yourself up and becoming the superstar you know you can be. Just listening to it makes you feel better about yourself and RuPaul is in fine vocal form, being given a chance to shine. I can only imagine how this may get remixed and I'm eager to hear those, but here and now for me it's a delight as it is. Responsitrannity is astounding and my definite favourite on the album. I love a bit of word punnilingus in a title and the track is a breezy 80s dance tune with overtones of Daft Punk. AND THEN COMES THE MIDDLE 8! It's like gay church with it's dramatic breakdown and brilliant piano chords. Get ready to testify because this is euphoric stuff :)

All in all, gag on the pop eleganza of this album. Never veering too far from dance, it remembers to keep the all important melody in there too and focus on massive choruses that never stray far from your brain. Lyrically it's witty, emotional and heartfelt - much like Drag Race set to a disco beat. Ultimately it's a layered album that keeps on giving with each listen. Totally anthemic :) Condragulations to all involved...

PS - quite by chance, just seen Lucian Piane in the credits of the Hairspray OST! Who knew? (He probably did). Now i'm off to convince Santino on twitter that he needs to help me revamp my wardrobe :P