Adam Lambert's Debut CD: Rock? Glam? Pop?

American Idol's runner-up talks about his plans for his first record

By Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna May 26, 2009 1:20 AMTags
Adam Lambert, American Idol Season 8Frank Micelotta / PictureGroup for FOX

We loved him on rock night. We adored him on country night. We grooved with him on disco night. Hell, Adam Lambert rocked the American Idol stage every night, proving that he could shine in any genre of music and that he could do it with a theatrical edge.

With such a wide range of talents, the big question is: What type of record is Adam going to make? That's exactly what we asked him, and here's what he had to say…

"We're at the drawing board right now trying to figure that out," Adam said during a press conference call. "My view of the record industry is that it's a little too specific lately. The labels try to put one box around every artist and keep them in one genre. We don't have to go about it that way. Obviously, we want the album to have a cohesive sound, but I think it can kind of be a collection of different styles with me at the center [as] the common thread."

When asked if he would go the late-'80s glam rock route, Adam said, "You know, maybe little bits of it. I don't want to do one specific genre. I'm more about fusion. If anything, I'm more fond of the '70s glam feel than the '80s, even though I have that style of vocal. There are a lot of pop artists using the glam kind of vibe in their music. So I think I'm part of a wave, and there just happens to not be many guys doing it right now."

One thing's for sure: He's not planning on toning down the theatrics. "First and foremost, it is about the music, but [being theatrical] kind of packages it in a little more of a flashy, interesting, dynamic way. Theatricality is just one way of performing. It's my way. My favorite artists are artists that are theatrical," says Adam, citing David Bowie, Michael Jackson and Madonna as influences.

That said, Adam is realistic that theatrics onstage don't always translate to a recording, and that will be his big challenge. "Obviously, when you are doing a recording, things aren't gonna translate as over-the-top—anybody who bought an iTunes version of what I did on the show could see, 'OK, I get how he sounds in a recorded session versus how he is live.' It's different. I think people are in store for a treat. I think it's going to be a really cool album."

Somewhat surprisingly, Adam said he hasn't decided if he plans to record a solo record under his own name or go the band path like Chris Daughtry did with Daughtry. "I haven't figured that out yet. Probably solo," he said. "But there are options there. I'm not sure yet. We just started this whole process now. So it could go either way."

The process has indeed been started with 19 Entertainment, which many music insiders criticize for having too much of a heavy hand in the direction and production of American Idol finalists. But Adam doesn't feel he'll suffer the same fate.

"I think there's a little bit of a misconception about the debut CDs [of American Idol finalists]," he explained. "I think it's a case-by-case thing. In my talks with 19, the label and management company, we've discussed it and I've expressed my desire to have a lot of involvement in the process. I'm definitely a collaborator. That's my strength. I don’t like to be told what to do, and I don't like to hold the reigns all myself."

While Adam hasn't hit the studio or signed a deal yet, he says that 19 is already lining up collaborators for him. "I'm hoping that they pair me up with some amazing producers, and I know that they have some lined up already," he continued. "I think both in the producing and writing process, I plan on being present and involved. And they are totally supportive of that."

One person he said he'd love to collaborate with is Slash, who served as a mentor this season. "When we did the mentor shoot at the Roxy, I felt so at home with him onstage. I was just like, 'This guy is so rad.' Who knows, maybe we'll be able to record something in the future. I would love that."

As for when his debut CD will be released, Adam said, "I think we're probably shooting for sometime within the year."

What do you think of Adam's CD plans? What kind of record do you think he should make? Hit the comments below and let us know…