From its beginnings american idol, Adam Lambert was able to build his fan base thanks to the songs of others. The singer therefore returns with the sources from Saturday high drama, an album composed entirely of songs borrowed from Sia, Bonnie Tyler or Billie Eilish. And all thanks — at least in a way — to Cher
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December 2018. On stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Adam Lambert is called upon to pay tribute to Cher during an official ceremony. As he hits the tone on Believe – this time reworked into a powerful ballad – the singer blasts the entire floor while snatching hot tears from the American diva.
The experience, he affirms, was transcendent. Unforgettable. But she also germinated in her head the idea that would eventually become High Drama, her latest album, which was released yesterday.
“My version of Believe got a lot of people’s attention. I imagine that evening was the starting point for a great drama in more ways than one,” confirms Adam Lambert in an interview with the newspaper.
“I’ve always loved taking familiar songs and completely changing them. I’ve found over the years that people love to hear me. And since I like to give people what they want, I decided to start an album project,” he adds.
This time, it’s tracks borrowed from Sia, Billie Eilish, Duran Duran, Culture Club and other Bonnie Tylers that are mixed and passed through the multicolored prism of Adam Lambert. They come out transformed, of course, loaded with pop and rock accents or mind-blowing synthesizers.
“I like challenges”
Above all, however, they take on the unmistakable signature of Adam Lambert, with many dangerous vocal acrobatics. He admits he has taken some liberties on this level. On one point, however, he was stricter: the original melodies had to be preserved.
“These are all songs that are widely known and loved, so taking away the essence that makes people love them was out of the question. The melody is sacred. But I like the challenges, the sporty vocal flights. And I can say that I’ve spoiled myself with this plan,” explains the singer with a laugh.
Admitting that the idea of angering certain purists – or worse, the original cast – with his liberties did occur to him, Adam Lambert soon chose to draw on his instincts to guide him in the High Drama creative process to direct.
“Basically, it’s a huge compliment for them to cover an artist’s song. It means she touched us, influenced us. So I kept that in mind and I was also very careful to respect the original work,” he explains.
With Bonnie Tyler quick to praise her version of “Holding Out for a Hero,” which was released last month, one thing’s for sure: Adam Lambert can rest easy.
♦ Scrapbook High drama is currently on the market.