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Adam Lambert makes triumphant return with new song Ghost Town: First listen review
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Excitement about Adam Lambert’s new music started back in January, when it was announced that he had signed a new record deal with Warner and had brought in pop aficionado Max Martin to helm his third studio album.
In case you’re not aware, Max responsible for several barrel loads of incredible pop songs over the past 20 years by the likes of Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and Pink (click here to look at his full list of production work). And while the prospect of Adam teaming up with him is exciting enough, even better is that Ghost Town is as much a departure for Max as it is for Adam.
So what does it sound like? After one play we only wrote one word in our notes: ‘BONKERS’. When it comes to pop music, this is usually a good thing. Fortunately we were allowed to listen to it again.
The song itself opens with a dramatic guitar strums that will inevitably be compared to Avicii’s Hey Brother. “I tried to believe in God and James Dean but Hollywood sold out” he sings, before the whole things drops away and morphs into a chorus that is short on lyrics but big on hooks. “Now I know my heart is a Ghost Town” he declares over a spacious house beat and – crucially - a ludicrously catchy whistle that immediately lodges itself in the brain. Here's a short clip Adam recently posted online:
The whole thing continues to grow from there. Adam’s vocal and Max’s carefully layered production build up towards a climatic middle 8 that results in an explosion of whistles, guitars and stabbing synths on the finale. It’s big, but it’s not over-sung; the opposite of what was quite rightly required of Adam during his recent tour with Queen.
Lyrically, Ghost Town isn’t about one thing in particular. The subject matter and atmosphere is dark and moody (“I died last night in my dreams”) and overall seems to allude to someone searching for something missing in their life.
Crucially, Ghost Town is the kind of song that forces you to sit up and take notice which, without a major UK hit to his name yet, is exactly what Adam Lambert needs right now. You’ll be able to hear the song in full on April 21.
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W
WhiteLady
I just got to listen to it! Like 10 times :)
I'll say it's not my favourite song from Adam, (like him better at full glam like on 'cuckoo', 'music again' or 'strut') but I'd still give it a 7/10, I like it and it sounds like a hit to me! I can imagine hearing it in night clubs throughout the summer.
Hopefully it will be played on radio and become the hit he needs to cement his status in the pop world.
Katie Spector Zlotnick
Trespassing is a great album!It makes me feel thatI am back in the 70s disco era again! Makes me want to get up out of my chair and start dancing. It is a feel-good type of album. The only place where I feel that Adam went wrong was telling everyone that it was about the story of his life if you listen deep into the words. Listening to it, I felt a connection because of things I went through in my life so for me I still listen to it a lot! But, for anyone that did not know that it had to do with his past, they bought it and loved it. I was in Adam Lambert chat rooms and that was the consensus in there. And the only way people knew him was through his tour with Queen because by season 8 a lot of Idol fans had stopped watching the show and did not know who he was. I could not even find a T-shirt with his picture on it and I had to have one specially made. I still have not given up and I still cannot wait for ghost town and the album to follow. I have been questioning all along why he does not have awards for any of his music. He made a comment to one of the magazines in London about trespassing on why it
did so poorly so I did a little more digging. Personally, I think Adam has it all... The complete package... The amazing voice, the hot looks and the stage presence probably from his Broadway days. If he ends up with Queen, that isn't a bad thing but then he can't sing his own music. If this next CD does not work out, he should really think about going back on Broadway but again, I will never give up on Adam's music! He is amazing to me! And I do not care what his sexual preference is!
glamity58
I can't wait to hear the entire song. Now lets try and get radio to push this song. Adam deserves this......the whole world deserves something other than the mediocrity that we are hearing on radio.
H
Hep.
This review is a great start for "Ghost Town" and we his fans thank you very much.
Maliha Sallahuddin
We are dying and honestly these reviews arent helping okay? ahahaha :)
pollywog
Thank you so much for the very nice review. I am anxiously awaiting the release of Ghost Town so I can hear the song myself.
mickivick
Thank you Offficial Charts for fixing the link to Adam's "Ghost Town snippet!
MC
Marilyn Cole
What you describe sounds insane! At last Adam is being recognized for the true artist that he is. I do hope it gets lots of radio play in North America
6plus12
Lambert's IG above doesn't work for me (U.S.) - does it work in the UK?
mickivick
I'm so excited to hear the full song!
Ovationimpact
Excited E-X-C-I-T-E-D! About Adams new music.
G
Gisele
Thanks for the amazing review. I am so exciting, can't way to 21!!
lilian alcasid
BONKERS!!!! The beat is gonna be insane especially ADAM'S vocalistic power will roar around the globe baby!!!:) Is it 21th yet????:))
Y
Yvette
That was a great review! Now I'm so AMPED UP I can't stand it! Adam Lamberts Voice feeds my soul with Magical melodic beauty. It doesn't matter what he sings, his voice touches my heart and soul. This song sounds soul stirring and with Adams Second to none Vocals, Ghost Town and The Original High has to be a hit record. I'm do ready!
Lifechnger
Thank you for your review! Can't wait to hear this song, sounds sooo interesting !!
L
Louise
I am so excited and looking forward to hearing ALL of Ghost Town from the one and only Adam Lambert. Hurry up 4/21!!
Marian B. Painter
Thanks for the more detailed description. This is just what Adam needs right now, looking forward with great anticipation to hearing Ghost Town for the first time and over and over!!!! Its time for the best artist/performer to take over the pop world/charts.
TexasMeterMaid
I was excited before reading this review but now I am BONKERS also! C'mon 4/21 and get here!!!
J
Jennifer
This review has made me excited to hear this song! Looking forward to it.
Zenber1
Let's hear it!!! Can't wait!!
Mallory2696
Anticipation grows-----------!!!!!!
B
BooBoo
OMG! Adam is my favorite singer, can't wait, although I love him w Queen too. Will he tour w Queen again when he has a hit single(s)?s
Mia_13
yasss!!! only E I G H T - M O R E - D A Y S ! ! ! :DDD
Judy Purcell
Have a feeling GT is going to be a smash !! Can't wait to hear it !
SS
Sam Sammy
Thanks for the fantastic review! The song sounds so interesting and exciting!
6plus12
Thanks so much for your review - if possible, now looking forward even more to this release and hearing Lambert's extraordinary voice in new music - good times ahead -