Adam Lambert, the American singer, songwriter, and actor, has captivated audiences worldwide with his powerful voice, flamboyant style, and dynamic performances. Rising to fame as the runner-up on the eighth season of “American Idol” in 2009, Lambert has since carved out a successful solo career and become the frontman for the legendary rock band Queen. This article will explore 10 of Adam Lambert’s most popular songs, delving into the stories behind them and what makes them special.
1. “Whataya Want from Me”
“Whataya Want from Me” is one of Adam Lambert’s most well-known songs. Released as the second single from his debut album “For Your Entertainment” in 2009, this track showcases Lambert’s impressive vocal range and emotional depth. The song was co-written by Pink, Max Martin, and Shellback, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
The lyrics of “Whataya Want from Me” convey a sense of vulnerability and frustration. Lambert sings about feeling overwhelmed and asking for patience and understanding from a partner. The song’s raw honesty and Lambert’s powerful delivery resonated with listeners, making it a commercial success. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Lambert a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
The music video for “Whataya Want from Me” complements the song’s emotional intensity. Directed by Diane Martel, the video features Lambert in a series of close-ups, highlighting his expressive eyes and conveying the song’s sense of longing and introspection.
2. “For Your Entertainment”
The title track of Lambert’s debut album, “For Your Entertainment,” is a high-energy dance-pop song that showcases his theatrical flair and charisma. Written by Claude Kelly and Dr. Luke, the song features a catchy beat and provocative lyrics, with Lambert delivering a confident and commanding performance.
“For Your Entertainment” is all about seduction and showmanship. Lambert invites listeners into his world, promising an unforgettable experience. The song’s bold, unapologetic attitude perfectly encapsulates Lambert’s persona as an artist. It served as a powerful introduction to his debut album, setting the tone for the eclectic mix of genres and styles that would follow.
The music video for “For Your Entertainment,” directed by Ray Kay, is a visually stunning production that features Lambert in a variety of glamorous and edgy outfits. The video’s vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and sensual choreography make it a feast for the eyes and further cement Lambert’s reputation as a visual and musical artist.
3. “Ghost Town”
“Ghost Town” is the lead single from Lambert’s third studio album, “The Original High,” released in 2015. The song marks a departure from the glam-rock and theatrical elements of his previous work, embracing a more minimalist, electronic sound. Produced by Max Martin and Shellback, “Ghost Town” combines haunting lyrics with a catchy, danceable beat.
The lyrics of “Ghost Town” describe feelings of emptiness and disillusionment, with Lambert singing about a love that has faded away. The song’s chorus features a distinctive whistling melody that adds to its eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. Despite its melancholic theme, “Ghost Town” has an infectious energy that made it a hit with fans and critics alike.
The music video for “Ghost Town,” directed by Hype Williams, features Lambert in a series of stark, black-and-white shots. The minimalist aesthetic of the video mirrors the song’s stripped-down production, allowing Lambert’s emotive performance to take center stage.
4. “If I Had You”
“If I Had You” is another standout track from Lambert’s debut album, “For Your Entertainment.” Released as the album’s third single, the song is an upbeat, dance-pop anthem that celebrates love and connection. Written by Max Martin, Shellback, and Savan Kotecha, “If I Had You” combines a catchy melody with an infectious, feel-good vibe.
The lyrics of “If I Had You” convey a simple yet powerful message: material possessions and superficial success mean nothing without love. Lambert sings about how love and relationships are what truly matter in life, a theme that resonated with many listeners. The song’s uplifting message and irresistible energy made it a hit, reaching the top 20 in several countries.
The music video for “If I Had You,” directed by Bryan Barber, is a colorful, celebratory affair. It features Lambert and a group of friends having a wild, outdoor party in the forest, complete with elaborate costumes and neon lights. The video’s fun, carefree spirit perfectly captures the essence of the song.
5. “Better Than I Know Myself”
“Better Than I Know Myself” is the lead single from Lambert’s second studio album, “Trespassing,” released in 2012. The song is a powerful pop ballad that showcases Lambert’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. Written by Dr. Luke, Claude Kelly, Cirkut, and Ammo, “Better Than I Know Myself” is a heartfelt plea for understanding and acceptance.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of self-awareness and vulnerability. Lambert sings about the struggle to balance different aspects of his personality and the importance of having someone who understands him completely. The song’s soaring chorus and Lambert’s passionate delivery make it a standout track on the album.
The music video for “Better Than I Know Myself,” directed by Ray Kay, features a dual narrative that contrasts Lambert’s dark and light sides. The video’s striking visuals and Lambert’s compelling performance add depth to the song’s emotional message, making it a memorable piece of his discography.
6. “Never Close Our Eyes”
“Never Close Our Eyes” is another hit from Lambert’s “Trespassing” album. Released as the album’s second single, the song is an upbeat, dance-pop track with a strong, anthemic quality. Written by Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Dr. Luke, and Cirkut, “Never Close Our Eyes” combines a driving beat with empowering lyrics.
The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to live life to the fullest and cherish every moment. Lambert sings about the desire to stay awake and fully experience life, emphasizing the importance of seizing the day. The song’s high-energy production and uplifting message made it a favorite among fans and a hit on the dance charts.
The music video for “Never Close Our Eyes,” directed by Dori Oskowitz, features a dystopian theme, with Lambert and other characters attempting to escape from a controlled, monotonous existence. The video’s narrative of rebellion and liberation aligns with the song’s message of living life authentically and without fear.
7. “Runnin'”
“Runnin'” is a lesser-known but highly regarded track from Lambert’s “Trespassing” album. Although it was not released as a single, the song has become a fan favorite due to its raw emotional intensity and Lambert’s powerful vocal performance. Written by Lambert, David Marshall, and Fred Williams, “Runnin'” is a haunting rock ballad that stands out on the album.
The lyrics of “Runnin'” deal with themes of struggle and perseverance. Lambert sings about feeling trapped and constantly on the run, searching for a sense of peace and stability. The song’s dark, brooding atmosphere and Lambert’s impassioned delivery make it a poignant and memorable track.
“Runnin'” showcases Lambert’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The song’s raw, unfiltered intensity resonates with listeners, making it a standout track despite its lack of commercial release.
8. “Another Lonely Night”
“Another Lonely Night” is the second single from Lambert’s “The Original High” album. The song is a mid-tempo pop track with a melancholic yet catchy melody. Written by Max Martin, Ali Payami, Sterling Fox, and Lambert himself, “Another Lonely Night” explores themes of loneliness and longing.
The lyrics of “Another Lonely Night” depict the pain of being alone and yearning for connection. Lambert sings about the emptiness that comes from missing someone and the struggle to cope with solitude. The song’s relatable theme and Lambert’s heartfelt performance struck a chord with listeners, making it a popular track from the album.
The music video for “Another Lonely Night,” directed by Luke Gilford, features a series of interconnected stories set in Las Vegas. The video’s narrative explores different facets of loneliness, from a showgirl to a wedding chapel worker, and highlights the emotional depth of the song. Lambert’s performance ties the stories together, adding to the video’s overall impact.
9. “Superpower”
“Superpower” is the lead single from Lambert’s fourth studio album, “Velvet,” released in 2019. The song is a funky, retro-inspired track that combines elements of rock, pop, and soul. Written by Lambert, Ilsey Juber, and Tommy English, “Superpower” showcases Lambert’s versatility as an artist and his ability to blend different genres seamlessly.
The lyrics of “Superpower” convey a message of empowerment and self-confidence. Lambert sings about reclaiming his strength and refusing to let others bring him down. The song’s bold, defiant attitude and infectious groove made it a hit with fans and a standout track from the “Velvet” album.
The music video for “Superpower,” directed by Miles & AJ, features Lambert in a series of vibrant, stylish settings. The video’s bold colors and dynamic visuals complement the song’s energetic vibe, making it a visually striking and memorable piece of Lambert’s body of work.
10. “Feel Something”
“Feel Something” is a deeply personal ballad released in 2019 as a standalone single and later included on Lambert’s “Velvet” album. Written by Lambert, Benedict Cork, and Josh Cumbee, the song marks a return to Lambert’s emotional and introspective side. It deals with themes of longing and the search for genuine connection.
The lyrics of “Feel Something” describe a sense of emptiness and the desire to experience real emotion. Lambert sings about the numbness that can come from heartache and the need to feel alive again. The song’s stripped-down production and Lambert’s soulful vocal performance create a powerful and intimate listening experience.
The release of “Feel Something” was accompanied by a heartfelt message from Lambert, in which he discussed his struggles with mental health and the importance of emotional honesty. The song resonated deeply with fans and highlighted Lambert’s ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
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Conclusion
Adam Lambert’s diverse discography and powerful vocal performances have cemented his place as one of the most dynamic and versatile artists of his generation. His ability to seamlessly blend different genres, from pop and rock to electronic and soul, sets him apart in the music industry. Each of the songs discussed in this article showcases a different facet of Lambert’s talent, from his theatrical flair in “For Your Entertainment” to his emotional depth in “Feel Something.”
Adam Lambert’s journey from “American Idol” contestant to global superstar is a testament to his talent, hard work, and resilience. His music continues to inspire and entertain, and his impact on the music industry and popular culture is undeniable. As Lambert continues to evolve as an artist, fans can look forward to more incredible music and unforgettable performances in the years to come.
