I find Adam Lambert so incredibly sexy. I know that’s a weird way to start a review, but it’s true. So what does one do when they spend two hours at The Original High concert wanting to rip the star’s clothes off? You hold onto your ovaries and realise what an incredible singer and, surprisingly, what an amazing dancer, he truly is!
Supporting act, Melanie Martinez, took us to the playground featuring songs from her debut album Dollhouse, including first single “Pity Party”, catchy “Crybaby” and a cover by band, Jeremiah. In her baby doll dress, white socks, semi-robotic dance moves and Katy Perry-esque look (and with her bear-hat clad musicians), she was the perfect performer to open for Lambert.
The energy from the crowd was electric as Lambert took the stage with the toe-taping “Evil in the Night”, pausing midway to lead in an “Aussie. Aussie. Aussie. Oi. Oi. Oi” chorus for Australia Day.
Featuring songs from all three albums, For Your Entertainment, Trespassing and his latest, The Original High, Lambert sung for two straight hours with minimal breaks. Where most artists would go off stage for a lengthy amount of time, Lambert kept his three costume changes brief and swift, before returning to stage pumped and ready to rock again.
Lambert spoke of The Original High tour as taking us on a journey from the dark to the light – or moreso, the club, too. There were distinct sets – the first or “the dark” featured the more moody songs as “Another Lonely Night”, “Ghost Town”, “Lucy” and a mash-up of “Runnin'”, “Chokehold” and “Sleepwalker”, which brought the house down.
The second, the midway set, or the softer side of Lambert, in a full pink suit, sang including a softer version of “Whataya Want From Me”, “After Hours” and a haunting cover of “Mad World” by Tears for Fears – which left some audience members in tears – literally, to which Lambert humbly, yet cheekily, said, “Did I make you cry? I see you wiping your tear. Did I make you wet? Yes! That’s my job!”
After an epic non-epileptic-friendly psychedelic light party (seriously, look it up on YouTube!), Lambert hit the stage in shiny multi-coloured streetwear, for the third set, the clubesque, feel good way to end the show. Featuring the up-beat “Fever”, a mash-up of “Trespassing” and Queen‘s “Another One Bites The Dust” and “Let’s Dance” – as a tribute the recently passed David Bowie.
The fourth, the encore, ending with a laid-back, beachy/reggae edition of “If I Had You”, which included an introduction (and, to note, the only time Lambert wasn’t on his feet!) to his amazing backing band. Most noteworthy, ‘the other Adam’ on the electric guitar. As Lambert says, “He’s fucking great at it!”
It’s been seven years since Lambert graced our screens as the runner-up of the eighth season of American Idol and boy, has the multi-award winning singer/songwriter come a long way! Where a lot of performers rely heavily on theatrics to put a show together these days, Lambert doesn’t need it.
The show is stripped back with a male and female back up dancer, backing screen and impressive lighting, all the power and performance comes from Lambert’s voice and infectious dance moves, also giving a nod to his former glam(er?) ways with black nail polish, quiff and embellishments, including a sparkly skull ring on his right hand.
It takes a talented musician to sing, dance and entertain for two straight hours without a break. It’s often been said that there’s no legends in music of this generation, artists come and go so quickly that it’s sometimes hard to keep up on who is the next “big” thing, but judging by the sheer amount of talent that Lambert has, it’s hard to see a future in music where he is not a part of.
His talent is immense. His voice is powerful and raw, yet soft and vulnerable. His manner is flirty and sexual, I recall the moment of him sticking out his tongue and holding his microphone in a suggestive way, yet not in a vulgar or offensive way. His ability to put on a show that would have even the most stubborn non-dancer up on his or her feet.
If you’re only going to go see one show this year, make it Lambert’s. You are guaranteed not to be disappointed. As someone who has seen him three times now, trust me.
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