Album Review: Velvet | Adam Lambert

This is Album #27/20 that I listened to for my 2020 challenge. I listened to this album 8 times for my review.

Here are some quick stats about Velvet by Adam Lambert:

• Album #4

• Released March 20, 2020 (Previous album release 2015)

• Album length: 44:00, 13 tracks

• Peaked at #89 on the US Billboard 200 (1 weeks on the chart so far)

• Genre: Funk Rock, Disco, Glam Rock

• Metacritic score: 84/100

I've known about Adam Lambert since his American Idol days. I've heard various singles, but I've never heard a full album which is why I decided to give this album a chance.

I didn't dislike this album, but I also didn't particularly like it. I thought it was a little bland and that it didn't dive deep enough into the disco/funk genre. With so many other albums coming out this days that are using this disco/funk throwback element, this one just felt like a generic attempt that doesn't quite measure up to the others. There weren't any songs that I disliked, but there also weren't any standout songs for me (other than the title track: "Velvet"). Other than "Velvet," all of the other songs are pretty indistinguishable for me. The songs sound pretty similar and it gets a little boring. I think Adam is very talented, and he undoubtedly is a great entertainer if you went to go see him live in concert, but judging just from the album itself I don't think it showcases his vocals to its full potential.

Recommendations:

Listen or don't listen? Don't listen. While I thought this album was fine, I wouldn't recommend it to other people just because there's so many other great albums out there. This was just very bland for me.

I'd give this album a 5/10. I just thought it was okay and a little forgettable. I will continue listening to the title track, "Velvet," but I probably won't listen to the full album again. I am still interested in listening to Adam's previous and future works though. Have you listened to this album? I'd love to hear your thoughts down below.