For some reason, Adam Lambert just hasn't quite clicked with the music industry. Despite being runner-up in 2008 on American Idol and releasing his debut album For Your Entertainment with the smash hits 'Whataya Want From Me' and 'If I Had You', he always seems to be brushed aside. His 2012 release Trespassing was another perfect pop record, yet literally no one took notice.

But as we've ventured into 2015, Adam has dropped the theatrics that have pushed many people away, and is embracing a new look and a new sound. His third studio album, The Original High, was released today and it's Adam's best work to date. He's teamed up with super producers Max Martin and Shellback, but fear not: he may have rid himself of the glitter and the heavy eye liner, but his sound has evolved and possibly gotten even a little weirder.
The album kicks off with lead single 'Ghost Town', a trippy '90s house-infused track which is a brilliant reintroduction to Adam and a lead in to his new sound. It's a massive banger that was very risky for him to release, but it's brilliant. It ties perfectly to the title track, a euphoric jam which thankfully features his iconic wail on the bridge as the '90s house-influence goes full throttle.

The album then segues into 'Another Lonely Night', a personal favorite of mine. This trippy, eletro jam is effortlessly smooth with Adam's voice delivering that heartbreak and pain easily. 'The Light' follows in the same vein as it primes the dance floor for many sweaty hours of dancing. It may be one of the most perfect jams for the club with that massive beat and Adam's signature wail making its comeback.
Things slow down a bit with the ballad 'There I Said It'. Starting off with just Adam's vocals, the vulnerability pierces through his vocals and brings me to tears as he pleads with his lover, "I'm a grown ass man, and I don't understand why I should be living in your shadow." 'Things I Didn't Say' is nice, but it's easily the weakest track on this offering. 'Heavy Fire' starts slow and then builds towards the end, and while it isn't the strongest, the production is the star.

The two collaborations on the album are some of the record's biggest moments. After the successful few years Adam has had touring as the frontman for Queen, it was inevitable there would be a collab here. Adam and Brian May take a spin on 'Dirty Diana' with 'Lucy', the perfect '80s glam rock offering where Adam's vocals vibe effortlessly with the screeching guitar. And then there's the infamous Tove Lo masterpiece, 'Rumors'. Maybe inspired by Lindsay Lohan or Fleetwood Mac, although we'll probably never know, this pairing is perfection. The song is a hot mid-tempo and their voices make magic.
'Underground' is a gorgeous R&B-tinged mid-tempo where Adam's voice once again cuts into the inner depths of the soul and makes you feel things you never thought possible. The velcro line is a little off-putting, but the melody is simply gorgeous. And finally 'Evil In the Night' is arguably the most insane banger on this album. From the first moment when Adam begins belting you know you're in for a ride. The song just continues to build with its part R&B, part disco vibe until Adam's wailing and all is right in the world.

This album is a new journey for Adam, and I think with the brilliant cohesiveness of this album he's finally found himself as an artist. His voice has gotten stronger, his emotive capability is even more piercing, and the production on the album is perfect. Adam is now a force to be reckoned with, and he deserves all the success in the world. I hope Paula Abdul is quietly clapping away somewhere.