Adam Lambert’s High Drama: Track by Track

In my earlier review of High Drama, I said that what makes this album so compelling is Adam’s ability to interpret and interpolate songs in ways that fundamentally reshape them into new creations. So let’s look at each track and how I think he accomplishes that. Holding Out for a Hero. Adam reconstructs Bonnie Tyler’s... Continue Reading →

Adam Lambert High Drama Review

“If ever there was a sonic surgeon you'd want holding a scalpel to your favourite song, it would be Adam Lambert: he knows where to cut to let his seductive style seep deep.”[1] This is the album I always wanted Adam to make. What made Adam Lambert the most singular and arguably most memorable Idolist... Continue Reading →

Auditions 2023: Round 1

So let’s talk about Idol auditions. In the past, I’ve alternated between saying a lot about the audition rounds and saying only a little. Right now I’m leaning towards saying only a little this season because we don’t learn very much about the Idolists from their auditions. We certainly learn much less than the judges... Continue Reading →

My Favorite Albums of 2022

It is once again time for my annual ode to self-importance – listing my favorite music of the past year. It was another year of being pleasantly surprised by how often I listen to albums – even though I think they are too long these days (see my old man rant here) – in this era... Continue Reading →

An Idol Alum Steals the Show

The Missing Mean Judge came ready for Idol Sunday night. On returning home from receiving my second COVID booster, I found the local public radio station playing some Barbra Streisand. Streisand - with her supremely exquisite tone. Streisand - with pitch so perfect, it’s as if she invented the musical scale. Streisand - delivering lyrics... Continue Reading →

19 for 2019

A long-time loyal follower of these here musings asked, "If you were going to create a playlist of songs “not be missed” from 2019, what songs would you include?" First, we at raysmusings.com love to be asked such questions almost as much as we like referring to ourselves as multiple people in the third person.... Continue Reading →

My Favorite Music of 2019

Future Generational Superstars Maggie Rogers Heard It in a Past Life. I predict she will be this generation’s Joni Mitchell. Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? She is this generation’s Kurt Cobain. Future Generational Superstar if People Will Care More About R&B H.E.R. I Used to Know Her. She is... Continue Reading →

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