Adam Lambert debuted a remix of his song 'Aftermath' on the Ryan Seacrest show yesterday, and it is available for sale tonight on his official website with part of the proceeds going to The Trevor Project. Lambert will also appear on 'American Idol' tonight, Mar. 10, to sing an acoustic version of the song.
'Aftermath' has been revamped by producer Billboard, who worked with Dr. Luke on Britney Spears‘ recent songs 'Hold It Against Me' and 'Til The World Ends.'
Listen to 'Aftermath: Remix' at left followed by Adam Lambert's interview with Ryan Seacrest.
The Trevor Project is an organization dedicated to helping LBGTQ youth who are feeling alone, confused or in crisis. Among the services and programs provided, the Trevor Project hosts the Trevor Lifeline (a suicide prevention hotline: 866-4-U-TREVOR) and ran the 'It Gets Better' campaign last year after a rash of LGBTQ youth suicides.
'Aftermath' - the original
'Aftermath' is a song Adam Lambert co-wrote with Ferras Alqaisi, Alisan Porter, and Ely Weisfield that was featured on For Your Entertainment, Lambert's debut album. In it's original format, 'Aftermath' is a rock-anthem that shows off Lambert’s spectacular range - with his lower register very prominent and his now-familiar riffing on the high notes.
The uplifting message in the lyrics to 'Aftermath' is touching without being sappy. It is, as Lambert has said, a self-empowerment anthem. And what better song to bring attention to the Trevor Project while also providing encouragement and support to LGBTQ youth and anyone with self-esteem issues?
Wanna scream out, no more hiding,
Don’t be afraid of what’s inside.
Gonna tell you, you’ll be alright in the aftermath.
Anytime anybody tears you down,
Anytime anybody says you’re not allowed,
Just remember that you’re not alone…in the aftermath*
*Lyrics from 'Aftermath' © Ferras Alqaisi, Adam Lambert, Alisan Porter, Ely Weisfield.
But how is the remix?
I am a big fan of remixes - having all of Lambert's already plus most remixes of Lady Gaga, Madonna, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, and other dance-pop artists.
On first pass, 'Aftermath: Remix' was slower than I expected. However, upon repeated listens, the weight of the message dictates the chillout approach being used. The song definitely sounds fresh compared to the original (which was overproduced), and should get some play in clubs and on dance-oriented radio.
The vocal is way out front, which is important because Lambert is best appreciated when you can hear his voice above the mix. A few of the notes were tweaked (such as 'way' in the verse 'Have you lost your way') which, while unnoticable to a new listener, may be a little jarring when you know the song well and don't expect harmony in place of melody.
Maybe it's not perfect, but overall 'Aftermath: Remix' is a good effort by Billboard. Clearly Lambert is happy with the mix and eager to promote it to bring attention to the universal message and to the Trevor Project.
While I personally favor more colorful Lambert remixes over 'Aftermath: Remix' (by producers like Jason Nevins, Brad Walsh, and Nick Fonzerelli), that doesn't diminish the value of this release. It's a worthy song for clubbing and just hanging out and I hope it does well. I know I'll be buying my copy tonight.
What did you think of 'Aftermath: Remix'? Are you a fan of remixes or did you prefer the original?
Read my blog entry from 2010 suggesting 'Aftermath' as a single for Adam Lambert.
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