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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The strategy sessions over how to present Blake Lewis's post-American Idol debut must have been excruciating, as label-types scratched their heads, wondering: Is it possible to market a disc full of beat-boxing? If not, would the world warm to Blake Lewis, pop charmer? Or Blake Lewis, balladeer? The safest bet seems to have been to build a better post-prime time set by way of experimentation. Audio Day Dream unfolds much the way late-season American Idol shows do: It sets Lewis on a lot of platforms and lets him play up his charm, if not always his straight-outta-the-'80s musical predilections. Partially the brainchild of producer Ryan Tedder (One Republic), "Break Anotha" is pure beat-box Blake and, as such, it's demonically catchy. The same can be said for hip-hop and electro-tinged numbers such as "She's Makin' Me Lose It" and "Gots to Get To Her." Stabs at sentimentality surface, and they're not bad: "I Got U" may very well get you, if you like soft pop stylized with a nod in Adam Levine's direction. Overall, ADD demonstrates why Lewis blazed his way into AI's final round: He's out there, sure, but he's willing to reel it in enough to keep it real for the masses. -Tammy La Gorce
Product Description
2007 release, the debut from the talented runner up on the sixth season of American Idol. Features production from Jonathan JR Rotem (Rihanna and Sean Kingston), Ryan 'Alias' Tedder (Timbaland and Leona Lewis) and S*A*M & Sluggo (Gym class Heroes and Boys Like Girls).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
57 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It is undeniable the talented beatboxer, Blake Lewis, is up to something good. Audio Day Dream confirms it. While many might liken him to be another Justin Timberlake-wannabe, Lewis has it in him to differentiate himself a little. On his debut outing, he works with mostly OneRepublic frontman, Ryan Tedder. The result is more electro-funk-pop with a tinge of rock.
First single, Break Anotha (co-written with Ryan Tedder and Sam Watters of Color Me Badd fame) is incredibly catchy and funky with some parts reminiscent of Missy Elliott. Know My Name probably draws much of its inspiration from 80s Prince (and thank god the only song that features rapping by Lupe Fiasco). The sappier tracks like How Many Words and I Got You recall Color Me Badd (Watters contributes again on End of the World). That's not a bad thing for they feel entirely different from those faster tracks. Electronic maestro BT contributes a track She's Making Me Losin' It where Lewis sings in his falsetto amid the blips and beats. End of the World and 1000 Miles also signal his aspirations in electronic music, with the latter breaking into vocodered stutters towards the end.
Knowing that beatboxing isn't the kind of thing the masses might enjoy, he has kept them mostly on the interludes interspersed throughout the album, occasionally showcasing them on the main songs. The majority of the album revels in the uptempo beats, something the newbie is effortless at. The closer, ...I Choose Noise is a sign of more good things to come. Except for a few fillers in the middle, Audio Day Dream does a good job at capturing Blake Lewis' musical persona. (B+)
First single, Break Anotha (co-written with Ryan Tedder and Sam Watters of Color Me Badd fame) is incredibly catchy and funky with some parts reminiscent of Missy Elliott. Know My Name probably draws much of its inspiration from 80s Prince (and thank god the only song that features rapping by Lupe Fiasco). The sappier tracks like How Many Words and I Got You recall Color Me Badd (Watters contributes again on End of the World). That's not a bad thing for they feel entirely different from those faster tracks. Electronic maestro BT contributes a track She's Making Me Losin' It where Lewis sings in his falsetto amid the blips and beats. End of the World and 1000 Miles also signal his aspirations in electronic music, with the latter breaking into vocodered stutters towards the end.
Knowing that beatboxing isn't the kind of thing the masses might enjoy, he has kept them mostly on the interludes interspersed throughout the album, occasionally showcasing them on the main songs. The majority of the album revels in the uptempo beats, something the newbie is effortless at. The closer, ...I Choose Noise is a sign of more good things to come. Except for a few fillers in the middle, Audio Day Dream does a good job at capturing Blake Lewis' musical persona. (B+)
61 of 70 people found the following review helpful
By Michelle
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
So I really liked Blake Lewis' musical taste and experimentation on American Idol, tolerated the beatboxing but wasn't necessarily in love with it, was sure Jordin and Melinda outdid him on vocals and had absolutely no idea what his first album would sound like.
The label gave Blake relatively free rein on this album and he was heavily involved, with a writing credit on all but one of the tracks and I suspect a hand in production for all of them. There's an overall concept of "updated 80s mixtape", with various fusions of rock, pop, funk, r&b and soul with an overlay of a heavy 80s vibe of synth and electro effects.
What it all blends into is what I think is the first true pop record that hasn't fallen victim to Idol's "safe and sold" route. It's nicknamed A.D.D. for a reason, but somehow it all hangs together, and Blake keeps his reputation for eclectic style with substance. First thing you'll think: "Oh jeez, the 80s are back!", then "Hm, maybe that's not so bad after all."
The beatboxing is fairly minimal (except for one track which is *just* beatboxing) and his vocals are good enough for the job. The music is more about the beats, melodies, and production - lots of layers and little details; you really have to hear this through headphones to get the full experience. There are fun interludes between many of the tracks but I wish they'd gotten their own tracks instead of being stuck on the ends of songs.
1. Silence is Golden - short intro track, electro sound. Blake did a lot of EDM and ambient style singing in his former life and snuck it in on this and the Outro.
2. Break Anotha - First single, takes a guitar line from Jane's Addiction, adds beats and a Jekyll & Hyde storyline in the lyrics and turns out a club banger.... Read more ›
The label gave Blake relatively free rein on this album and he was heavily involved, with a writing credit on all but one of the tracks and I suspect a hand in production for all of them. There's an overall concept of "updated 80s mixtape", with various fusions of rock, pop, funk, r&b and soul with an overlay of a heavy 80s vibe of synth and electro effects.
What it all blends into is what I think is the first true pop record that hasn't fallen victim to Idol's "safe and sold" route. It's nicknamed A.D.D. for a reason, but somehow it all hangs together, and Blake keeps his reputation for eclectic style with substance. First thing you'll think: "Oh jeez, the 80s are back!", then "Hm, maybe that's not so bad after all."
The beatboxing is fairly minimal (except for one track which is *just* beatboxing) and his vocals are good enough for the job. The music is more about the beats, melodies, and production - lots of layers and little details; you really have to hear this through headphones to get the full experience. There are fun interludes between many of the tracks but I wish they'd gotten their own tracks instead of being stuck on the ends of songs.
1. Silence is Golden - short intro track, electro sound. Blake did a lot of EDM and ambient style singing in his former life and snuck it in on this and the Outro.
2. Break Anotha - First single, takes a guitar line from Jane's Addiction, adds beats and a Jekyll & Hyde storyline in the lyrics and turns out a club banger.... Read more ›
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
He's no Kelly Clarkson, but at least Blake Lewis has made his mark by co-writing twelve of the songs on this album. The mix may best be described as eclectic, and you'll probably have to listen to the album a few times to get a feel for it, but I think you'll find a few tracks here to make this worth your while.
Hint: This album sounds best through headphones with the volume turned up.
The tracks that deserve a comment are:
1. Break Anotha - A little techno, a little beat-boxing, a little funk, but all held together with a great beat. A good choice for the first single.
2. Gots To Get Her - An updated tribute to "Puttin' on the Ritz"
3. How Many Words - Nice melody and a comfortable vocal range for him
4. Surrender - The one he didn't co-write. All around radio-friendly song with an eighties feel.
5. Without You -Arguably one of the best songs on the album, if you like eighties ballads, that is.
6. End of the World - A mid-tempo track suited to his vocal range, with a swelling chorus. This would make a good single
7. 1000 Miles - Nothing to do with the Vanessa Carlton song, and won't be as big a hit, but well worth a listen anyway
8. I Got U - Another mid-tempo track to end the album. Sounds boy-band-ish.
The song titles may make an English teacher faint, but you can't accuse Blake Lewis of not being himself on this album.
Amanda Richards, December 22, 2007
Hint: This album sounds best through headphones with the volume turned up.
The tracks that deserve a comment are:
1. Break Anotha - A little techno, a little beat-boxing, a little funk, but all held together with a great beat. A good choice for the first single.
2. Gots To Get Her - An updated tribute to "Puttin' on the Ritz"
3. How Many Words - Nice melody and a comfortable vocal range for him
4. Surrender - The one he didn't co-write. All around radio-friendly song with an eighties feel.
5. Without You -Arguably one of the best songs on the album, if you like eighties ballads, that is.
6. End of the World - A mid-tempo track suited to his vocal range, with a swelling chorus. This would make a good single
7. 1000 Miles - Nothing to do with the Vanessa Carlton song, and won't be as big a hit, but well worth a listen anyway
8. I Got U - Another mid-tempo track to end the album. Sounds boy-band-ish.
The song titles may make an English teacher faint, but you can't accuse Blake Lewis of not being himself on this album.
Amanda Richards, December 22, 2007
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Jimbo
Format:Audio CD
Okay. There was a lot of focus on the show comparing Jordin's voice vs Blake's performance ability.
Well - much like the show - the CD's play out the same way.
Blake doesn't have Jordin's voice ... BUT ... his CD is much more listenable. His songs sorta blend together [as in a daydream] but are still distinct, upbeat and fun.
Seeing as Blake penned all but one song on this CD - it's totally HIM. When you hear it - you KNOW it's Blake. I'm not sure how he retained so much creative control on his album compared to previous contestants ... but it soooo shows.
The CD is very fun, and a pleasure to listen to. One of the better Idol debuts in 6 seasons!
Well - much like the show - the CD's play out the same way.
Blake doesn't have Jordin's voice ... BUT ... his CD is much more listenable. His songs sorta blend together [as in a daydream] but are still distinct, upbeat and fun.
Seeing as Blake penned all but one song on this CD - it's totally HIM. When you hear it - you KNOW it's Blake. I'm not sure how he retained so much creative control on his album compared to previous contestants ... but it soooo shows.
The CD is very fun, and a pleasure to listen to. One of the better Idol debuts in 6 seasons!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not a bad album.
This is the debut album from American Idol Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis. It's an interesting mix of styles, and while some of the tracks are mediocre, others are phenomenal. Read more
Published 20 months ago by ErinAlegra
5.0 out of 5 stars
4 years - and the only Idol album I listen to over and over again
Blake Lewis' ADD album is the only American Idol-related album I ever listen to on a regular basis these days. I listen to it often, and enjoy it every time. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Point99
3.0 out of 5 stars
Like him on idol
I always liked him on idol, but this album was lacking. It was just too original. I wished he remade some other songs and tweaked them to make them his own. Read more
Published on August 31, 2010 by M. V. Damiano
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great debut, but likely the last we'll hear from B Short
I was a big fan of Blake on AI and really enjoy this CD. It was exactly what I expected and a good effort for someone relatively new to the industry. Read more
Published on April 17, 2010 by C. A. Leeth
5.0 out of 5 stars
This guy is a genius, this CD is the best!!!!!!!!
I had the CD and something happened to it and I had to have another one. I don't know you they don't play any of his songs on the radio. Blake get another manager.
Published on January 8, 2010 by Ron
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blake is still out there and hooking up with Darude...
This being the first and so far only published music CD people find it hard to take Blake seriously. Read more
Published on June 27, 2009 by Scotty Stillman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great first effort
This was the first American Idol contestants album I purchased, and I liked it alot
Published on June 12, 2009 by Satbir S. Bal
5.0 out of 5 stars
AMAZING!!!
I love this CD, his range of music is awesome, and I especially loves the words and lyrics to the songs. Read more
Published on May 15, 2009 by H. Price
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Purely Unexpected Delight
I tend to buy most American Idol CDs, especially the ones that produced singles with radio air time. I really had no intention of checking out Blake's CD. Read more
Published on May 6, 2009 by Todd G. Sorrell
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very disappointed
I loved Blake Lewis on Idol and ordered his CD as soon as it was available but was very disappointed in it.
Published on January 9, 2009 by Diane-New York
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