The American Idol alumni and beat-boxing sensation is already climbing the US dance charts with the album’s first single, ‘Sad Song’ – a chunky male offering cut from the same cloth as recent singles by Katy Perry. ‘Heartbreak On Vinyl’ meanwhile is the culmination of over a decade on the dance scene, with the title an ode to all the record stores closing down due to my industry eating itself. “These are the stores that brought inspiration to all of us music lovers and have led me to make the music I create today,” says the LA native. With additional input from an array of noted producers like S*A*M &Sluggo (Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco), Dave Audé (Pussycat Dolls), Rodney Jerkins (Lady Gaga, Britney Spears), and Jean Baptiste (Will.I.Am, Black Eyed Peas), the most important ingredient however is Lewis’ self-penned lyrics that are fun, flamboyant, and oozing with witty and innuendo. A sharp and droll pop-rock-funk-and-electronica collection that includes the Black Eyed Peas-inspired ‘Afraid’, the sing-a-long ‘The Remedy’ and Gaga-ish ‘Binary Love’ and ‘Love Or Torture (Please Don’t Stop)’, aptly demonstrating why the unconventional singer was selected as first runner up on season six of American Idol in 2007, and his debut album sold over 350,000 units to match.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Lewis Dene
