High Drama is such an ideal title for Adam Lambert, a singer who specializes in grand, overheated gestures, that it comes as a slight disappointment to realize that it arrives in service of a covers album. Thankfully, Lambert doesnt take his task lightly here: he takes pains to give the 11 songs on High Drama distinctive arrangements that clearly delineate his version from the original. Also, he doesnt stick to classics, either of the canon or cult variety. A few warhorses are hauled out onto the track -- Duran Durans "Ordinary World," Bonnie Tylers "Holding Out for a Hero," Ann Peebles "I Cant Stand the Rain," Culture Clubs "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" -- but theyre heard alongside selections from Billie Eilish, Sia, Lana Del Rey, P!nk, and Kings of Leon. For good measure, he adds an unexpected coda of pioneering glam rocker Jobriaths "Im a Man" and Noel Cowards "Mad About the Boy," functioning as a nod to queer pop history. This pair of songs are the only tunes on High Drama that couldnt conceivably be heard on American Idol, which isnt necessarily a bad thing. Theres a certain kick in hearing Lambert effectively return to his roots, scheming to deliver snazzy, memorable renditions of songs the audience knows by heart. More often than not, he delivers on High Drama, particularly on the insistent glitter march of "Holding Out for a Hero" and a smoldering electro makeover of "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Rovi