Does current American Idol contestant Adam Lambert give you a tingling flush of deja vu? A similar sensation came over this indie-pop diehard yesterday as I watched a clip of the putative AI front-runner emoting his way through "Tracks of My Tears." Something about his quavery tenor put me in mind of none other than Antony Hegarty, English-Irish frontman of the art-folk experimentalists Antony and the Johnsons. That Tim-and-Jeff-Buckley impression of vocal kinship hit me even more forcefully with Lambert’s haunted, mournful rendition of Tears for Fears’ "Mad World."
I thought Lambert reined in his penchant for playing-to-the-galleries pyrotechnics to heart-stirring effect, though admittedly, Hegarty’s voice has a darker timbre than Lambert’s, and on stage, his Daniel Johnston-like twitchiness contrasts jarringly with the Idolette’s musical-theater showmanship. No doubt about it, though: Both are prodigiously gifted, soulful singers.
But decide for yourselves, Music Mix-ers. Give a listen to Antony Hegarty, especially on the aching "If It Be Your Will," from the Leonard Cohen documentary I’m Your Man, or his duet with Lou Reed on "Candy Says." Or compare the two singers via the embedded video clips below. Could Hegarty’s career choices herald an alternative, artistically risk-taking path for Lambert in the event that the AI brass ring eludes him? Has he already given us a taste of that future with his offbeat, Middle Eastern-flavored "Ring of FIre"? If you vehemently disagree, say so. If you hear traces of Meat Loaf or Cat Stevens in either singer, all well and good. Sound off to your hearts’ content.
They don’t even compare. Adam is awesome. This guy…. not so much IMHO.
grew up with dust in the wind.When adam sings a song that i love so much like hes in play is when i dont like him.i will say it again if he has 1 bad song or does it like that (after top 5)he could go home fast.still would love to see him and allison in finals
I don’t completely agree, but I can definitely appreciate the comparison. Nice to see Adam scale notes without his signature wail, too. If anything, it makes me rethink what Adam’s record will sound like. (Because love him or hate him, we’ll be hearing alot from this guy in the future.)
You cover music and these two artists sound the same to you? WOW…can I have some of what you are smoking?
I don’t think their voices are that similar. Adam’s voice is more pure. He is truly amazing every week. I’d buy anything he put out. He’s not bad on the eyes either.
I am not usually a fan but Adam is worth watching, I haven’t watched AI for about 5 years now. Glad there is Adam, he is the whole show and we tune in just to see what he’s going to sing next. Will buy his CD and you are right, he is nice to look at too! Doesn’t really sound the same as the comparison artist, his voice is smoother. I would compare Hegarty more to the last gal that went home, the one with the tattoo on her arm and her wavering crooning.
Adam is definately a better singer and entertainer. Much stronger voice and range. Antony reminds me a bit of Jeff Buckley meets Bryan Ferry but is not nearly as dynamic as Jeff or Bryan. I don’t think the two A’s have much vocal similarity at all, but nice try. Antony
If you start comparing Adam to other vocalists and singers, you better make a list of around thousand singers that might sound like him. You can also add female singers in that list.
My advice to you – Don’t even start comparing, unless you are very very bored and have nothing else to do.
well all you adam fans better get it.I do folk music and broadway is him.Allison will be the next idol superstar.song writers are fighting over her right now.How many more stars will say (never heard a vioce that good in a 16 year old)before u get it.
Cat Stevens was a master of falsetto but he was also a s. o. b. I remember being at one of his concerts back in the day and one of the girls brought a bracelet to the stage for him. He actually took the time to tell the audience that they shouldn’t bother to bring junk to the stage as what was he going to do with it.
i have far more respect for Antony’s artistry. Adam still has a long way to go to prove himself worthy of comparison to someone like Antony.
Mr Hegarty sounds like A Brian Ferry wannabe without the brilliant Roxy Music behind him. Way too much vibrato and a bit of a snooze reallly. They only thing that Adam has in common with this guy is the piano. Adam is so much more interesting a performer than this.
I can kinda see where you are coming from with the comparison. I love both of them (Antony’s music has the power to bring me to tears), although Adam still has to prove himself outside of Idol world. Part of me hopes he doesn’t win so he can take riskss and experiment artistically in a way that might not bring him huge hits but will ensure some sort of longevity and credibility as a niche artist. He’s no Antony (yet) but his huge voice definitely has potential, depending on what he chooses to do post-Idol.
I love the calibur of the haters… “I do folk music and broadway is him.” lol We will see when all is said and done but again thank you haters for posting and supporting Adam! The more you write the more hype he has so thanks! Go Adam!
Repeat–the same who are you kidding!!
Antony sounds like needs a laxative.
He’s terrible