In October 2009, one of my favorite, most underrated, artists to come off American Idol released his spectacular second studio album. Blake Lewis is as talented as he is sexy and Heartbreak on Vinyl is the perfect pop album. I picked the album from the shelves unintentionally just to give it a try and I am glad that I did. Almost every track is a masterpiece! Lewis' change of sound from his debut was for the best and his use of the dance and pop genres worked to his advantage. Sadly, only two singles were released from the project and since the album stalled at #135 on the charts, the songs did not garner much exposure either except on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. When I talk about hidden gems, this is my prime example. Many people do not know of this album or its hit potential. All I know is I love it and I keep thinking to myself what song would have made the perfect third single, not counting "Til We See the Sun"?
The singles, "Sad Song" and the title track, were great songs, but not necessarily the best from the album. Since Blake was king of the dance charts once, I think he could have easily done it again if "Freak" was serviced as the next single. The song is amazing, it is what pop/dance should be all about. Even though there is a lot of production going on, Lewis' vocals do not get lost and they are the highlight. His sultry voice telling everyone to move their body like a freak would have been the perfect way to start a long night on the dance floor. I always saw Blake as one of the sweet, innocent contestants from the show and this was his first daring, semi-sexual track. It works. I remember telling myself this song would be a success, but unfortunately that never happened.
Blake is an extremely talented individual and one of the few to dominate the dance charts. He has the talent to craft a fist-pumping, hip-shaking, carefree dance song and that was one of the main reasons I remember enjoying it so much. It comes off so effortlessly. Production is top notch, vocals are perfect, but one thing that is usually missing in club songs is present here: songwriting. Lewis co-wrote the track about a night in a club where the music just takes over. The verses are strong, but it is the loud chorus that holds the entire thing together. After the success of the title track, I would have quickly announced "Freak" as the next offering. Released in 2009, this song was innovative and unique.
If "Freak" did not work then "Afraid" would have for completely different reasons. Both tracks do carry a club-ready beat, but "Afraid" is a bit tamer. Instead of talking about a long, sweating night of dancing till the sun comes up, Lewis is expressing his true feelings for the one he loves. Lewis sings he is not afraid when he is with them but is terrified when he is all alone. "It's that type of love, only up on the movie screens"... come on how cute can you get? The track has a fast pace, but every word is clear and tells the story of a man lost without his true love. After hearing the song, my crush on the artist only grew and I think many would have been blasting the track as well.
"Freak" would have dominated dance charts, but "Afraid" could have dominated dance charts, as well as all pop charts. The song is one many could relate to, is sung to perfection, draws you in at the very beginning and never really lets go. Produced by Darkchild, a man responsible for some great hits from the Pussycat Dolls and Lady Gaga, this track had the potential to be big if it was given the chance. Lewis advises listeners to put him in a padded room because he may lose his mind if he is not able to be with his "baby." A little dramatic, but it is effective songwriting to me. The song is one of the softer cuts from the album, maybe it was the best choice as a future single. What do you think?
Another great possibility would have been "Left My Baby For You." Another cute, adorable track about love... until the song comes full circle and for once on the album you may not be on Team Blake. It has its good and bad sides, and again, I am sure many could relate to the track, even if it was for the wrong reasons. So many choices, it is a shame no more plans were made regarding this great pop record that I still play today.
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