★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
Seven years ago, singer/songwriter/beatboxer extraordinaire Blake Lewis settled for the runner-up position on the sixth season of American Idol, losing gracefully to vocal powerhouse Jordin Sparks in the very end. Two years later, Lewis would go on to release one of the music industry's most underrated pop gems, his almost perfect, sophomore album Heartbreak On Vinyl, which unfortunately came and went without much buzz.
Following news of a record deal with Republic Records, which apparently did not work out, Lewis turned to Pledge Music to help fund his sure-to-be innovative third effort, the strangely titled Portrait Of A Chameleon. Preceded by lead single "Your Touch", the album showcases the artist's love for production experimentation as it glides through multiple genres including pop, dance, jazz and dubstep. When the record stops, contributing fans will be proud to have assisted in the funding of an album that shines bright from beginning to end.
The appropriately titled "Start Again" kicks off the anticipated album with smooth vocals and intriguing instrumentals to create an intro vibe different from what we've come to expect from the artist. As the opening track progresses though, 80s-like snyths and drums allow the listener to journey on an escape. Dealing with the need to restart a relationship, the finished product cannot help but emit a calming effect with its layered production and soothing delivery.
Continuing with the restart theme of the preceding song, "Back To Life" is a fast-paced, thumping dance track which Lewis says was about reflection and feeling alive again. "Get your back on the wall, leave your fear at the door, let your heart takeover tonight," the artist sings before the dance-worthy beats continue and ultimately bring the track to a crashing stop. It's modern, it's pop, it's fun, nothing too difficult or complicated.
"Not Today", a track Lewis previewed during his SXSW '13 showcase, is a electro-pop creation detailing the consequences of addiction. Though the loud, uptempo production creates a sense of enjoyment, the underlying theme is an intimate, personal experience in Lewis' life. It's tough to share a story, there's some signs of sorrow in the artist's vocals, but overcoming the hurt leads to a strong highlight for the new album.
Lewis gives a brilliant performance on "Silence" while surrounded by soaring strings which take the song to another level, besides the typical dance effort. From the precision of the instrumentals to the heartfelt vocal delivery, the track is a strong electronic ballad where the focus really is on the vocals even though numerous instrumentals and production techniques can be heard throughout. It's a beautiful, epic chaos that works.
Following the Daft Punk-inspired "Grounds for Termination" instrumental interlude, lead single "Your Touch" bursts through the speakers. As the album's first offering, the song did a great job getting listeners ready for what was to come from Lewis. Built around a strong dubstep production, the artist sings of making headlines with his new flame. Though there are plenty of sexual undertones within, it's a classy love song that should be stuck on replay.
Though "I Want You" contains a slower, tranquil vibe, the impact is still powerful as Lewis' sultry vocals are joined by those of his good friend Samantha James. Considered the sexiest song he has ever recorded, the artist is surrounded by a seductively, growing bass and an almost mystical sound that keeps the listener's attention till the end. "Because you and me, we break the laws of gravity, and I, I believe, you've been waiting for too long, so give in to your fantasy," Lewis sings.
Initially supported by a single acoustic guitar, "Survivor" becomes something much more complex when the electronic elements come pouring out. Lewis does not hold anything back on the empowering track as he goes for soaring notes and an unique progression. Again, though it may have sounded like a mess on paper, the American Idol alum succeeds in combining his influences for a heartfelt, passionate dance/pop creation.
Similar to the tone of Justin Timberlake's recent comeback material, "Disco In Space" really turns up the funk and groove with impressive brass instrumentals for the album. Lewis' delivery sounds confident and smooth as listeners will have a hard time not moving around once they hit "play". At times, hints of Daft Punk are noticeable, but Lewis makes the five-minute effort completely his own. It contains his signature swag.
"Retro Romance" is a complete 80s throwback type of track, with a vibe similar to the material found on Lewis' previous album. With a gritty, fun, carefree sound, the song would bring a smile to any listener's face. "Retro romance, you stole my heart at first glance, you're the one and only, who completes my story," the artist belts on the catchy chorus before the vocoder is used on the crazy breakdown during the second half of the song.
Following another interlude titled "Love, Love, Love", the romantic, love struck "She Gives Me Love" maintains a tamer pace until the infectious hook rolls around. That is when the energy really picks up, allowing the track to truly stand apart from the pack. The soulful, funk experiment comes off sounding a bit like a Bruno Mars leftover, but it definitely showcases Lewis' ability to perform both instrumentally and vocally.
Clocking in at just under seven minutes, "Runaway" is a touching story about a girl in the artist's life who seems to have gotten away. It may have been a very difficult time in Lewis' personal love life, but there's something about the tone of the song that turns it into a sweet love ballad that will definitely leave a smile on the face of all men and women. The song isn't buried under beats, it feels honest, mature and hopeful.
To close out the album, Lewis presents "Lost In Heaven", a track he performed acoustically for contributors to his PledgeMusic campaign. Though the song was great accompanied by a simple piano, the added production layers allows the slow jam to make a second, stronger impact. "I'm in the presence of an angel, who's beauty is always hidden by the light," the artist sings on the dream-like creation that ends the ride on a high note.
Portrait of a Chameleon was a long time coming, released five years after Blake Lewis' tragically underrated, commercially disappointing sophomore effort. As the American Idol runner up experiments with multiple genre influences, listeners are able to partake in an artistic journey that soars to new pop heights. Lewis seems a lot more confident with his vocal abilities the third time around, and while production may not be as instantly catchy and attention-grabbing as his last full release, every song holds onto a sound and them throughout, never ready to let a listener go. If five years was the wait needed for a release of this caliber, then I will wait till 2019 for the next.
Tracks to Hear: "Back To Life", "Not Today", "Survivor" and "Retro Romance"
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