Entertainment

Adam Lambert's "Underground" Is So Good, It Hurts

by Alex Kritselis

Your weekend just got better: On Thursday evening, Adam Lambert quietly premiered a new song called "Underground" from his upcoming album, The Original High, and it's so good, it hurts. I hadn't seen the 33-year-old singer mention anything on his social media accounts about dropping a new track, so when "Underground" unexpectedly showed up on iTunes at around 11:00 p.m. EST last night, I clicked the "Buy" button so fast, I thought I broke my laptop's trackpad. I was afraid the song's release was a mistake, and I didn't want it be taken down before I had a chance to listen. (After all, similar blunders have happened in the past.) Thankfully, Lambert uploaded "Underground" to his official YouTube channel on Friday morning, so I think its debut is a part of his label's official promotional plan. Phew.

"Underground" is... gosh, how do I put this? Incredible? Astonishing? Magnificent? Yes. "Underground" is all of those things and more. It's a dark, sexy, and almost hypnotizing R&B-tinged ballad about feeling addicted to someone's love. Appropriately, I can't get enough of the track! I realize I've said this before, but I'm going to say it again: I just can't get over how fantastic Lambert's voice is sounding these days. He's not "pushing" or forcing emotion anymore — now, his vocals sound effortless and silky smooth. On "Underground's" first verse and pre-chorus, Lambert sings:

When you’re gone

When you’re gone it’s like I’m in one second in time

I’m frozen

When you’re gone

When you’re gone it’s like I lost one half of my mind

I'm stolen

‘Cause nobody feels ya like I do

Nobody kills me like you do

Nothing I take can ever cut through

I’m in trouble

I look at myself and I don’t know

How I’m stuck to ya like Velcro

Can’t rip you off and go solo

I’m in trouble

The chorus is captivating:

I’m hooked on how you make me hooked

I’m gonna say it straight

I want you

I need you

I want you to take me underground

I’m hooked, I can’t cut you off

In my blood I’m gonna say it now

I want you

I need you

I want you to take me underground

While I don't necessarily think "Underground" would've made a better lead single than "Ghost Town," in my opinion, it's a much more impressive song (and that's saying something). I sincerely hope Lambert will continue to tease fans with additional new tracks in the coming weeks, because, let's face it... I'm super greedy and super impatient. Hey, at least I can admit it.

The Original High arrives on June 16.