It’s been really hard getting back into writing. I moved at the beginning of the month and started rehab 4 days later. I’ve been so tired for weeks before the move, pretty much crashed after the emotional up and down where I thought I had this new room, then I didn’t, then I did.
So I’ve been determined to get back on the horse for the last week and what better choice than this song that always pumps me up? It’s off of Lambert’s album Velvet, which had the unfortunate luck of being released on March 20, 2020. All of the events planned in support of the album were cancelled and it didn’t get the reach it should have. It’s a perfect piece of 70s inspired sound, catnip to me.
Lambert said he was inspired to write the song as a proud rebellion because:
“There’s a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world right now. I feel like there’s a lot of groups of people that get discriminated against or get ostracized. I kind of wanted to make a song to make people in that situation feel like they didn't have to take it. It’s a message of empowerment…If you’re in a situation where someone is giving you a hard time, or you’re being bullied, or someone is discriminating against you, you have a right to stand up for yourself, and you have a right to love yourself.”
It’s all done to a funky beat that would have been at home in the 70s dance clubs. It does have something those 70s songs don’t. Swearing. But it fits right into the rhythm. Lambert wrote the song with Ilsey and Tommy English, with the latter taking on producing duties. It also features background vocals from Alisan Porter, another artist who like Lambert went through the singing competition gauntlet.1
The video was shot on the streets of Brooklyn and deliberately calls back to the feel of 70s television. It has a Mod Squad feel to it. It’s directed by Millicent Hailes, who had previously only worked in the hip-hop world but was known for her avant-garde work in the genre2. Watch for the times when he’s driving against a rolling background of streets, just like any good 70s drama. Also watch for the moments where he’s making other people’s day. It’s a ton of fun and the dancers are incredible.
For more fun, here’s a behind the scenes video. (Yes, it does cut off abruptly.)
Enjoy your song of the day!
She won season 10 of The Voice, while Lambert famously lost on American Idol.
Here’s an interview with her in 2018. She talks about wanting to work with Elton John. With Lambert, she got the next best thing. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/millicent-hailes-video-director-interview-migos-young-thug-8490518/#!
Welcome back, MK! I've missed you; and your health and well-being is much more important than forcing yourself to be here.
That said, this is a spectacular return. Previously I'd only heard Lambert with Queen and that was years ago. This piece is so very tasty in every way.
Welcome back! I hope your recovery is swift and smooth.