‘For Your Entertainment’

‘For Your Entertainment’

Adam Lambert (19/RCA)

Grade: A

With the release of his debut album, “American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert is about to become a huge star. Few human beings have ever been blessed with a voice like his, a ridiculously multioctave weapon that can coo seductively in the lower registers, and shatter diamonds in the highest ones.

This vocal chameleon can be all things to all listeners, and he kills at whatever he sings. Lambert is equally adept at hard rock, pop, disco, and power ballads, often blending ingredients of several in a single track to produce unforgettable results.

A perfect example is “Sure Fire Winners,” a hip-hop-infused track with scratches and weird sound effects, yet just enough heavy guitar and drums to appeal to the rockers, and a sing-along chorus to tie it all together.

“Music Again” is a sinewy guitar-heavy rock anthem set to a funky beat that would have made a fine Queen song.

On “Soaked,” Lambert channels his inner Freddie Mercury even more, starting with the melodramatic keyboard and strings flourishes that conjure images of him pirouetting in a bullfighting ring. Then he croons softly a la “News Of the World”-era Queen, before launching into yet more soaring vocal drama on the chorus and later verses.

— Wayne Parry, Associated Press

‘The Fall’

Norah Jones (EMI Blue Note)

Grade: B

Norah Jones ditches her old band, and most of her trademark piano playing, for her latest release “The Fall.”

Jones sounds more confident and stretches her songwriting muscle on her fourth solo record and the second in a row where she wrote or co-wrote all of the songs.

“The Fall” is more of an evolution rather than a wholesale abandonment of her style. Sure, the piano is largely absent, but Jones’ guitar playing style shows the influence of her keyboarding. It’s simple, restrained but still melodic.

Producer Jacquire King, who’s new to Jones and had previously produced Tom Waits’ “Mule Variations,” deserves some credit for the shift in style. It’s a subtle one that Jones fans likely will embrace, but the growth from her breakout 2002 debut “Come Away With Me” is clear.

Jones penned eight of the 13 songs alone and shares credit with others on the remaining five, including Ryan Adams on “Light as a Feather.” Her continued growth as a writer, not just as singer, brings another exciting dimension to “The Fall.”

— Scott Bauer, Associated Press

‘Kris Allen’

Kris Allen (Jive Records)

Grade: C+

On Kris Allen’s self-titled debut album, the “American Idol” presents a collection of pop-rock tunes that are cool and simple — a reflection of what we saw from the married 24-year-old on the eighth season of “Idol.”

Allen, known for his boy-next-door charm, co-wrote nine of the 13 tracks and collaborated with Mike Elizondo (Eminem, Carrie Underwood), Toby Gad (Milli Vanilli, Jordin Sparks) and Irish rockers The Script, among others.

While the CD is a somewhat enjoyable one, it is also average — much like Allen himself.

Songs like the heartfelt “Bring It Back” and the soaring “The Truth” could make Allen sound extraordinary — too bad he doesn’t have enough of them.

— Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

‘Pretty Ricky’

Pretty Ricky (Bluestar Entertainment)

Grade: B

It’s amazing the R&B/hip-hop foursome Pretty Ricky even had time to record their latest self-titled album “Pretty Ricky.” All that wooing of women has got to be taxing on the body and soul.

For its aim, this is a very good album. It wouldn’t have worked if the quirky quartet of Spectacular, Diamond Blue, Slick ’em and — ahem — Lingerie had held back. They don’t. They ooze of audacity, crooning smooth lyrics so brazen it’s like four R. Kellys on stage.

On “Mr. Goodbar” they sing about covering their love interest’s body in “Hershey kisses.” When they slow it down on “Lapdance,” the song turns into a sizzling instructional about pole-dancing and sipping Patron tequila. Pretty Ricky asks that you check all nuance at the door.

This album is a snapshot of the urban male libido in overdrive. For better or worse, it works like a charm.

— Ron Harris, Associated Press