Blake Lewis, the popular finalist on the sixth season of American Idol, will release his studio debut album, Audio Day Dream, with 19 Recordings/Arista Records on December 4. The album will feature the single “Break Anotha” co-written by OneRepublic’s Ryan “Alias” Tedder, Sam Watters and Lewis and produced by Tedder.
“Blake comes to the fore as a totally fresh, creative, edgy and bold new artist, poised to break through right out of the gate,” said Clive Davis, Chairman and CEO of BMG Label Group.
Tedder and Lewis co-wrote and produced numerous tracks on the album, which also features Lupe Fiasco and production help from Jonathan “JR” Rotem who worked with Rihanna on her single SOS. Lewis also had a lending hand from fellow Idol co-finalist, Chris Richardson.
“This album is exactly how I wanted it to come out. It’s like an ’80s mix tape, with some hip-hop and electronic influences. I wanted to make a record where every song sounds like it could be on the radio, but my radio. 2000-’80s Blake radio is what I call it,” Lewis said
Something special about the album is that its single premiered directly with audiences at the same time it was being released to radio via Say Now. Fans that followed the Say Now campaign, of calling and receiving a call back message from Lewis with a stream of the song, were among the first to hear it.
The 26-year-old began singing at age five and competed in statewide talent contests while in high school. He became a beat-boxer at 17 and was a member of the Pacific Northwest a cappella group Kickshaw, for four years. On the sixth season of AI Lewis was the runner-up to Jordin Sparks an gained popularity because of his originality when performing and down-to-earth personality. Fans even voted for him on the 10 sexiest Idol contestants list of the AI website, earning him the the number five spot.
The CD is loaded with 16 tracks that are pop-infused and danceable. Lewis’ post-idol image is reminiscent to that of Justin Timberalake’s Justified period. However Lewis does not seem to be the next one-hit heartthrob. He has musical ability and desire to incorporate various elements into his songs, which is noticeable in his debut.
If you’d like to check the CD for free, e-mail [email protected] with all your contact information by December 25. A random winner will be selected from all entries.
Label: Arista Records
Genre: Dance, Pop, Beatbox beats
Release Date: December 04, 2007
Overall: [rating:2.5]
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