Adam Lambert and Tears for Fears' 'Mad World' Choice

Adam Lambert has become very good at resurrecting very good artists with his performances of their songs on American Idol. He isn't doing their songs as they did, but his versions are bringing to light not only those cover versions he has chosen to perform but the original artists themselves. Such was the case with Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" during Country Week. Such was the case with Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." Such is the case with Tears for Fears' "Mad World."

According to Billboard, Tears for Fears was an extremely successful synthpop British duo that began charting in the United States during the early 1980's on the strength of album, "Songs From The Big Chair." Most famous for the their second hit song, the first song from "Songs From The Big Chair," "Everybody Wants To Rule The World," Tears for Fears have sold over 22 million albums worldwide. Although their singles haven't cracked the Top 40 in years, they continue to release albums and their songs like "Shout" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" are played constantly on retro, adult contemporary and easy listening stations.

The song "Mad World" appeared on Tears for Fears debut album,"The Hurting." It was their first single. Although it reached #3 on the UK charts, it wasn't released in the United States. However, several acts have recorded cover versions of the song.

One of those versions was recorded for the soundtrack of the 2001 cult film "Donnie Darko" by Gary Jules. According to MTV, the slower, moodier cover went to #1 in Britain in December 2003. This was the inspiration for Adam Lambert's rendition on American Idol's Year-of-Birth themed night.

Adam Lambert's high falsetto took the already haunting lyrics about a depressed teenage voyeur's outlook on a world he sees as confusing and heartless and captured his audience. Simon Cowell, who was to start off the judges' critiques, simply stood and gave Lambert a standing ovation. As was everyone in the audience.

And "Mad World" has caught internet fire. Adam Lambert, Tears for Fears, and "Mad World" are some of the most tracked terms, according to Google Trends. YouTube is also being hit with a number of requests.

Adam Lambert's dominance on American Idol for the past few weeks can be attributed mainly to his style, his stage presence, and his vocal talent. But it can also be attributed to the fact that he has the ability to make very good song choices -- choices that suit his vocal stylings well.

If he can keep choosing and performing the way he has in the past several weeks, he just might become the next American Idol.

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Source:

MTV.com

Billboard.com