As I continue to blast recent album releases from the likes of Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas and Tegan & Sara, I can't help but look back at efforts, now at least a year old, that did not have the extensive legs I thought they would. From chart topper Kelly Clarkson to comeback queen Hilary Duff, their most efforts could have dominated the charts and radio airwaves, but something happened? Promotion stalled, singles under-performed, and sales did not match the success of previous releases. Looking back 12 or months later, let's dive in to potential single choices, and why their follow-up releases are more important now than they ever were.
The Original High by Adam Lambert
Release: June 16, 2015
After announcing a record label switch up, and the fact that mega producers Max Martin and Shellback were exclusively handling his third studio album, there were grand expectations for Adam Lambert and his highly anticipated The Original High. Lead single "Ghost Town" did its job well, it introduced die-hard fans to a slightly new sound, eased back on the camp and theatrics and highlighted a whistling chorus trend that even Selena Gomez and Hilary Duff jumped on. The single eventually peaked at a moderately impressive #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S. alone. Not too shabby.
When rumors started swirling of a potential second single, projections for the future of the album cycle were uncertain. Though it was far from the strongest cut on the album, mid-tempo ballad "Another Lonely Night" was serviced to radio in November 2015. Though it became a strong dance hit, the track failed to heighten outside excitement and Lambert seemed to focus attention on his then-upcoming tour and other music projects. The artist released the stellar "Welcome to the Show" featuring Laleh and "Can't Go Home" with Steve Aoki and Felix Jaehn. But, what about a third single from The Original High? Wouldn't that have been a better way to ignite interest in the album?
Looking back, there were many choices that could have worked wonders, could have had radio crossover potential. Releasing the energetic, pop-leaning title track in July or August 2015 could have scored the artist a crucial summer hit. "There I Said It" and "Underground" were much stronger ballad choices, and could have resonated with those mainstream listeners who still remember Lambert from the "Whataya Want From Me" days, or hell, even the decent "Rumors" collaboration with Tove Lo could have capitalized on her then rising fame. Even Nick Jonas saw those connecting dots.
I shouldn't dwell, but I can't help but imagine music videos and live performances for most of the album track list. Who knows if label faith in Lambert died down when "Ghost Town" didn't crack the Top 40 as it should. Maybe the artist decided to focus on a follow up album or future performances with Queen. The Original High came and went too quickly, it should still be on the charts today.
Release: June 16, 2015
Those initial speed bumps, and yet another direction change, before Breathe In. Breathe Out.'s official release did not foreshadow a smooth trajectory for the album. Yes, it debut at number five, but it seems only devoted fans were intrigued by the release. Duff teamed up with Tove Lo (she was seriously everywhere) for "new" lead single "Sparks", a phenomenal pop track that should have topped the charts, but was plagued by a controversial Tinder-sponsored music video, lukewarm reception to live performances and Duff's focus on her Younger TV series.
Following "Sparks" disappointing and undeserved chart run, plans for the release of "My Kind" as the second official single were met with praise and excitement from fans and critics alike. An assumed teaser, dance studio music video was released, but all the excitement quickly died following interviews were Duff stated that career juggling was difficult and music was not her current priority. Talk about letting the wind out of the sails. The album was officially forgotten, Duff instead released "Youngblood" for a film soundtrack and "Little Lies" for Younger.
What could have been a helpful third Breathe In. Breathe Out. single? Rolling out "My Kind" again would still have been the top choice, but tracks like the infectious and emotive "Lies" or Taylor Swift-like title track could have performed well with proper label support. Ed Sheeran-penned "Tattoo" could have expanded her audience and a music video for "Night Like That" with Kendall Schmidt would have been perfection. The comeback flame never went ablaze as I would have liked.
Piece By Piece by Kelly Clarkson
Release: March 3, 2015
Selling 500,000 copies of an album should be far from the definition of lackluster in this day and age, but one would have thought that Piece By Piece, the seventh studio album from original American Idol champion Kelly Clarkson would have performed a little better on the charts than it did. Clarkson had better riding high on the success of "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)", so excitement and anticipation were high when the artist announced "Heartbeat Song" as the lead offering from the then-upcoming album.
"Heartbeat Song" was a nice effort, it was something a bit more edgy for Clarkson, but signs for the rest of the album did not become more positive when the single peaked at an unusually low #21 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album did debut at number one, becoming Clarkson's first chart topper in six years, but sales quickly declined, and follow up singles didn't really help stop the fall. "Invincible", a power ballad penned by Sia, seemed like a sure fire hit on paper, but the song ultimately did not connect, failing to even chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
With just two singles, promotion for the album seemed to have come to an end. Clarkson instead popped up on a random, but amazing "Second Hand Heart" duet with Ben Haenow, focused attention on her family, and a highly publicized return to the American Idol stage for its final season. That stunning "Piece By Piece" performance did reignite interest in the album. sales went up, the song became a single and the first from the album to crack into the Top 10, but instead of more singles, the decision for a repackaged remix album was made.
"Take You High", an EDM-tinged track could have made for a great fourth single choice. Though basically a cover of a Tokio Hotel effort, "Run Run Run" with John Legend would've been a smart choice as well, but all of my money was on the possibility of standout potential hits such as "Nostalgic" and "Dance With Me" receiving the official single treatment. Both had trademark Clarkson style and could have attracted more listeners to the Piece By Piece era.
I know, music has become more of a popularity contest than an examination of deserving, well-crafted original material, but it is sad to see so many remarkable tracks collect dust as their respective album eras come to an unfortunate close.
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