Versions: Mad World

I'm not a big fan of revivals, but sometimes, you do find some that actually work. Here's a good example -- I have three versions of 'Mad World.'

'Mad World' was originally sung by the British band, Tears for Fears in 1982 and was included in their debut LP, 'The Hurting,' which was released the following year. The song turned out to be their first international success, making it to the Top 40 between 1982-1983.



In 2001, a slower, ballad-like cover by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules was used in the movie, "Donnie Darko." The song was such a big hit that aside from being released in 2002 as part of the movie's soundtrack, the two had to release it as a single in 2003. This too became a big hit, being the Number One single over the Christmas Holiday in the UK. It's music video also became very popular in the word wide web, garnering over 13 million views in YouTube as of 2009.



Fast forward to 2009, 'Mad World' once again gained worldwide popularity when American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert sang the slow Gary Jules version on the Top 8 performance night featuring 'Songs From the Year They Were Born.' He again chose this as his encore for the May 19th season finale. As of this week's Billboard Hot 100, Adam Lambert is at last place, dropping from previous week's postion of 44.

On a personal note, I love this song for a variety of reasons and I'm very glad that because of these artists, I am able to enjoy it in different ways. I love the Tears for Fears version because being an 80's kid myself, hearing it really takes me back to my time. However, the lyrics of the song had more meaning to me when the slower Gary Jules version was featured in CSI's Season 6, Episode 2 "Room Service." Lastly, though I'm not a big Adam Lambert fan, I enjoyed his American Idol performance as I find it very haunting. To experience that from a reality show where hopefuls sing their hearts out for a shot in the mainstream, that was magical and it obviously worked for him.

*If you don't want to watch the videos, you may just listen to all three versions either below or through my Multiply Playlist.

Tears for Fears (1982)


Michael Andrews featuring Gary Jules (2003)


Adam Lambert (2009)

My Thoughts About Adam Lambert

I'm not an Adam Lambert fan.

I've been very vocal about this since the beginning of American Idol's 8th season. I admit to even mocking his shrieking banshee perfomances not once, nor twice throughout the competition. Though I am a Danny Gokey fan, I don't mind about other contestants. For me, it's all a matter of preference and Adam's style simply doesn't appeal to my taste. Nonetheless, I'm not blind, nor deaf. The man can undoubtedly sing his face off. He's a true performer and let's face it, his level of showmanship may well compete with that of mainstream artists, perhaps, he may even do better. His background in theatre obviously worked to his advantage, allowing him to make the most out of hair, make-up, costumes, lighting, sometimes even effects, and of course, the way he sets the mood of his performance through his larger-than-life gestures and poignant facial expressions.

American Idol is more than a singing competition. Through the years, the talent/reality show has evolved from a nationwide popularity contest to a worldwide phenomenon. Season after season, people all over the world have become more and more passionate about their Idols -- forming fan clubs, putting up fan sites, coining catchphrases to identify themselves or their Idol, probably even designing merchandise showing off who they proudly support. It's amazing, really, how even a country halfway across the globe can be so passionate about the show. With Season 8 probably having the most talented batch of contestants, fans were fiercer like never before, promoting their American Idol every chance they get, putting everything on hold to catch the earliest possible broadcast.

This evening, out of curiosity, I started looking up photos and videos of Adam Lambert and I was just appalled. I cannot believe how people will go out of their way to pull someone down. Yes, one's sexual orientation may affect one's decision to support someone or not, but nooooo, these people are not content by simply "not liking" him or supporting everyone else except him. They've decided to convince others to the same by launching a smear campaign against him. I was surprised at the effort these people put into faking photos and uploading them to popular sites just to defame someone, as if they don't have anything better to do. Define "faking photos"? Well, let's just say that they label practically anyone with eyeliner and Adam's trademark hairstyle as Adam Lambert. There was one photo with the title "ADAM LAMBERT WAS GAY EVEN AS A YOUNG BOY! PROOF!" showing two black-haired youngsters dressed like him kissing. As it turns out, Adam's hair was blonde until High School. They've also referred to certain drag queens who are way too covered with make-up and elaborate costumes to be recognized as Adam Lambert. Apparently, anyone gay, wearing a costume, a wig and all covered with over the top make-up or at least an eyeliner is Adam Lambert. How pathetic is that?

First off, Adam Lambert being gay or not is irrelevant. American Idol is, after all, a SINGING competition. Second, Adam Lambert has a life prior to American Idol. Do these people honestly think his family and friends do not know how he looked like when he was in High School? Third, American Idol is a TV show! It's meant for entertainment. I wonder how much better the world is if all these energy being put into destroying another person is being put into good use. Lastly, does he look like he cares? He doesn't.

As for him losing the title of American Idol, no comment. Honestly, it doesn't matter! With lots of people rooting for him and yes, even taking the time to diss him, he obviously has a bright career ahead of him.