Blake Lewis' Top 10 Influential Albums

**Shayne** · Subject: Blake Lewis' Top 10 Influential Albums Sat Oct 17, 2009 1:36 am

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Blake Lewis' Top 10 Influential Albums
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Posted by Blake Lewis

Season six 'American Idol' alum Blake Lewis joins us this week as our guest blogger, revealing his favorite records -- most having an influence on his second studio album, 'Heartbreak on Vinyl' (released Oct. 6). From the BT-inspired electronic pulses to the poppy Depeche Mode melodies, the songs on Lewis' sophomore album tackle the hardships of a break-up (which Lewis refers to as his rendition of Maroon 5's 'Songs About Jane'). Be sure to check out his picks, which show his intrinsic love for '80s, pop, indie and electronic music.

This is really tough for me!!!!!!!!!!! How can I pick 10? I have hundreds. I get inspired so easily by so many great artists out there.

Okay here is goes...

10) Maroon 5: 'Songs About Jane'

This gritty, sexy, jazzy, melodic album always makes me want to be in front of a great audience and really let it out on the mic. I met Maroon 5 the week Songs About Jane came out and had been listening to them for a couple months before. I had never really been this excited to see a show, at that point in time. I met them and gave them a CD of mine and within 10 minutes they called and invited me on there bus. We became friends that night and they would always call me when they came to town. They let me sing their music when I got onto American Idol and I'm am forever thankful for it. This record mean a great deal to me for many reasons. This was, to me, the first record that had a really musical pop quality, that en-captured the Michael Jackson sound I had been missing for years. 'Sunday Morning' is one of my all time favorite melodies and song to sing. Cheers!

9) Duran Duran: 'Duran Duran'

If you could hear me now, I'm shouting "Girls on film (two minutes later), girls on film." To date me for a minute, I was five and I would sing this song all day long. I was obsessed. Simon Lebond has the sickest voice ever!!!!!!! 'Is There Something I Should Know?' is still a crowd-pleaser when I'm spinning at parties. John Taylor's bass playing is funky at its finest and I can't help but blast this record all the way up, when I'm driving. '80s divine.

8) The Police: 'Reggatta de Blanc'

This band single-handedly got my attention into that really polished, melodic reggae sound. 'Message In A Bottle' is one of my favorite songs to sing and the only song I'll sing, if forced to do Karaoke. Sting has got to be one of my all time favorite frontman and songwriter. With Stewart Copeland's drumming and Andy Summers' guitar, this band always took me on a journey somewhere else.

7) Elliott Smith: 'XO'

I owe my old friend Mike for turning me on to Elliott around '94. I couldn't believe my ears when I first heard this record. The writing and production around this soft spoken soul is so beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes. Like Brian Wilson and The Beatles, Elliott Smith cared a great deal about arrangement and harmonies. His voicings on this album are breathtaking.

6) 311: 'Grassroots'

When I first heard this album, I was in ninth grade and came across 'Omaha Stylee' in a skate video called 'Moose Knuckle.' I must have watched that video 1,000 times. From then on, I was hooked. I've seen them 12 times and their live performances always made me want to be on stage, rocking the mic. They know how to unite a crowd with energy and unity. I was privileged to sing 'All Mixed Up' on 'American Idol' and Nick Hexum was in the audience. I was honored he let me sing his song and since then we have remained friends. I am blessed.

5) Depeche Mode: 'Violator'

What can I say? This band encaptures everything I love about good song writing, great melodies and production. One of the most innovative bands of the '80s. Dave Gahan and Martin Gore are easily my two favorite singer/songwriter partners. Dave's voice just digs at the soul along with Martin's melodies and lyrics. I love Depeche Mode!

4) Esthero: 'Breath From Another'

In '99, I was working in Circuit City part time in the audio department and a Sony rep came in and gave me a mini disc with 'Country Livin' (The World I Know)' on it. I fell in love immediately. Esthero has a very Sade-meets-Bjork quality about her. Such a beautiful and sexy voice. I never stopped listening to this record and it will be one of my favorites forever.

3) U2: 'The Joshua Tree'

There is something so empowering about this record. 'With Or Without You' and 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' are two amazing songs. Bono has such an amazing presence; and, off stage, he is so passionate for humanity. When I got the chance to chat with him, I was taken aback at how articulate he is for life. Truly inspiring. This album, growing up, was one of my all time favorite albums to sing in the car and it still is to date.

2) BT: 'Movement In Still Life'

BT has been a true inspiration and mentor to me throughout my career. This album was a turning point for me, as far as conceptualization in making records and the way I use live stutter edits with my voice. His sonic landscape and production greatly exceeds almost everyone. BT is a true pioneer in electronic music.

1) Michael Jackson: 'Bad'

When I was growing up, this album was played everyday. I remember painting houses as a kid with my dad and I would never get any work done because I was always doing my MJ moves, grabbing my crotch and singing as loud as I could. I was fortunate to meet Quincy Jones and get my album signed a couple years back. His production and arrangement of this record is pure genius. Michael will forever be my favorite artist and this album my number one. MJ R.I.P.

http://www.aolradioblog.com/2009/10/14/blake-lewis-top-10-influential-albums/

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whoreinsheepsclothing · Subject: Re: Blake Lewis' Top 10 Influential Albums Sat Oct 17, 2009 12:25 pm

Songs About Jane is an AMAZING album.

:]

As well as Grassroots and Bad !

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rooochh · Baby Blaker Number of posts: 183 Came on: 2008-11-27

Bad <3 FTWW