"Ghost Town"
Single by Adam Lambert
from the album The Original High
ReleasedApril 21, 2015[1]
Recorded2014-15
StudioStockholm, Sweden
Genre
Length3:28
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Adam Lambert singles chronology
"Trespassing"
(2012)		 "Ghost Town"
(2015)		 "Another Lonely Night"
(2015)
Music video
"Ghost Town" on YouTube

"Ghost Town" is a song recorded by American singer Adam Lambert for his third studio album, The Original High (2015). It was released as the album's lead single on April 21, 2015. The single garnered considerable commercial and critical success, becoming somewhat of a sleeper hit in select countries and receiving a substantial amount of radio play in the US.

Background

In July 2013, it was reported that Lambert had left his record label of four years, RCA Records, due to "creative differences" and the label allegedly pushing him to record an album composed of cover songs from the 1980s.[6][7] The day after his announcement, Lambert was contacted by Warner Bros. Records.[8] A deal with the label was confirmed by Billboard in January 2015, along with news that his upcoming album would be executive produced by Max Martin and Shellback and was scheduled for release in the summer of 2015.[9] Songwriting for the album began in early 2014, with recording taking place between 2014 and 2015 in the producers' native Sweden.[8]

Lambert first revealed the album title on social media on January 29, 2015, also his birthday.[10] In March 2015, he unveiled additional details regarding the musical direction of the album in an interview with Hunger TV magazine.[11] Describing the style of the album as less "campy" and theatrical than his previous material, Lambert also identified the album's genre as "definitely pop but not bubblegum."[11][12] Lambert revealed the single cover art for "Ghost Town" on April 16, 2015.[13]

Composition

Jason Lipshutz, a writer from Billboard, noted that "Ghost Town" starts with "a Wild West whistle, which laces together guitar balladry and EDM drops".[14] Lewis Corner of Digital Spy described as the song has "a massive earworm hook – which is in the form of an addictive whistle line here – but its overall tone is marginally darker than their previous shiny anthems." He also noted that the song's verses are "dusty and spacious" with "an acoustic guitar line" and the chorus drops into "a deep house bassline and stomping club beats."[15] Music critics noted the similarity between "Ghost Town" and Madonna's similarly titled song, "Ghosttown," because of the similarity between the titles and proximity of the songs' releases. Lambert was surprised Madonna also had a song with the same title, but he thought "Hers is like a post-apocalyptic love song, mid-tempo, and mine's like an existential dance goth rave thing. So they're two different songs – they just share a title."[3]

Critical reception

Rob Copsey from Official Charts Company called "Ghost Town" "a triumphant return...the kind of song that forces you to sit up and take notice."[16] Lipshutz from Billboard commented that "the track could use a bigger energy boost, although the dark house beats suit Lambert well".[14] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times called it "perhaps his best single to date... [Lambert] becomes a house diva, singing with precision and ambition but in service of the song."[17] Lewis Corner of Digital Spy commented "it's a mood perfect for Adam's balance of glam rock image, soulful vocal and today's house music-dominated landscape."[15]

Commercial performance

"Ghost Town" entered the UK Singles Chart at number 82. The following week, the song climbed to number 71 with 5,637 on sales.[18]

"Ghost Town" jumped from number 16 to number 2 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart for the week August 10, 2015 following his performance on The Voice Australia.[19]

''Ghost Town'' topped the chart in Poland and was certified triple platinum. It was also certified triple platinum in the Netherlands, double platinum in Sweden and Australia and platinum in Denmark. ''Ghost Town'' was certified Gold in US and Germany.

Since then, the single has sold more than 1.2 million copies worldwide.

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Ghost Town" was directed by Hype Williams and premiered on April 29, 2015.[20] The video features Lambert dancing on a white background with flashes of all types of dancers dancing to the rhythm. Scenes also include old photos of a ghost town.

Live performances

On May 1, 2015, Lambert performed "Ghost Town" live for the first time, donning an all-white ensemble, on Ellen. According to Billboard magazine, the performance was "haunting" and a "perfect complement to the official video" for the song.[21]

On June 5, 2015, Lambert performed "Ghost Town" on the Dutch television show RTL Late Night,[22] and on June 6, 2015, in Finland at the "Live Aid Uusi Lastensairaala" concert.[23]

Additional live performances include a performance of June 15, 2015 on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon[24] and a performance on Live with Kelly and Michael, which was taped on June 16, 2015 and aired on the morning of June 19, 2015.[25]

He also performed the song on June 19, 2015 as part of Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series in Central Park,[26] and on August 2, 2015 on the Australian version of The Voice.[27]

The song was performed during Lambert's tour of South America with Queen in 2015 and is included in the setlist of The Original High Tour in 2016.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Adam Lambert, Sterling Fox, Max Martin, Tobias Erik Karlsson, Ali Payami

CD single
No.TitleLength
1."Ghost Town"3:39
2."Ghost Town" (Dave Winnel Remix)4:43
Remixes EP
No.TitleLength
1."Ghost Town" (Tritonal Remix)5:10
2."Ghost Town" (Dave Winnel (producer) Remix)4:42
3."Ghost Town" (Blood Diamonds Remix)3:48
4."Ghost Town" (Steven Redant Remix)7:02
5."Ghost Town" (Kream Remix)4:05

Charts

Certifications

Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[72] 2× Platinum 140,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[73] Gold 15,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[74] Platinum 90,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[75] Platinum 400,000‡
Netherlands (NVPI)[76] 3× Platinum 90,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[77] 3× Platinum 60,000‡
Sweden (GLF)[78] 2× Platinum 80,000‡
United States (RIAA)[79] Gold 500,000‡

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. 1 2 Wass, Mike (April 16, 2015). "Adam Lambert Shares The Cover And A Third Snippet Of "Ghost Town": Listen". Idolator. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Listen: The Dream of the '90s Is Alive in Adam Lambert's 'Ghost Town'". Yahoo! News. April 21, 2015. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Adam Lambert on His 'Ghost Town' vs. Madonna's 'Ghosttown': 'I Thought, What Are The Chances?'". Billboard. April 23, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Ghost Town". Warner/Chappell Music.
  5. ↑ "Adam Lambert unveils new album "The Original High" artwork - Hamada Mania Music Blog". Hamada Mania Music Blog. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  6. ↑ Lipshutz, Jason (July 13, 2013). "Adam Lambert Leaves RCA Records After Turning Down Covers Album". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  7. ↑ Benjamin, Jeff; Hughes, Hilary (April 20, 2015). "The Complete Guide to Adam Lambert's 'The Original High': Tracklist, Cover Art Revealed". Fuse. Fuse Media. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  8. 1 2 Halperin, Shirley; Angermiller, Michele Amabile (January 15, 2015). "Exclusive: Adam Lambert Signs New Major Label Deal, Max Martin to Executive Produce Album". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  9. ↑ Halperin, Shirley (January 15, 2015). "Warner Bros. CEO Cameron Strang on Why He Signed Adam Lambert". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  10. ↑ Adam Lambert [@adamlambert] (January 29, 2015). "Thrilled to announce the title of my upcoming album: THE ORIGINAL HIGH #theoriginalhigh" (Tweet). Retrieved April 20, 2015 – via Twitter.
  11. 1 2 Fraser, Holly (March 24, 2015). "The Interview: Adam Lambert". Hunger TV. Archived from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  12. ↑ Halperin, Shirley (April 19, 2015). "Adam Lambert Reveals Cover Art to New Album 'The Original High'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  13. ↑ Adam Lambert. "Single Art #GhostTown". Twitter.
  14. 1 2 "Best and Worst Singles of the Week: From Adam Lambert to Jessie J". Billboard. May 1, 2015. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
  15. 1 2 "Adam Lambert's new single 'Ghost Town' first listen review: Compelling". Digital Spy. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  16. ↑ Copsey, Rob (April 12, 2015). "Adam Lambert makes triumphant return with new song Ghost Town: First listen review". officialcharts.com. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  17. ↑ Caramonica, John (June 15, 2015). "Album review: Adam Lambert - The Original High". Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  18. ↑ Johnes, Alan (June 22, 2015). "Official Charts Analysis: Muse's Drones hover at No.1 for second week - Music Week: Home Stream". mediaor.com. Music Week. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  19. 1 2 "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Adam Lambert's 'Ghost Town' Video: Watch The Pop Star Smolder - Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Adam Lambert Gives 'Ghost Town' Its Live Debut on 'Ellen'". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  22. ↑ "RTL Late Night - Voorjaar 2015". RTL. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Adam Lambert mukaan Live Aid Uusi Lastensairaala -kiitoskonserttiin". Radio Nova. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Watch Adam Lambert perform "Ghost Town" on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."'". Headline Planet. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Adam Lambert Performs GMA & Live with Kelly & Michael (VIDEO)'". Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Adam Lambert Fans Have Yet to Recover From His Good Morning America Performance This Morning'". VH1. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Adam Lambert Shines with 'Ghost Town' Performance on Australia's 'The Voice'". Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  30. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Adam Lambert Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  32. ↑ Adam Lambert — Ghost Town. TopHit. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  33. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 201540 into search. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  34. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201541 into search. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  35. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town". Tracklisten. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Adam Lambert: Ghost Town" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  37. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  38. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  39. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  40. ↑ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Adam Lambert". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  41. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Adam Lambert" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  42. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  43. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  44. ↑ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  45. ↑ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Dance Top 50. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  46. 1 2 "Adam Lambert - Ghost Town" (in Russian). Tophit. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
  47. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  48. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201604 into search.
  49. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201538 into search. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  50. ↑ "SloTop50 – Slovenian official singles chart". slotop50.si. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  51. ↑ "EMA Top 10 Airplay: Week Ending 2015-06-30". Entertainment Monitoring Africa. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  52. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town". Singles Top 100. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  53. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Ghost Town". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
  54. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  55. ↑ "Adam Lambert Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  56. ↑ "Adam Lambert Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  57. ↑ "Adam Lambert Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  58. ↑ "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2015". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  59. ↑ "Jahreshitparade Singles 2015" (in German). Austrian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 4, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
  60. ↑ "CIS Year-End Radio Hits (2015)". Tophit. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  61. ↑ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  62. ↑ "Rádiós Top 100 - hallgatottsági adatok alapján - 2015". Mahasz. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  63. ↑ "Dutch Top 40 - Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2015". Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  64. ↑ "Single Top 100 - Jaaroverzichten Single 2015". MegaCharts. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  65. ↑ "Airplay – podsumowanie 2015 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  66. ↑ "Russian Top Year-End Radio Hits (2015)". Tophit. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  67. ↑ "Årslista Singlar – År 2015" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  68. ↑ "Ukrainian Top Year-End Radio Hits (2015)". Tophit. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  69. ↑ "Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2015". Billboard. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  70. ↑ "Top 100 Anual 2016". Monitor Latino. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
  71. ↑ "SloTop50: Slovenian official year end singles chart". slotop50.si. Archived from the original on December 31, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  72. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (November 7, 2015). "ARIA Singles: Adele Earns Platinum Status with 'Hello' at No 1". Noise11. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
  73. ↑ "Austrian single certifications – Adam Lambert – Ghost Town" (in German). IFPI Austria.
  74. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Adam Lambert – Ghost Town". IFPI Danmark.
  75. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Adam Lambert; 'Ghost Town')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  76. ↑ "Adam Lambert in Kun je het al zien?". October 11, 2015. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  77. ↑ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2016 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  78. ↑ "Adam Lambert kommer till Idol". November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
  79. ↑ "American single certifications – Adam Lambert – Ghost Town". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
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