There's a lot to love about Ryan Adamés. Let's start off with the obvious - he certainly ain't too shabby to look at is he?! And while I certainly appreciate his obvious physical attributes & allure, I'm more charmed by the talent this engaging young singer exudes. I must confess prior to his lovely cover of the above song, I hadn't heard of young Ryan but I now can't help but feel that I will be hearing a lot more from him in the future. You all probably know the original version of As Long As You Love Me (by the Anne Frank, restaurant urinating loving teen) as a clubby, dubby pop thumper with synthesized vocals and propulsive beats. Ryan has cleverly stripped back the song, examining it's core melodic structure and spent time analysing the darkly romantic lyrics hidden within. He has rebuilt the tune as a quietly dignified number that exhibits more passion and power because of the conviction he displays when singing. The Ryan version begins with some genuinely elegiac, haunting piano chords that set a sombre mood for the track - these are the perfect accompaniment to Ryan's unfiltered vocals that give added emphasis to the lyrics, highlighting the wistful longing & driven emotion of his words. As a more sprightly acoustic guitar takes over in the chorus, Ryan's plea becomes clear - the world seems a far less intimidating, claustrophobic place when love is reciprocated & anything is possible. By verse 2, Ryan isn't so much singing the song but becoming as one with it, letting the intensity of it consume him - this shines through in his mesmerising vocals & visually in the video in his body movements. His falsettos are beyond reproach and add a soaring element to the performance that is all too hard to resist. In Ryan's capable hands, the song becomes his - he is the masterful storyteller and the listener is rapt with attention. His last note of the song is so saturated with pleading and desire that the frisson of palable sexual energy that accompanies it is almost tangible. It's oh so clear that Ryan is a force to be reckoned with and a singer I shall certainly be keeping a close eye on in the future. Oh - and that gorgeous video accompanying it? Here are some of my favourite moments...
- There's something quite lovely about the fact that Ryan receives a scroll in the mail. Email treasure maps are so impersonal and it prevents the young fella me lad google mapping his way to the reward. It also acts as a metaphor that love can be work but is ultimately worth it in the long run...
- This, combined with Ryan's flawless white t-shirt look (he has amazing pop star hair and arms to die for) gives the video an old-soul feel that plays nicely alongside the timeless interpretation of this very modern song...
- The studio shots of Ryan showcase what I've already mentioned - that he is a focused and dedicated performer. The earnestness and fevor etched into his face is part of what makes his version of As Long As You Love Me so very passion fuelled... DANCE ROUTINE!! Hurrah. Amidst all this intensity, a dance routine acts as a nice breather. Nice to see that the boy (and his boys) has some serious moves. Loving the Nirvana tee as well. Snazzy :)
- (I have practiced the dance routine in the bathroom at work in my lunch break. I can sadly confirm that I did not look as good. Bugger!)
- Some lovely tender moments - hand holding at 3m07s in the sunset. Dreamy. This leads to a kiss between the two blokes a few seconds later. It is a good kiss. Passionate, firm but not too hard, full on body contact. I'm now completely smitten :D
Ummm, gulp. I feel like a bloody pedo, but OMG could he be any cuter?!
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