Lambert, Boyle face off in record stores today

Adam Lambert and Susan Boyle, first runners up in their respective reality performance shows, have new CDs in stores today.

ADAM LAMBERT: FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT (RCA) 1.5 stars

Not to be contrary, but does anyone remember that Kris Allen actually won Season 8 of "American Idol"? Poor guy's CD came out a week and it would be a gross overstatement to call the reception muted.

Meanwhile, runner-up Adam Lambert's glam-puss is inescapable, popping up everywhere save "Meet the Press." Allen's probably ready to reach for the Max Factor himself.

In best celebrity-culture fashion, almost none of the hoopla surrounding Lambert has to do with, you know, his music. Which is appropriate, since his debut album is, save for a couple of tracks, the usual overproduced, "AI" tripe-fest that has sunk the majority of its alums.

That seems especially unfair in this case, since the cover of "For Your Entertainment" promises gender-bending glitter-rock the likes of which haven't been seen since Ziggy played guitar and Freddy got spots from ripping off the stars from his face.

Alas, as close to vintage glam as this gets is "Strut," which sounds more like a bowdlerized version of Marilyn Manson's faux-glitter "Dope Show" than T. Rex.

Lambert shines through the dross twice, on "Fever," which might as well relocate itself to the next Scissor Sisters album, and "A Loaded Smile," which recalls his "AI" stand-out version of Tears for Fears' "Mad World."

The rest consists of dance-pop and ballads of equal anonymity, reaching a nadir with "Aftermath," a power-ballad so awful Daughtry probably will cover it. A Tony Little bobble-head will provide more genuine inspiration than the lyrics' cloying affirmations.

"For You Entertainment" seems designed to keep Lambert's personality and talent in check. If the Diamond Dog can gnaw through his leash next time out, he might drive the world mad yet.

Download this: "A Loaded Smile"

SUSAN BOYLE: I DREAMED A DREAM (COLUMBIA/SYCO) 2 stars

Susan Boyle's voice has a warmth and beauty that deserves so much better than the painfully obvious and/or bombastic settings it's placed in on "I Dreamed a Dream."

Not that the album's failings are any surprise, given that she came to prominence through "Britain's Got Talent," part of 19 Entertainment's evil empire. If anything, it's surprising it's not far worse.

Boyle sings everything well and with as much sympathy for the lyrics as she can muster. When she doesn't have to contend with some orchestral roadblock, as on the spare "Up to the Mountain" or a lovely remake of Skeeter Davis' "End of the World," she gets to show what a good Susan Boyle album might sound like.

Otherwise, the material is either too familiar ("Cry Me a River"), ill-fitting ("Daydream Believer," "Wild Horses") or totally useless (the sub-Jim Steinman horror "You'll See").

If Boyle can find a sympathetic, imaginative producer next time out, she might create a document worthy of her talent. Until now, this very flawed effort will have to suffice.

Download this: "Up to the Mountain"