Blake Lewis: Influenced by Taco?

The spiky blond singer hooked up with a host of talent for the release including Lupe Fiasco and Blake’s “Idol” pal Chris Richardson. He also worked with Ryan “Alias” Tedder of OneRepublic, who co-wrote with Lewis and Sam Watters, the album’s first single “Break Anotha.”

Tedder who alongside Timbaland currently has the number one song on the digital singles chart — “Apologize,” co-wrote much of the material on Lewis’ debut album with the “Idol” alum.Tedder and the 26-year-old Lewis, were inspired by Taco’s 1980 “Puttin’ On The Ritz” for one of the album’s tracks, “Gots To Get To Her.”

Another interesting cut on the record? “Know My Name,” which features Fiasco.

Britney Spears’ producer JR Rotem co-wrote and produced one of Lewis’ album cuts, “What’cha Got 2 Lose?” which 22-year-old Richardson, also helped pen.

“This album is exactly how I wanted it to come out. It’s like an ’80s mix tape, with some hip-hop and electronic influences,” Blake said. ” I wanted to make a record where every song sounds like it could be on the radio, but my radio — 2000-’80s Blake radio is what I call it.”

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