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CLAY AIKEN - A 'REAL' POP STAR
« on: October 20, 2003, 10:23:53 PM »
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Clay Aiken - A 'Real' Pop Star
By A. A. Jones
Ok, so Clay Aiken’s new CD Measure of a Man has been on the shelves for almost a week now. I’ve read with interest many of the negative (as well as positive) reviews on Clay’s entry level addition to the “real” pop world. I’m quite amazed and amused at some of the comments I’ve read - apparently many of these reviewers and ‘critics’ live in their own little world.
I too purchased the CD and have listened to it several times, trying to be neutral and fair in my own ‘review’ to myself. I read several critical reviews before being entertained to a three day performance by my CD player. After reading the reviews I was expecting to hear a less than average collection of songs, by a guy that is not a “real” pop-star and who is attempting to break into the elite circle of performers who adorn the charts with their hip and ‘edgy’ tunes. I must admit those phrases have not come to mind in a long-time listening to many of today’s ‘hits’. I’d read comments along the lines that Clay isn’t a “real” artist. After all, not too long ago he was just a kid in college. It’s only his appearance on American Idol, mystically hypnotizing millions of people into delusion, that has brought him where he is today!
It’s almost as if he’s breaking all the rules by not spending years ‘clubbing it’, waiting to be discovered by some record exec. But no, not Clay. He entered a competition, nearly won (or did “win” in the eyes of many fans), and has now produced a CD. What? Can he do that and expect to be respected and admired by the music industry? Apparently not. But, to the people who keep the record industry in business (the consumer), he can and has done exceptionally well for his first time out. He has proved he can sing any song - his CD is full of future number ‘ones’, and the more you listen, the more you realize what an amazing talent he has.
But, they repeat over and over again, he’s not a “real” pop-star. So what is a real pop-star? Let’s see - if you had to list the job description, what would you come up with? The person has to have talent? The person must be able to hold any song well? The individual must have an appealing personality? They must be able to appeal to a specific age group, or to any age group? The prospective singer must give the fans what they want? This is open for discussion, because apparently we have not known what we have wanted for a long time. We’ve relied on record companies to produce what they consider ‘hip’ and ‘in’. Whether it be pulsating music masking the inadequacies of the singer or songs which constantly fill our ears with stories of violence or hate or sex or gangs. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I find that listening to today’s “chart” music there isn’t a lot of difference between one artist and the next.
So, where were we? Oh yes, the job description. Ok, so we have – talent, voice, personality, appeal, morals maybe, and ok, let’s go with “look”. So from reading many of the reviews, it appears our Mr Aiken doesn’t possess these, right? Wrong! Of course he does. Only a fool would miss the obvious appeal he has generated. We are tired. Tired of the same old stuff, tired of the same style of boy bands, females who rely totally on their looks or stage acts, and most of all, tired of listening to studio generated music without any vocal abilities being obvious in the singers delivery.
Barry Manilow? Pat Boone? I don’t think so. Even if he was a ‘clone’ of these artists they did very well thank you! As far as Clay’s “religious” persona. So what? Many of you probably have never heard of Cliff Richard a “pop-star” from England, who’s been in (and at the top of) the business for over 45 years. He is a Christian and his songs also are about “normal” everyday things such as love, life, etc. If you’ve never heard of him, check him out at:
www.sir-cliff.com (he happens to now be “Sir” Cliff Richard for his contribution to “pop music”) This guy has been in the charts spanning every decade from the 50’s onwards, and he’s still going strong and as popular at 63 yrs old!!!
So then, what is the problem with Clay. Why are critics panning him? I guess because he is not as manufactured as the majority of today’s “artists”. He’s sticking to his principles, and at the same time wants to provide entertaining, listenable, varied music to the people. For those who don’t like him, they never will. He doesn’t represent what the industry has stagnated into over the last decade or so. He doesn’t represent the “shock” factor which drives people to buy the music or magazines simply out of curiosity. Have you ever wondered if any of the current “top” artists would ever make it into the final ten of American Idol? Or even be complimented on their ability to pull-off a “Broadway” song ‘live’ on stage!! I’m guessing very few! Clay has many industry insiders, critics, and wheel-churners confused. He’s just a nice guy, with a great personality, high morals, and the most astounding voice since the likes of Elvis, Sinatra, Elton, and many more “real” artists. I actually think of David Cassidy when I hear Clay sing. Maybe it’s just me….
So Clay, if you are labeled the next Barry Manilow, (Sir) Cliff Richard, or Pat Boone don’t worry about it. Your growing number of fans will continue to enjoy, purchase, and talk about your music for a long time to come. Simply because you are the “new” real pop-star!
ELITES TV