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Pamela
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AIKEN NEWS NETWORK NOVEMBER 3
« on: November 02, 2003, 10:19:46 PM »
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A genuine pop culture phenomenon who unexpectedly transcended the instant fame granted by his second-place finish in the AMERICAN IDOL competition, Clay Aiken made a decidedly un-hip media figure, often looking and sounding more like George Bush's nerdy, Andrew Lloyd Weber-loving nephew than a sexy or dangerous rocker. Perhaps not surprisingly, Aiken (with the help of uber-producer/record-company mogul Clive Davis), has crafted what sounds like the first-ever secular contemporary Christian album.
With an utter lack of pretense and genuine feel-good vibe worthy of the best work of Newsong or Steven Curtis Chapman, MEASURE OF A MAN is a pristinely produced, relaxed-sounding showcase for Aiken's gorgeously clear and unaffected vocal style. On solid pop songs like "Shine" and the McCartney-esque "Perfect Day," the retiring Southern singer communicates his songs in a pure, direct fashion that, by virtue of its appealing simplicity, manages in short order to project more soul than a CD rack full of gut-busting Michael Bolton histrionics. A defining moment in the mainstream pop genre, MEASURE OF A MAN bridges the generation gap between teens and their parents with comforting consistency and a refreshing lack of flash.
MTV REVIEW
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Pamela
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AIKEN NEWS NETWORK NOVEMBER 3
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2003, 10:46:09 PM »
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Inside Move: Accelerating from 'Idol'
Nascent stars stuck in first gear with discs
by Phil Gallo
It's tough to replicate TV success on CD, as the precipitous second-week fall in sales of "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken's debut album "Measure of a Man" attests.
But J Records impresario Clive Davis is working to make a more lasting impression with "Idol 2" winner Ruben Studdard's debut disc, due out Dec. 9.
Aiken's RCA album sold 224,000 copies for the week ending Oct. 26, a 64% drop from the previous week's 613,000, according to SoundScan. It was the third highest debut of 2003, but also registered one of the largest percentage drops of any album this year.
Record execs agree the key to making the "Idol" stars successful is to create works that establish them as artists rather than create keepsakes from the TV show.
But that's easier said than done.
Singles released in the summer from Aiken and "American Idol 2" winner Ruben Studdard, for example, were seen as show souvenirs. "Thankful," from first-year winner Kelly Clarkson, has sold 1.6 million copies since its release April 15, but runner-up Justin Guarini never reached higher than No. 20 on the SoundScan album chart.Bringing Studdard's album to completion has been arduous -- the disc's release date has been moved back twice -- but it may have a better payoff.
"It's not easy trying to meet expectations," says Davis, who is exec producing the album. "He is a very proud young American black man and he wants a hip-hop element in his first album.
To that end, Studdard has been working with a number of producers, including Ja Rule and R. Kelly.
"It's a tricky balance, trying to satisfy the 'American Idol' audience and satisfy himself artistically," says Davis.
But the Dec. 9 slot is the last weekend of the year in which any records with significant sales potential hit stores. At that time of year, albums need to do 200,000 in sales to reach the top 10.
Studdard may well find his stiffest competition in labelmate Alicia Keys, whose sophomore disc hits stores Dec. 2.
VARIETY (subscription required)
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Pamela
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AIKEN NEWS NETWORK NOVEMBER 3
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2003, 10:50:29 PM »
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Kiwibox Review
by Allie S.
The mania that a man by the name of Clay Aiken has incited has become so colossal that he is now being compared to the likes of Beatle-mania, Mr. Sinatra, and even the King himself, Elvis. With his first CD, produced by Clive Davis and RCA records, Aiken is ready to show the world that with the power of his immaculate voice mixed with his unmatchable charisma, he is a gift; a new-fangled, revitalizing phenomenon inciting a revolution in today’s corrupted pop music industry.
It is no wonder during Measure of a Man's first week of unveiling the album appeared #1 on the Billboard charts, debuting as the highest selling newcomer in 10 years. Selling 613,000 CDs, Aiken sold more than the first week sales Madonna's American Life and Beyonce’s Dangerously In Love combined.
Measure of a Man is a twelve song CD of diverse and somewhat unexpected styles that some may not believe Clay Aiken would embrace. On American Idol, the show that birthed his stardom, some viewers foolishly got the impression that Aiken was too theatrical and would be better suited for the stage. Yet unquestionably, Aiken has proven through his first individual album that his emotional, powerhouse vocals can be sung in any way, shape or form, and he will always sound, and be, remarkable.
Beginning the CD is Invisible, which is the first promotional single from the album. This song is so catchy that after the first time you hear the chorus, you can already start to sing along the next time around. Aiken premiered this track on the American Idol tour this past summer, and also premiered a now famous move known by his followers (a.k.a. Claymates), as the "shirt tug." The energy and charisma he exuded on stage can be felt when listening to this up-beat song.
I Will Carry You is the next song, which holds a divine ambience within it. The lyrics carry an extremely positive message, which is rare nowadays in pop music. The line you should know that you're not alone is a taste of what this song reflects. It is perfect for those that feel lost, confused, or lonely, bringing hope and faith to the listener.
In The Way, the third track, Aiken speaks of a certain something,something which he cannot quite describe, that makes him fascinated with the lucky individual of his affection. This is a poignant effort from Aiken; his vocal talent and range is truly immaculate in it.
When You Say That You Love Me is the song that you want to roll down your windows for while listening to it on a calm spring afternoon. It’s boppy, fun, calming, upbeat, cheerful, and it cannot help but bring a smile to your face. It is surely a song that will turn around a gloomy mood.
No More Sad Song is one where Aiken is rising above and putting a bad relationship behind him. This truly brings out a different ‘angsty’ side of Clay that is interesting to hear. His vocals take on a "rock" edge. There is excellent drum accompaniment with the power of Aiken’s voice, and the mixture helps to convey the song’s message.
Run to Me follows. It is a beautifully written and executed track. The words tell a whole story and could easily be a magnificent theme song to a movie. The chorus seeps through your veins after multiple listens, and it gets better and better each time, as you discover a new emotion that wasn’t recognized previously. There is definitely a longing there; it’s very powerful.
Shine is a song that stands out from the rest in terms of style. It is reminiscent of the 70’s and 80’s, having a mellow vibe with a potent, uplifting message. Though there are many male cynics that seem to hold something against Clay for some nebulous reason, this track should divert their mind-set into the complete opposite direction.
I Survived You is next. A ballad with a fabulous melody, accompanied by an impressive electric guitar at parts, it is about overcoming heartache or something even greater. Aiken truly gets into this one since he personally has had to prevail over real anguish in his own past. His triumph is very convincing, and the way he articulates the words pierces you right in the core.
This is the Night is widely known as the highest selling single since Elton John’s Candle in the Wind, and in it Aiken's vocal’s soar. The words parallel exactly what has happened in his life in the past year. It’s his story, going from the skinny boy named Clayton from Raleigh, North Carolina to the legendary superstar: Clay Aiken. It is his signature song that surged him full force into everyone’s hearts. It is the classic song of Mr. Aiken.
Perfect Day is yet another refreshing standout. With a modern rock-edge, you are forced to belt out the words along with Aiken, because it’s just that kind of song. And when finished, you actually have the approach that, it’s gonna be a perfect day.
Measure of a Man is, according to Aiken, his personal favorite, and just by listening to the lyrics and emotion in his voice, you will see why. Expressive and inspiring, it could be Aiken's view of himself, as he represents what the true ‘measure of a man’ is: substance over style, status, and an artificial persona. The perfect Clay Aiken masterpiece; it shows off what made the world fall in love with that voice. It is guaranteed to bring chills. Incredible.
Touch, is the final ear-opener by this man of many surprises. It is danceable, sensual, and up-tempo, with a Latin flavor. The way Aiken evokes so much passion simply by crooning darling and angel is enough to get lost in [his] charm. The craving in his voice is, to put it bluntly, very enticing. Again, Aiken pulls it out of a hat. It is a terrific conclusion to a remarkable debut CD.
Clay Aiken is unquestionably on the rise. Looking back twenty years from now after a number of successful albums, Measure of a Man will be known as changing the music industry as we know it. It will be an exciting journey, following Aiken as he brings people’s focus away from the debasing music of pop in the present day, to music with passion, meaning, and an extra something special: that extraordinary voice.
KIWIBOX
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Pamela
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AIKEN NEWS NETWORK NOVEMBER 3
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2003, 10:52:18 PM »
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San Francisco Chronicle Review
by James Sullivan
What, no "Mrs. Robinson"? The ladies of middle America sure do love that Clay Aiken, the "American Idol" Chia pet who is young enough to be a grandson to many of his most ardent admirers.
The CD booklet to young Clay's full-length debut folds out into a miniature version of the old album-bonus pinup, featuring the freckly singer leaning wistfully over the back of a chair. For many buyers that might prove to be the most valuable piece of this rather slight puzzle.
His forte is the pop power ballad, and there are enough lung-expelling sing- alongs here to inspire Olympic montages into the next century. The sizable studio team includes contributions from such perennial hired hands as Eric Bazilian (the Hooters, Joan Osborne's "One of Us") and hit songwriter Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Cher), as well as backing vocals by Danielle Brisebois, the former child actor who played Archie and Edith's niece in the waning moments of "All in the Family."
It's not all as bad as it might sound. There's a major guilty pleasure to be had in the kiss-off bombast of "No More Sad Songs." And "The Way" begins as the sonic spitting image of an earlier generation's schmaltzy first-dance favorite, Chris DeBurgh's "The Lady in Red."
This 24-year-old manchild may not measure up to the girth of his fellow "Idol" Ruben Studdard, but we've had worse Jiffy-Pop stars. Much worse.
SAN FRAN CHRONICLE
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Pamela
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AIKEN NEWS NETWORK NOVEMBER 3
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2003, 11:15:44 PM »
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AllMusic Guide Review
by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Justin Guarini, the runner-up on the first American Idol, released his album ten months after the competition ended and two months after Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the competition, released her debut. Clay Aiken, the runner-up on the second American Idol, released his first album, Measure of a Man, a mere five months after the close of competition and two and a half months before the winner, Ruben Studdard, released his record.
Clearly, Clay was something more than a singer that came in second — he was a bit of a pop phenomenon, capturing the hearts and minds of American Idol's core audience of preteens and housewives. To those not part of either demographic — including those who faithfully watched AMIdol — his appeal is a little puzzling, since he's hardly the cutest teen idol, looking a bit like Thom Yorke as a Southern-fried theater nerd, and his voice his better-suited for show tunes and his musical taste is thoroughly middle-of-the-road. Whenever he tried to tackle dancier material he seemed like he was singing a foreign language, and he never seemed at ease wearing or doing anything remotely hip; at least Kelly and Justin seemed somewhat comfortable doing teen-oriented material.
Clive Davis, smart man that he is, decided to play up Clay's MOR bent on Measure of Man, never pushing Aiken toward club-ready dance cuts like "Miss Independent," or trying to approximate the sound of the Matrix or Neptunes on any cut. Instead, this is firmly pitched at adult contemporary radio, thanks to the cleanly professional production and the selection of self-consciously mature songs, written by such industry stalwarts as Desmond Child and Cathy Dennis (early-'80s metalhead Aldo Nova, of all people, gets in on the action, too, with "This Is the Night," the single that preceded Measure of a Man; it's included here, inexplicably called a "bonus cut," even though it's inserted at track nine of a 12-song album and there's been no version of the album without the song).
Clay's earnest delivery — somewhat sweet and expertly coached — gives these songs a bit of innocence and believability, but the slickness of the whole enterprise overshadows his voice, particularly because his voice isn't all that remarkable on record. Perhaps it's due to the rushed release schedule of the album (to everyone's credit, it doesn't sound rushed), leading to Aiken overworking his voice, but his voice doesn't dazzle the way it occasionally could on the show; isolated from the visuals and his competitors, his voice sounds diminished. Even so, it's perfectly suited for this safe MOR album, and while none of the songs really catch hold, it doesn't matter since the sound of the record is pleasant and perfect for radio, which will please both the preteens and housewives, which is all Measure of a Man needed to do, anyway.
ALLMUSIC REVIEW
