"for he unleashes those pipes in "The Real Me" "

I swear, nobody actually listens to albums anymore. :insert eyeroll here:

Just once I'd like to read a review that doesn't mention the word Claymate. I'm a 50 year old guy who played in rock bands to get through college and I have no problem saying I like Clay Aiken. And Elvis Costello and Wilco and Kurt Elling. And a whole mess of different singers and songwriters. I think this album just might appeal to a lot of people who haven't a clue about Claymates or adult contemporary music or never owned a Barry Manilow album. Falling sounds like Invisible? Because it has a small section of techno sound? And that's bad? Not original? Yeah, because that top 40 crap doesn't all sound the same and I can't tell one female over-processed voice from another. He doesn't cater to the pop MTV crowd - ok. That's bad? Cause that music is GOOD? And adult contemporary is bad? It's the only place I can hear Van Morrison's new album and I'll take that over that Keep Bleeding song any day. It's no wonder I can't turn on the radio. What a pity you can't just review the album without the condescension to an audience who isn't a Claymate and still thinks Clay Aiken put out a good album. You don't have to like it but open yourself up to the possibility that there are people other than this monolithic Claymate world "critics" seem to be obsessed with.

Thank you, Mac, for saying what most of us have been thinking all along. These critics all seem to have to base their reviews of Clay from the "I'm just too stinking KEWL" handbook.

And what is so freaking wonderful about MTV? I didn't realize that they were the be-all, end-all of musical taste. Thank God they're not!!!

Obviously, actually listening to the album that you are going to review is no longer a requirement. It is so very much easier, and quicker, to go to Amazon and listen to the 30 second snippets.

All critics need to identify themselves more clearly because as a music major in my senior year I am hearing some very fine and complex material in this offering from Aiken. I have really disliked his other stuff though I loved his vocal range and I thought he killed in Spamalot. I think you got this one wrong because I am giving it a few listens on AOL and I really am liking it. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars!

You can tell from reviews which critics actually listened to the songs and which didn't. This CD sounds NOTHING like his other ones. There are some extremely different sounds on here -- very eclectic. If any other name was on the cover as being the singer, it would be getting great responses for being a good mix of songs and sounds. Saying nothing is worth listening to if you aren't a diehard fan is stupid.

Critics supposedly write (but not really) because they DON'T have the talent to be the singer themselves. Jealous much? But then anyone who TRULY BUYS or does NOT BUY a CD based on what some nobody says about a CD is pretty lame. Most people have their own brains and can use them. Shame critics can't -- and since the reviews are literally the exact same words in many cases, there is NO way they can claim their review is original. More like lazy and taken from whoever gets the review up first. Gosh people, work for your salary. Actually listen and think enough to write for yourself. I'll choose what to buy for myself.

Is it OK to be a guy in college who plays football & likes this CD? Coz I am. "Weight of the World" which sounds kind of like a U2 song, "Falling" which sounds NOTHING like "Invisible" & "Ashes" which just sounds freakin' good, are my picks to download.

For the record, I did listen to the entire CD. Several times, in fact. And no, I don't get paid for this job.

It's interesting to presume that a less-than-stellar review means that the reviewer is "jealous".

Also, I never said that there was anything wrong with being an adult contemporary artist. I think that he should stick with that instead of trying to branch out to pop music, which seems to be the case given some of the fast tracks on the CD.

Is it just me or are these critics copying each other? One form letter and they fill in the blanks. We're onto you guys. You are just too cool! 'Baby Got Back' has meaningful lyrics??!!! How about 'Sexy Back'? Now that really says something doesn't it? That's not trite is it?

Why don't you tell the truth and admit you just don't want to give Clay the credit he deserves for an great album? You are just too transparent. You got one thing right. Clay has an incredible voice. His fans are not going away and he is gaining new fans all the time. He can do anything he sets his mind to. His performances in Spamalot received rave reviews from real critics in the New York Drama Critics Circle. Look it up.

Clay he will be around long after some of you music "critics."

So the only "real critics" are the ones that offer praise? And those who do not offer praise have some sort of secret agenda? Intriguing perspective.

Thank you for your comment! :)

Now I'm sorry I attacked you that way Toni. It's just too easy for you guys to expect Clay to be too perfect and then to bash him because he is perfect.

It's frustrating to us and sadly he has become used to it. :(

I understand people's anger over my review. I'm sorry that it makes people angry and think I'm "bashing" him, but I stand by my opinions on this album.

I wanted to like this album. I have respect for Clay's talent and think he's an amazing singer. The thing is that it gets wasted in creating so-so music.

Hey Toni, do you really believe Kipper makes so so music because he produced this CD and he is one of my favorites. I'm curious. What do you listen to in music? I'm 23 and I listen to an eclectic mix of top 40, jazz, blues, classical and HotAC. I was raised on classic rock as my parents were both musicians in the 70's. So, please do let me know what you actually like and give this CD another listen with an open mind and an ear for the layers of what Clay's voice and Kippers magic have created.

For those wondering if Toni's review is valid in describing this CD, PLEASE go to a Barnes and Noble or other store and listen to this CD YOURSELF. Don't let other people, namely critics, decide for you what you like in music.

I have listened to Clay Aiken's CD, and I think it's quite refreshing! If only this kind of music could be heard on Top 40 radio instead of the same old stuff that sounds the same! But we all know the sad state that radio is in. I applaud Clay for crafting an album that actually has some meaning for society, even if the lyrics are simple and straightforward. Maybe the public needs this over the meaningless drivel we seem to be hearing ad naseaum these days!

Good job Clay Aiken!

Toni, of course no one has to love the album to give it a fair review. Nor hate it to show their sophisticated musical tastes. What some of us are confused about is why Claymates enter into your analysis of music in the first place. And for me, I'm confused by words like unmemorable. Do people produce albums full of memorable cuts? All 12 of them? Lover All Alone is haunting in it's simplicity - at least to me. That makes it memorable. Is it groundbreaking? No. But short of Dylan going electric or the Beatles adding full orchestras to their pop music - I haven't heard much that's truly memorable. What I have heard is plenty of good music coming from a variety of different singers/musicians. Everything I Don't Need starts off great but becomes uninspiring? It's supposed to be inspiring? I thought it was just supposed to be funky and fun. And it is. At least to me.

And most confusing to me is how this album only appeals to Claymates but those looking for more originality and substance should look elsewhere. I don't know how high you set the bar - but my guess is you can count on your hand the number of recent cds that are full of "originality and substance". I found much that was original in this album. As for substance? I'm off to read a book.

I sore you in the play called spamalot I thought you were great if you do I got your adograf and whent on the stage
reamember kayla and robbie. I hope you like new york how is jerone he sleeps over ms.marys house.cant wate to see you agin.
love
kayla

I decided before Clay's CD came out to scan for the word "Claymate" in any online reviews, and only read those that did not include the word. Any good reviewer would review the CD, not his fans, so I am leaving without reading yours. I don't care if a review is good or bad, taste is subjective, but I will not waste my time on a lazy reviewer with a closed mind.

Sigh. The Claymates always overreact and they ALWAYS hurt Clay more than they help him. They are maddening.

The reviewer is right that much of this music is corny and bland, which is nobody's fault but Clay's, as it's clearly the kind of music he listens to and hears in his head. This cd had a new producer but the best producer in the world can't make Clay something he's not, and he's not modern or edgy or original, sorry folks. I'm a fan and I bought the cd but have to admit it's something I will probably rarely listen to. I'm sorry to say that.

I wonder if the reviewer likes Ashes? That's my favorite song so far. It sounds more modern than most of the rest. I don't really think Clay's aiming for Top 40 here, or mainstream pop, I think he's aiming for AC, which he hasn't managed to break into so far as they have refused to play him. Hopefully they'll find a couple of songs on this cd to like.

I love a beautiful ballad, but these songs are so trite for the most part, overwrought and with trite lyrics ... still it's well produced and much better than the last cd. I agree with the reviewer that it's on a par with Measure of a Man and is not more modern than that cd six years ago. In fact I think MOAM had some better songs on it.

I do like Ashes though. So far that's the one I would recommend.

On listening more, there are a few songs I like besides Ashes. Where I Draw the Line is appealing ... and Something About Us is a likable romantic ballad that could have a life of its own if people discover it.

Falling is too corny as is Weight of the World. They have a decent sound but the lyrics are so trite. Somebody should teach Clay about cliches as they immediately negate what he's trying to do.

The Real Me and As Long As We're Here sound like Christian music, which I don't care for.

Ultimately, the problem with this CD is the same for mostly all Vocal focused & non-vocal focused Pop CDs. They are produced with the "Hit" mentality in mind. They are engineered with software for error correction & to level out all instruments perfectly making the recording sound way too slick. There isn't a brand preference for the instruments because they can get the sound they want with said software. You can tell when tracks have been layered with instrument parts as opposed to an actual performance. Thus,Clay's voice is in the forefront & stands out oddly just a bit. The songs have had a million takes & there is no real connection between the musicians just sight reading.

Honestly, Clay has a brilliant voice & I too wished he wasn't so in love with the Adult Easy Listening material but that's his zone. I can only hope he will pull away from the pop machine & release an album of his own. Stop worrying about the producer & get with some highly talented players that can help you progress. You have an awesome voice...Learn to communicate on your own!

I haven't heard this album and am not a fan of Clay Aiken, but I will be using the term "Claymate" in subsequent reviews to see what kind of traffic I can drum up!

Thanks for the comments everyone! :)

As I mentioned, I wanted to like this CD. I actually liked a few songs from Measure of a Man. However, even after listening to On My Way Here several times (in its entirety), it just didn't grab me with the exception of the title track. Many of the lyrics sounded corny (seriously, Romeo and Juliet?) and the chorus of some of the songs are repetitive. I'm not saying that it's worse than the silly pop music that we hear on the radio; just that I expected more from someone with that magnitude of talent.

" I'm not saying that it's worse than the silly pop music that we hear on the radio; just that I expected more from someone with that magnitude of talent."

You're right there Toni and had that been in the review it would have changed the whole dismissive tone quite a bit. This is Clay's first album that is "his" in that he was involved in the actual making of the album. I think he'll make that album someday that will make you sit up and say "thank you" and it's fine that this isn't the one. But it's a heck of a lot better than much of the pablam on the radio and while you may not hear it - I found quite a bit of what Clay was doing vocally to be extremely innovative and original. And even that old hack Cole Porter referenced Romeo and Juliet in a love song. What did he know?

It would be nice to read a review that didn't comment on Clay's fans.

Well you may have listened to it several times and you are allowed your opinion. But to talk about trite lyrics and then consider things that get raves and win grammies -- talking about sidewalks and fingers turning green and my umbrella brella brella etc -- that is NOT trite. Give me a break. There is very LITTLE good music around and if you expect real meaning to need to look somewhere other than top 40 or AC music -- like maybe a college campus lecture instead.

Talking about no edge -- whatever. The MUSIC does have edges to it - it is NOT bland and normal. But because he doesn't sing about sex, drugs, illegal activities or destroying someone's property it doesn't have edge -- OK. Whatever. There is plenty of meaning in those songs for people who want a message. As Long As We're Here is full of meaning, especially considering this song really reached out to him while he was on a trip as a Unicef Ambassador working for children. Maybe that is the problem -- he sees a whole different LIFE than people who want to be entertained with EDGE, instead of meaning.

Again opinions are great but for me, if anyone can't find some meaning in at least some of these songs, with their diversity, then I just feel sorry for them and what their life must be based on. He talks about love, hurt, anger, need, praise of others, including God -- surely something is there has meaning.

Bottom line is that the critics have a narrow view of what they expected and Clay isn't cooperating. How dare he do funk, R&B, gospel or rock!

There is an audience for his style and his amazing versatility. Accept that you aren't cool enough to get him, without denigrating him for daring to make an ecclectic CD with beautiful songs from his heart.

You'll love Ashlee Simpson's new effort. It's completely soulless and references using your other head often enough to satisfy the boys boys boys.

"There is very LITTLE good music around"

Nonsense. Absolute utter nonsense.

"You'll love Ashlee Simpson's new effort. It's completely soulless and references using your other head often enough to satisfy the boys boys boys."

More utter nonsense.

How amusing that people will assume that just because I don't like this CD, I'm "not cool".

Have a good day! :)

Toni

It's been an interesting discussion. But I think that you may have to look at the big picture when it comes to Clay. MTV several years ago dubbed Clay The Prince of Positive Pop. If he had recorded all ballads a good majority would not be happy. He has recorded some catchy fast songs, with a few mid tempo, and they're below par? What I have heard on the radio, his songs are probably above par.

Maybe you should be more specific in your review, and give Clay an idea of what kind of songs you want him to record. All ballads? Even Celine Dion doesn't sing all ballads. He's not Josh Groban. Josh is an opera singer, pure and simple, who has had vocal training since he was four years old. You wonder why he sounds older. Do you think he should sing Josh Groban songs? Then critics would complain that he shouldn't try to be Josh Groban. Maybe, Clay's trying to tell you what he is, and that's a guy who likes lyrics that he can understand, that are identifiable, that he relates to, and what he finds beautiful. He records something different, because the world needs different. Racy Hip hop, rap, and neg rap have gone on long enough. It is time to have some variety here, and Clay has done it. Amy Winehouse's CD the big Grammy winner was great substance? Singing "No Rehab", and lyrics of the other songs that were rather racy, is noteworthy? Plus, she sounded like she was as high as a kite when she sang it. I'll take Clay's Everything I Don't Need in a heartbeat on top 40.

You'll get used to it, Toni. Because Clay isn't going anywhere but up. When you're a singer who has an ever increasing fan base like Clay has, you know he is doing something right. He's cracking the mold of modern day pop music...a nice alternative.

Thanks for your comment and for stopping by! :)

"Amy Winehouse's CD the big Grammy winner was great substance?"

Yes, it's an excellent album from start to finish.

I have read the entire discussion, and I see a lot of defensiveness here. I don't understand what is trite or cliche about any of the lyrics on this CD. They sound quite interesting to me. You don't have to like every song on anyone's album, but I don't understand what kind of originality and substance you are looking for. That comment makes no sense to me at all. And just because Clay has a great voice, people expect MORE of him? Why? That doesn't make sense, either. And it isn't fair. Any of these songs would be fine on the radio. Clay himself has said that anyone else could sing these songs and be accepted onto the radio. I don't understand why radio won't play his music. I try to listen to pop radio now and then, and I don't hear much that interests me. And I, too, am getting tired of the "Claymate" reference. Fans are fans, and Clay has fans of all ages, genders, races, nationalities, etc. Too many people want to dump all of Clay's fans into a box. And why call his fans "fanatical"? Isn't that what a "fan" is? Maybe there's a reason that Clay has fanatical fans. Too many also want to throw Clay into a box as well. Why can't he sing upbeat songs? Didn't you see the JukeBox tour? He sang everything from Elvis to Jerry Lee Lewis to Ricky Martin. He was wonderful, and you can see it all on YouTube. He is criticized for singing slow songs and then criticized for not singing slow songs when in reality Clay can sing it all.

My daughter bought this CD yesterday. We listened to it and I liked it. I felt some of the songs sounded very similar, but they fit Clay's voice and talent. I was very glad he put "Lover All Alone" on the CD. He sang it last year on his tour and he wrote this song. It is a very heart-felt song and very well done. I think if you are a fan of Clay you will like this CD. If you aren't, you may like some of it. But in all honesty, I think it's hard for people who really aren't fans of Clay to listen to this CD objectively and have a positive review. Just my humble opinion!

I listen to a song and expect some sort of meaning to the song. Sometimes the meaning is very direct and easy to interpret, sometimes it's indirect and requires thought. What defines substance in a song? These are lyrics from top singles now.

"Touch my body
Put me on the floor
Wrestle me around
Play with me some more..."
e-mc2

"Shawty wanna thug (yah yah)
bottles in the club (yah yah yah)
shawty wanna hump (yah yah yah)
(the rest edited out...)"
Lollypop

There are a few good artists who are original in todays world, but for the most part, I listen and hear songs that sound generically the same or trying to sell their songs based on human lust. It's as if the labels think they found a recipe card for a success years ago that they can stick to. I consider substance in music to mean that the songs parts come together to give it meaning and character.

Good music is subjective to the listener.
I thought his vocals were quite good, the instrumentals outstanding. Some of the lyrics were quite cliche, but were used in the song to create a recollection of a memory in the listener that they could use to relate to the song. If I were to criticize the CD it would also be on the lyrics being so direct and use of cliche's. However, it does fill a void in the current music offering for those looking for music with a rich vocal sound.

Usually when you listen to a CD there are usually good and bad parts to it. I found it odd that you didn't like anything about the CD?

When human lust stops being a factor in our existence and enjoyment of life, songs and artists will probably stop discussing the issue of sex.

I bought the CD and I like it. I'm a fan of Clay and his music. I'd recommend his book as well. But I knew, listening to the CD, that this was not going to get a million raves from the critics. Does that really matter? The album dedication is for the fans. And if we enjoy it, to me, that is more important. So why doesn't everybody just relax and enjoy whatever music you choose, instead of ganging up on critics who are just sharing their opinion. I'd rather read someone's honest opinion than the opinion of someone who was censoring it for fear of rapid-fire, angry comments.

To quote Doreen: "Sigh. The Claymates always overreact and they ALWAYS hurt Clay more than they help him. They are maddening."

Toni - I don't call myself a "Claymate," but have called myself a Clay Aiken fan ever since I heard him sing Solitaire. I just bought his third cd, and will have to agree with several of your opinions. I think Clay has an amazing voice, but hasn't yet made an amazing album. I was so hoping this one would be so much better than the last. I've enjoyed all his cd's, but it's like you said that he has so much more potential, however I haven't yet quite figured out either what I want to hear him sing. I definitely want something original and not covers. I was never a Barry Manilow fan (nothing against him) and am really hoping Clay doesn't start to move into that category. Also, there isn't anything wrong with doing covers if you can pull them off so well to make them your own as Rod Stewart did for many years. I'm enjoying Clay's newest cd, but not loving it. So, will have to agree with Toni, but also enjoyed Mac's review and agree with many of his thoughts and opinions. I enjoy a wide range of music like Mac, but unlike Mac I do enjoy Leona Lewis and her Bleeding song, but also can really appreciate Clay's style, but just want more like he did with Solitaire.

I agree with the comment that if other popular singers pictures and names were all over Clay's "On My Way Here" album, your review of his new album would have been completely different and I imagine would be WAY BETTER...Just say "Clay Aiken", and bingo, it is time to start criticizing him...I just don't get it!!...He has a gorgeous voice, and quite frankly, he doesn't fit into ANY genre and that is part of what makes him so special...You need to step out of the "time to knock Clay Aiken" box and really listen to his music in a new light...He sings his heart out, and just listen to your comments...It is getting so old, and it is sad that so many people just aren't giving him a chance...I guess you won't be "in" unless you dish out all the negative stuff, huh? So sad....

Because the only "real" reviews are the positive ones, correct? Fascinating how some people think.

Thanks for the comments! :)

I don't know why anyone would compare Clay Aiken to Barry Manilow. Clay Aiken sounds more like Steve Perry to me....a power ballad singer. But then, that is what a smear campaign does. Smear on ctitics!....you are all too obvious to be fooled. Even the non fans are seeing something wrong at this point.

Yes, you've finally figured us out. There is a global conspiracy of critics to destroy Clay Aiken. Gosh, you people are on the ball.

Smear campaign....that's a good one! Thanks! :)

Surely you jest? There are smear campaigns all over the media. Just read the political posts alone. If you think there aren't smear campaigns in the entertainment world then you are just playing naive to keep face.

These comments are intriguing to read. Thanks again for stopping by. Have a good day :)

Jeeez! Let's make mountains out of mole hills.

I like Clay Aiken, I like his music, I like this CD. Where's the problem with that?