The beloved American Idol alum's fourth album is no different from the first.
Although he has never appeared on this particular reality show, Clay Aiken can arguably be considered the original "Biggest Loser". As the runner-up on season two of American Idol, Aiken proved early on that one didn't need to win the title to have a successful career in entertainment. With a double platinum first album, eight tours, a New York Times best-selling book, and a UNICEF ambassadorship under his belt, it's safe to say that Aiken is doing well. Recently he's added Broadway to his resume, currently appearing in Monty Python's Spamalot as Sir Robin.…
Article comments
26 - Dave
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.
27 - Jordan Richardson
"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.
28 - Toni
How amusing that people will assume that just because I don't like this CD, I'm "not cool".
Have a good day! :)
29 - Sue
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.
30 - Toni
Thanks for your comment and for stopping by! :)
31 - Jordan Richardson
"Amy Winehouse's CD the big Grammy winner was great substance?"
Yes, it's an excellent album from start to finish.
32 - Pat
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.
33 - Kath
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!
34 - Dani
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?
35 - Jordan Richardson
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.
36 - Jan
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."
37 - Vicki
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.
38 - Sue G.
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....
39 - Toni
Because the only "real" reviews are the positive ones, correct? Fascinating how some people think.
Thanks for the comments! :)
40 - Denise S.
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.
41 - Toni
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! :)
42 - Denise S.
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.
43 - Toni
These comments are intriguing to read. Thanks again for stopping by. Have a good day :)
44 - Pat
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?
45 - psbintl
Curious review:
"Regardless of its shortcomings, On My Way Here will still appeal to the notoriously fanatical Claymates, who will no doubt storm their local music store or visit their favorite music download site to purchase it. However, those who require a little more substance and originality in their music are best to look elsewhere."
Clay Aiken is an artist who has sold over $7,000,000 albums (that is combined full albums plus singles and internet downloads)in five years without any radio support and has racked in well over $30,000,000+ in concert ticket sales (eight successful tours in five years.
Those are not the stats of an artist who only has a handful of so-called "Claymates" as fans and whose music has no substance.
Unfortunately there was an agenda based on bias for this review long before the reviewer ever really listened to the album.
Pigs will fly the day we really see a music review anymore for any artist which projects an honest critique and objectivity.
It's a good thing I never let a review/critic determine what music I will listen to or what movie I see.
OY!
46 - psbintl
I meant to type 7,000,000 Albums, not dollars.
:)
47 - pk
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.
Actually Toni, Clay said radio would NEVER play him so he was NOT looking for "radio friendly" songs for this CD. He is singing what he likes and I like it too. I thinks this CD is great!
48 - Toni
I guess the only "honest" review is a positive one, right?
Thanks for the comments all! :)
49 - psbintl
No Toni,
An honest review is one where the review actually listened to the music without a predetermined opinion of who the artist is or what the artist should record or without reference to the artist's fans!
This is a very eclectic and good mix of music and yet too many reviewers what to stick Clay Aiken in their own predetermined "box" where they think he should be.
Your bias showed through loud and clear! Admit it!
50 - Toni
Well, that is your observation and your opinion. And I have mine. Sometimes they aren't the same. Isn't it great?
Have a good day! :)
51 - Gale
Toni,
I would love to hear who you think is memorable on the radio today. Could you please name three songs on the radio right now that have great lyrics with no cliches?
That might help many people to understand where you are coming from with this review. Frankly, my view is vastly different.
I enjoy to some degree every single track of this CD. Throughout the day I have some of these songs playing in my head because they are very "catchy" or so melodic they have captured the attention of my subconscious.
I agree that if someone else's name were on the album cover, many reviewers would allow themselves to actually give the CD its due.
I also think it is a valid point that if a reviewer stoops to denigrating the fans of the person they are reviewing, they lose a good bit of any credbility they might have been given.
There is an eclectic mix of tempo and style and yet an overarching theme which brings cohesiveness to this album. In my opinion it is far and away much better than Measure of a Man although I very much liked that CD as well.
52 - Toni
If you like this CD, then great. Enjoy it! No one said you shouldn't like it. I just didn't care for it much.
Thanks for dropping by :)
53 - Gale
Toni,
I had really hoped you could answer my questions but I can fully understand why you might not want to.
Fair enough. Have a good day and, thanks ...I am enjoying On My Way Here a lot...especially Ashes and Falling which are uptempo, and Everything I Don't Need which I find wonderfully quasi-jazzy.
54 - Linda
Thanks for such a well-thought out review. It is a shame that someone with as much potential as Clay continues to put out third-rate material. After five years, it seems as though Clay is putting out the exact same product, and not growing or changing in any way as an artist, and that is very unfortunate. This CD sounds like one to pass on, but with a bit of luck, perhaps the next CD will rise up to Clay's talent.
55 - Keith
Here's the thing. What incentive does one have to buy this new CD which sounds like a remake of his first CD. Those of us who bought "Measure of a Man" already have that CD, so to put out practically the exact same product is just being lazy.
56 - Susan
Measure of a Man was mostly power ballads, except for "Invisible," "Touch," and "When You Say You Love Me." I think there is a lot more variety in tempos, genres, vocals, instrumentation and production in this CD - the bluesy "Everything I Don't Need," up tempo "Ashes" & "Falling" - and the excellent Walmart exclusive track, "Forget I Ever Knew You" where he does incredibly sexy things with his voice in the verse before moving to a catchy up tempo chorus. "Something About Us" has a beautiful smoky/jazz style vocal - don't care if the lyric is trite - the vocal is so good. I listened to the performance by the songwriter & there was no comparison to Clay's beautiful interpretation. "The Real Me" & "Lover All Alone" are both haunting (and for the latter, Clay wrote a pretty good lyric).
The theme of "Sacrificial Love" is going to resound with a lot of listeners, as is the title track for people who are emerging from some painful experiences. I like the Celtic feel of "As Long As We're Here" - and this is a real power ballad, which I did not connect with on first hearing, but have grown to like very much.
I gave this CD to two of my African American friends from work and when I drove up the day after, one girl had her car door open & the CD blaring to let me know how much she liked it.
Sorry, the reviewer did not like the album - but lots of us "just listeners" do - and I hope that's enough to make it the success it deserves to be.
57 - smitty
Maybe a lot of the critics reviews would be more acceptable if they, themselves, would step out of the box and quit using all the typical cliche's to describe their opinions of an album. Shall we make a list of all the trite words used in this review such as corny, generic, bland, fanatical... And how about listening to the music with the beautiful vocals and rich background mixes without prejudice to the artist?
There's only so many words in the English language and there are no more cliche's used in On My Way Here than in other AC and pop tunes. It's just something used to criticize Clay who didn't even write the lyrics to begin with. If you are looking for substance in a CD then maybe you need to listen to Ashlee Simpson who sings four notes very well.
As for Claymates,they aren't even a factor as they have nothing to do with the music. Critics often resort to bringing up the fans and in some cases reviewing them, too. It's obvious critics use "Claymates" as a further knock to the cd. As soon as I see the word "Claymate" in a review I automatically know it's written with prejudice. I'll read your next review when it becomes obvious you have actually listened to the songs, written without prejudice to the artist and left his fans out of it.
58 - psbintl
Just want to say WORD! to smitty's post!
Face it Toni, you got caught on this one!
Too bad, because had you really listened to this album without prior prejudice to the artist or his fans you could have written a respectable and believable review.
59 - Toni
Oh please. Recently I read some reviews of this CD in which the reviewers don't mention "Claymates" at all, yet is still severely chewed out by fans because the reviewer dared to give it a negative review.
Prejudice apparently works both ways. Many fans will like anything that's put out by their favorite, regardless of whether it's good or not. And they definitely get upset at anyone who doesn't agree with them.
You liked the CD. Spectacular! Enjoy it. Have a nice day :)
60 - psbintl
Yes, I have read those reviews as well and respect them BECAUSE they based their review on the album and NOT pre-bias towards the fan base as you did.
Not all of the tracks on this album are for me but overall I think this is a very eclectic,well rounded album which showcases Clay Aiken's versatile vocal talent and is very entertaining. And I based MY review solely on listening to every track.
I am glad you do not consider yourself only a critic and not a journalist, because any credibility as a journalist would have been lost with this biased review.
61 - Toni
Journalists don't write reviews, they report facts. Reviews are opinions and impressions. Critics provide an in-depth, almost academic, analysis of a certain subject. Clearly, I wrote this as a reviewer.
Admittedly, I had some bias -- in that I expected better. I actually liked Measure of a Man. It was a decent first album. It has some bland lyrics but there were some catchy tunes and nice ballads, and there's no denying Clay's great vocals. I had hoped though, that On My Way Here would improve upon it considering several years have passed.
However, it didn't and I was disappointed. I listened to the whole thing several times, for I didn't want to make any snap judgments. I even took a break for a few days to clear my head and listened to it again. I made notes on each track. I re-wound individual songs and listened to them over and over. But in the end I realized that, other than the title track, I didn't enjoy it. There was so little improvement over the first CD, which was a letdown.
The reason I brought up the Claymates was because I feel that this CD would mainly appeal to the most diehard fans. Fans by nature aren't exactly the most objective, and will like anything their favorite produces regardless of whether it's good or bad.
I'm sorry once again that I've upset people over this negative review. But I hope you all understand that my impressions were not based on prejudice against the artist or his fans.
Take care and have a good weekend :)
62 - nass
That's actually funny Toni, the title track to me was the weakest song on the album...You actually liked that one? I skip that one every time. I have a lot of other songs that are much better on that album. seriously now I understand why you didn't like it and I did. You like the bland On my way here, can't say much for your taste then, but now I understand you opinion. I do wonder what exactly people WANT from Clay... some like Toni wanted the bland song, some liked his more uptempo some said the CD was all ballads and I didn't think that at all. I guess Toni heard something totally different than what I did. and yet he said it was bad I say it was good.
it makes me lugh to think you get to spew your opinion yet you praise the worst song. yikes.
63 - Pat
Seriously. I don't think it would make one bit of difference what Clay sang. Some people are just not going to like it, not because it's bad but because it's Clay. I still have no idea what it is that critics like Toni want Clay to do. Someone please give me an example of something you think he should do. All I hear is that he should change or develop or evolve or some such nonsense. In what way? Maybe Toni should pick out some songs for him and let us listen to them to see what he should do.
64 - Dave
Review By: Tony at Shipwreck Island Studios
It has been a while since Clay Aiken has graced the music world with a full blown studio album. 5 years after "Measure Of A Man", Clay showcases his growth as a musician as well as a person. From the catchy "Ashes" to the inspiring "As Long As Were Here", Aiken shares his diversity like no current musician. After every Clay release I find myself wondering what could he possibly do next to showcase his talent? Of course only he knows what is to come up next.... But with On My Way Here, he has hit another homerun. There's a great pallet of songs to choose from. There are of course the Clay Aiken pop rock tunes that music fans all know him for, then there are tunes that will shock even the most faithful "CA" fan. If you are only a fan of his pop rock material then chances are you will be giving this disc a lower rating then myself simply because of that reason. But if you like a broad range of material that covers different musical genres then it is a no brainer that you will appreciate this release. The one song that I feel will shock many "Everything I Don't Need", because it is "CA" outside the box. Clearly going the extra mile to try something different and frankly I think it worked out perfectly. Overall Clay has done the impossible again, releasing a disc that has something for everyone. If you liked his previous releases it only makes sense to continue the trend and pick this one up. If you didn't like his past works.... I say give this one a try, listen to some audio clips via iTunes or other legal websites. A fun filled adventure from start to finish in the way only "CA" can do it.
^^ that was a review by a rock lover at shipwreckislandstudios.com, a music review site that focuses mostly on Indie Rock. I'd say he was objective, unlike the Toni that has a clear bias and predisposition to be a sheep just bleeting the same old crap like all the other sheep. Buck up man! Show some courage and quit trying to get into the cool crowd.
65 - trish
I see you deleted my post. Why don't you want people to hear his song? Afraid that they will like it?
66 - Toni
I don't have the authority to delete comments. If you made one earlier, it may have been deleted by another reason.
Thanks for the comments all and have a great day!