Clay Aiken - Measure Of A Man
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Free Music Notes for Measure Of A Man
Free Music Review: This man "measures" up!
Hit: 5 Stars
Clay could easily become the adult contemporary's male answer to Celine Dion. Even saying that I want to mention first off, I was looking for a real seam-splitting breakout of Clay's awesome range but really there are no "power ballads" on this album. If you want "that" Clay or the "Broadway Clay", rewind your tapes of old AI episodes. This album is more of a toned down, polished, mature sounding Clay. Don't get me wrong though - that is exactly the way it should be given the material on this album. What's the most impressive point is that Clay recorded this entire album in a limited amount of time, with great weight and expectations on his shoulders and a lot of strain on his vocal chords from weeks rehearsing on AI and then on subsequent tours and personal appearances. There were points after AI finished where you could clearly hear the strains on his voice (like his appearance with Justin and Ruben on (a talk show). Who can blame the poor man after all that his voice has been through? However when listening to this album you would never ever know the stressful factors behind it that must even surpass the load other recording artists normally experience with an album's recording sessions. Throughout the album he maintains an immaculate clarity, enunciation and tone that is gleaming with perfection achieved I'm sure by his hours of rehearsals for AI. In comparison to Kelly Clarkson's debut which flipped from R&B to pop making it almost dizzying to listen to at times, it was clear from the start that Clay had a certain sound and was going to be sticking to it. Refreshingly enough there is the appearance of real, actual instruments instead of only pre-fabricated mechanical drum beats and synthesizers throughout. I heard a few acoustic guitars and a piano in some tunes! On AI he was told to go for the gusto and really belt the tunes out, after all he was in a competition then, but as soon as you listen to the first track, "Invisible", you will hear a toned down Clay - which isn't a bad thing. For it's more difficult and admirable when a performer can sound good showing restraint without needing to scream his or her lungs out every time. The album is definitely more adult contemporary than main-stream pop. Of course there's nothing wrong with that but I found it an interesting twist from Clive Davis since Clay does have so many fans within that main stream category. Perhaps this is a wiser move yet to instill a more credible standing within the music industry. We can only wonder. Even more shocking is the Beatlesque or Oasis-like sounds of "Shine" and the 60s-ish "Perfect Day". I have heard Clay's voice compared to Rick Astley (an observation I first made during his AI audition) and David Cassidy - both are fitting. "No More Sad Songs" is an "I'm not taking your stuff anymore" anthem. It's "the" hard soft song on the album. "When You Say You Love Me" has a weak start lyric-wise but the chorus is catchy and Clay turns it into something more listenable. I write songs myself and I take offense to lyrics I find a bit cheesy or songwriters who rhyme things like "I love you, do you love me too?" for example. It was impossible to find any credible flaws within Clay's performance although I would've liked a little more personalized touch from him (which I'm sure we'll get in the follow up album). The songs on "Measure", although not written by him, show a maturity that I feel is coming from within him. He has shattered the stereotype of only being a Broadway style singer on this album. I found it interesting though that "Measure Of A Man", the title song of the album, was the most Broadway sounding track on there and not because he belted it out but the overall style of the song as it was written sounded like it came from a play or other stage production. It even has a conversation like tone which is again, not Clay's fault, it is the writers' faults. That song is one that I like the least but his vocals make it much better. "I Will Carry You" could become an instant classic for soft rock stations everywhere and I mean that with the utmost sincerity and respect since I listen to soft rock everyday. It's catchy, it's meaningful and it's done without making us turn down the volume when listening in the car or at work. It will truly be a shame and a slight to Clay's efforts if that one isn't released as a single. "Run To Me" is also a lovely song with meaning. Now some disappointments for me: Where was the acclaimed Neil Sedaka's "Solitaire" that we had been salivating for? Where was "Bridge Over Troubled Water"?? How come there are only 12 tracks, including "This Is The Night"? My suggestion for the next album would be to go the next step and bring in all of those big name singers / song-writers who had mentioned their anxiousness in writing for Clay including Rick Astley oddly enough. Where was the Diane Warren power-ballad we were essentially promised on the "winning" American Idol's first CD (as mentioned during her guest judge spot last season)? After all, Kelly got one from her! In closing, I'd like to say I'm giving this album a perfect score not particularly because of the material chosen (the songs weren't bad - I'd give them 4 stars as a whole, but I did yearn for a few power-ballads) but because Clay could sing a phone book and make it sound good. He truly deserves the highest acclaim possible for that.Free Music Review: Un-Biased Review
Hit: 5 Stars
I can't believe the immaturity of these reviews. I guess it is where America is going. For all you Clay haters, pop music haters, Kelly and Rueben lovers, who gave him 1 star, like anyone is going to believe your review and you should probably go back to kindergarten and start all over with growing up. For all the Clay lovers who are screaming that he is the best, great that you support him, but it doesn't help anyone in making a decision on buying his CD. For all you people who quote one Billboard review or the fact that the CD went Double Platinum in a week, duh, you don't need to come here to learn this. Finally for those who expected a Josh Groban, or Barry Manilow type album, Clay is Clay Aiken and nobody else, so don't throw your pre-expectations at us, worse off is the people who think the3s songs are wrong for Clay, who cares and who made you the keeper of Clay. And the worse of all, the people who are disappointed because they wanted to hear past cover songs on the CD, remember Leif Garret. He went nowhere with it!I listened to the CD for a week before making a decision. I think Clive Davis is a genius here! Almost the greatest genius since the Beatles first started. He put together a bunch of catchy songs that will sell Clay into the music world, while deleting all preconceived stereotypes of the young man. Most professional critics' reviews I have read on the CD are unfair and seem to attack Clay as a person rather than a singer, or had preconceived notions of what should be on the CD. Unprofessional and I think most people should at least listen to the CD before those reviews. I was shocked by the differences I heard.
My non- bias review of each song:
Invisible: Very pop oriented top forty-type song. True bubble gum, but you can't get it out of your head. Clay can sing POP!
I Will Carry You: Probably the song with longest staying power. Will be hard to like at first. ROCK BALLAD! Actually could easily be top 40 Rock song if the radio stations wouldn't snub it. I think this is the best way for Clay to go in the future. Sings like Dennis DeYoung of Styx next to the hard chords! Not Bubble Gum but a little candy coated! CLAY CAN REALLY SING ROCK!
The Way: Good pop song, probably should be next single. Sounds too much like an N'Sync copy and Clay sounds more like Justin Timberlake than Clay. I don't think the song is a career helper.
When You Say You Love Me: Country to pop. I hated this song at first. Now it grew on me. I think they should have either made the song a strong country ballad, or a strong pop ballad, but they made it a weak both combination. I think Clay also sings very weak and almost sissified on the song.
No More Sad Songs: Wow, really different almost gothic ballad. Definitely different! Who ever put the cello or violin in the background, excellent idea it really compliments Clay's voice. Clay sings real strong in the song!
Run To Me: This is a ballad that sounds similar to something Celine would do. Clay is exceptional on it. The extra reverb in his voice makes it better. I do think Celine would have sung it better.
Shine: Beatles reborn. For the AP Press reviewer whom said this was interchangeable with the next song, go back to music classes! No similarity. I love the song and really think this shows that Clay can sing everything. Clay can sing Beatles! Love Clay's soulful voice in the middle.
I Survived You: I love this song! It has a jazz, soul, strong ballad mix put together. It is produced too much like "Run To Me" which makes the songs a little too similar. Clay again is excellent in the song.
This Is The Night: Well if you want Clay to be Clay the American Idol for the rest of this life than this song would be great for you. I agree with Randy Jackson on this.
Perfect Day: WOW! WOW! WOW! Whoever wrote this song should be handed a Grammy award. The most creative song I have heard since Paul McCartney and John Lennon. The most challenging song for Clay to sing and boy does he pull it off BIG! Definitely deserves Simon to apologize to Clay for saying, "I close my eyes and I hear Broadway." Definitely Pop at it's best. The type of song you can here ten years from now and it still sounds like a cool song because it never was trendy to begin with. If it was my CD, and it is not, I would release this as the next single! If you don't hear any other songs on the CD, listen to this one!
Measure Of A Man: I think the strongest part of this song is that Clay does what is so hard for many singers to do. He reaches you right in the heart. I could listen to this over and over and over and would always get the same great emotional feeling he pulls off in the song. Definitely a song that is needed in the music industry.
Touch: SALSA! Clay nails this salsa upbeat song! Again could be a top 40 song! A little predictable, but at the same time will get your feet tapping and the emotions going! I love the synthesized acoustic guitar in it. Very refreshing and different beginning!
I give it five stars because it is a showcase of a different side of Clay than was previously seen and because the singer pulls it off greatly! Definitely one of the better CDs of the year!
Free Music Review: Measure of a Man prooves to be big
Hit: 5 Stars
Let me just give you a "jist" of Measure of A Man and its success. It has already been certified Platinum twice by SoundScan and Billboard. This CD was at no. 1 at it's debut, and continued in its second week. Clay Aiken won at the American Music Awards and the Billboard awards. The second runner up of American Idol 2 series truly proves that talent prevails over just looks, or any other superficial views of an artist. In this CD, Clay does a very good job vocally and emotionally to express each song. 1. Invisible (4:03): first official released single from this album, is a great upbeat tempo that shows how versatile Clay Aiken is. Not only can Clay sing great ballads, but is able to maintain such great power and precision in a moderately fast song. This song has a great catchy lyrics, with great instrumentations-"If I was invisible, then I could watch in your room"
5/5
2. I Will Carry You (3:44): this is one of my favorite songs in this CD. It is like a "up-tempo"-ballad. The piano and the beat of the percussion and bass creates very dramatic pose. This piece shows the strength of Clay's voice. This song is basically about being there for someone-"When your dreams give out, I will carry you".
5/5
3. The Way (4:06): this song is good, although it wasn't that catchy at first. It takes about one minute to get the listener's attention. This song is at a moderate tempo. This song basically desirable characteristics that makes a person desirable to the narrator, "It's in the way, you hold me...".
4/5
4. When You Say You Love Me (4:07): this song is very likeable. The instrumentation kind of creates a pop/country feeling. The melodic structure of this piece is original and is nice. "I've been hurt to many times, again and again.."
4/5
5. No More Sad Songs (4:01): this piece does a great choice with the selection of the piano as creating the theme and the mood of this song. Clay's voice greatly accompanies this song. This is an empowering song after a break up, "No more sad songs, I'm letting you go no..."
5/5
6. Run to Me (3:33): the introduction to this song is very soothing and creates a nice mood. This is another great song. As the introduction creates a soft melody, the chorus breaks with just the opposite, creating a much more dramatic pose for the song. This song as a lot of emphasis on emotions-"Right now I, can't give what you need..."
5/5
7. Shine (4:10): this song has a nice tempo and lyrics. I really enjoy this piece with the background vocals emphasizing the lyrics. "Everyplace you go, everybody knows, shadows fall across the sun..."
5/5
8. I Survived You (3:34): this is another great song with good lyrics. One thing that is annoying though, is the over pronunciation of the word "stronger" and "blues". This song has great melodic structure and great electric guitar theme throughout. "I'll be damned if I had thought of you".
5/5
9. This is the Night (3:32): This is Clay's first initial single released after winning American Idol 2, and is added to this CD as a bonus cut. It sounds basically the same, except there are slight variations with the instrumentation. This song sounds quite cliché (after wining American Idol 2 that is)-"This is as close as a touch away, why am I here.."
4/5
10. Perfect Day (3:52): this is a great song. This song has a great catchy melody and shows Clay's strength in singing. Also, the piano's low octave keys heard in the song create such a dramatic effect-"Just as long as she's in my arms, It's gonna be a perfect day".
5/5
11. Measure of a Man (3:58): this song is a great song. This song, like many of the other songs, has a very nice melody that accompanies the lyrics. "Why do you ask heaven and earth to prove his love has worth..."
5/5
12. Touch (3:51): this song sounds very different among the other 11 songs. Just the instrumentation sounds much more pop and modern. This song doesn't emphasize much for him, vocally, but hey, shows another side of him.
3/5
Overall, from my perspective, each song is great in its individual way. I am happy that this CD was not rushed and packaged right away Clay the American Idol 2 series. The choices of songs are great. Clay's success truly did not matter if he had won American Idol because his talent has already proved to have gotten him so much far, even further than Ruben Studdard, the American Idol winner of season 2. Clay Aiken is currently dominating MTV TRL as top ten with invisible, top 10 on the top 200 Albums on Billboard, and much more. For those who do not have Clay's CD, I would recommend this CD. My only reccomendation is to experience an artists artwork than to easily overlook it by some of the frank and idiotic reviews that have given this cd just one star.
Free Music Review: Measure of Clay Aiken
Hit: 5 Stars
Let me just give you a "jist" of Measure of A Man and its success. It has already been certified Platinum twice by SoundScan and Billboard. This CD was at no. 1 at it's debut, and continued in its second week. Clay Aiken won at the American Music Awards and the Billboard awards. The second runner up of American Idol 2 series truly proves that talent prevails over just looks, or any other superficial views of an artist. In this CD, Clay does a very good job vocally and emotionally to express each song. 1. Invisible (4:03): first official released single from this album, is a great upbeat tempo that shows how versatile Clay Aiken is. Not only can Clay sing great ballads, but is able to maintain such great power and precision in a moderately fast song. This song has a great catchy lyrics, with great instrumentations-"If I was invisible, then I could watch in your room"
5/5
2. I Will Carry You (3:44): this is one of my favorite songs in this CD. It is like a "up-tempo"-ballad. The piano and the beat of the percussion and bass creates very dramatic pose. This piece shows the strength of Clay's voice. This song is basically about being there for someone-"When your dreams give out, I will carry you".
5/5
3. The Way (4:06): this song is good, although it wasn't that catchy at first. It takes about one minute to get the listener's attention. This song is at a moderate tempo. This song basically desirable characteristics that makes a person desirable to the narrator, "It's in the way, you hold me...".
4/5
4. When You Say You Love Me (4:07): this song is very likeable. The instrumentation kind of creates a pop/country feeling. The melodic structure of this piece is original and is nice. "I've been hurt to many times, again and again.."
4/5
5. No More Sad Songs (4:01): this piece does a great choice with the selection of the piano as creating the theme and the mood of this song. Clay's voice greatly accompanies this song. This is an empowering song after a break up, "No more sad songs, I'm letting you go no..."
5/5
6. Run to Me (3:33): the introduction to this song is very soothing and creates a nice mood. This is another great song. As the introduction creates a soft melody, the chorus breaks with just the opposite, creating a much more dramatic pose for the song. This song as a lot of emphasis on emotions-"Right now I, can't give what you need..."
5/5
7. Shine (4:10): this song has a nice tempo and lyrics. I really enjoy this piece with the background vocals emphasizing the lyrics. "Everyplace you go, everybody knows, shadows fall across the sun..."
5/5
8. I Survived You (3:34): this is another great song with good lyrics. One thing that is annoying though, is the over pronunciation of the word "stronger" and "blues". This song has great melodic structure and great electric guitar theme throughout. "I'll be damned if I had thought of you".
5/5
9. This is the Night (3:32): This is Clay's first initial single released after winning American Idol 2, and is added to this CD as a bonus cut. It sounds basically the same, except there are slight variations with the instrumentation. This song sounds quite cliché (after wining American Idol 2 that is)-"This is as close as a touch away, why am I here.."
4/5
10. Perfect Day (3:52): this is a great song. This song has a great catchy melody and shows Clay's strength in singing. Also, the piano's low octave keys heard in the song create such a dramatic effect-"Just as long as she's in my arms, It's gonna be a perfect day".
5/5
11. Measure of a Man (3:58): this song is a great song. This song, like many of the other songs, has a very nice melody that accompanies the lyrics. "Why do you ask heaven and earth to prove his love has worth..."
5/5
12. Touch (3:51): this song sounds very different among the other 11 songs. Just the instrumentation sounds much more pop and modern. This song doesn't emphasize much for him, vocally, but hey, shows another side of him.
3/5
Overall, from my perspective, each song is great in its individual way. I am happy that this CD was not rushed and packaged right away Clay the American Idol 2 series. The choices of songs are great. Clay's success truly did not matter if he had won American Idol because his talent has already proved to have gotten him so much far, even further than Ruben Studdard, the American Idol winner of season 2. Clay Aiken is currently dominating MTV TRL as top ten with invisible, top 10 on the top 200 Albums on Billboard, and much more. For those who do not have Clay's CD, I would recommend this CD. My only reccomendation is to experience an artists artwork than to easily overlook it by some of the frank and idiotic reviews that have given this cd just one star.
Free Music Review: CLAY AIKEN - THE PHENOMENON
Hit: 5 Stars
InvisibleThis song is a mid-tempo pop song with a slight rock edge that makes it definitely an interesting. Its lyrics, as previously suggested by many fans, are a bit creepy, as they talk about "watching you in your room" and being "a fly on your wall." Its basic message is not totally clear, but he's singing to his girlfriend and he wishes he were invisible so he could watch her all the time. I am in love with this song. The combination of pop and rock is absolutely perfect, it's catchy, and Clay's beautiful voice is perfect for this song. Clay and his managers would have been idiots not to make this a single. This is Clay's first single off this album and there is no doubt in my mind that it's going to be at #1 for a long time. A+
I Will Carry You
This song is a good, solid, well written power ballad. It talks about him saying he'll always be there for his girlfriend, and no matter what, he'll "carry you." This song is really good and it seems just a solid addition to the album. It's not the strongest song, but not the weakest either. It's just plain good Clay. B+
The Way
This song is a sappy love ballad, which we're of course not surprised to see from Clay.
It has a good beat, but it's relatively repetitive and not terribly exciting. One of the weaker songs, but not its not worth it to reach over and hit the NEXT button. OK song, good singing, ok addition to the album, not puke-inducing but no one is jumping up down. C
When You Say You Love Me
An medium to up-tempo song. I find myself tapping my foot or bobbing my head to this one. It's pretty good, but again nothing ground-breaking. Imagine a sappier "Tell Her About It." There ya go. B
No More Sad Song(s)
I love this song. It talks about Clay getting over his former girlfriend, and so he ain't singing "No More Sad Song." It's a medium-tempo pop/rock song with a strong beat and the lyrics are very strong. Very solid addition to Clay's debut CD. It may become Clay's second single. A+
Run To Me
This a good song, yet another medium-tempo pop/rock addition. It's grown on me a bit since the first listen and I expect it'll continue to do so. B
Shine
This is a weird, unconventional ballad. It's different from anything else. I don't really know how to really explain it. It has some weird notes that are purposely out of the key and sound really cool. Overall, it's a solid addition to the CD. B+
I Survived You
One of my favorites. It's very lyrically powerful. Clay injects tons of emotion into this song of heartbreak and getting over his girlfriend. He sounds very angry when he needs to and it's perfect. Great song, fantastic singing, I love it. A+ (By the way, if you take the lyrics one way, you could say that he's surviving the critics that think he will fade into nowhere. You show `em Clay!)
This is the Night
Clay's first single ever. You know, on the single I loved it, but now with all the new material, it gets kind of lost. It's also a different cut than the single, and in this case it's a bad thing. He gets out of breath on the last note and kind of gasps for air, which did not happen on the single version. Still a great song though. B
Perfect Day
I LOVE THIS SONG!!! My definite favorite on the album. It is just perfect. It is yet another pop/rock medium tempo but this totally stands out. I especially love the chorus...(BUM! BUM! BUM!) "IT'S GONNA BE A PER-FECT DAY!"
I love this song with all my heart and soul. If this isn't his second single...there'll be trouble. A+++
Measure of a Man
This is a nice, pretty pop ballad with just the tiniest bit of rock. I believe it's about Clay sending out a friend of his with advice about when she'll know she has the right man. I think. It's definitely very good. I especially like the big, flashy, key change. It's grrrreat! A-
Touch
This is a weird song for Clay. It's like an up-tempo dance/pop/whatever love song. I like it, but it's not one of my favorites. B
1. Perfect Day
2. Invisible
3. I Survived You
4. No More Sad Song(s)
5. Measure of a Man
6. I Will Carry You
7. Shine
8. When You Say You Love Me
9. Run To Me
9. This is the Night
11. Touch
12. The Way
If I would be guessing right now I would say anything from 1-6 are game for singles. Invisible we know is the first one, I'll guess that Perfect Day and No More Sad Song(s) will probably be 2nd and 3rd.
OVERALL GRADE: A+
Good: FANTASTIC voice, lots of good songs, no innuendo, etc.
Bad: Not the greatest production ever, a few songs could be better