Clay Aiken - Measure Of A Man
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.01 You Save: $7.97 (100%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Measure Of A Man
Free Music Review: Simply music to enjoy!
Hit: 5 Stars
If you were expecting a cd that would set the music world on its ear with its daring innovation and revolutionary new sound, you will be disappointed in this cd. If you were longing for a cd filled with music you could hear blasting at dangerous decibel levels at a dance club, you will be disappointed with this cd. If heavy metal, rap or hip-hop is what makes your heart sing, you will be disappointed in this cd. And if your heart was set on a cd filled with power ballads and covers of old standards, then you too will be disappointed. However, if you want a pleasant cd filled with very listenable pop songs sung by a young man with perhaps one of the best voices to be heard in a long time then you will NOT be disappointed by Clay Aiken's debut album, "Measure of a Man". Keep in mind, this is a first time effort, recorded and released in less than 5 months, and it should be judged accordingly. It is with that criteria in mind that I give it 5 stars. Is it as well produced and polished as it could be if more time had been devoted to its production? No. But despite its hurried production, and its sometimes overwhelming background music, this cd is one you can put in your cd player and play over and over again. Every song is enjoyable. Clay shows a new side to himself - more pop and mainstream than what he showed on American Idol. There is not one song you will want to skip over. Are the songs similar in style? Yes, there is some sameness to them, but not to the point of monotony. You have the upbeat pop tempo of "Invisible", the country-esque "When you Say You Love Me", the almost salsa-esque, and very sensuous, "Touch", the triumphant "I Survived You", the romantic and beautiful "The Way", the determined "No More Sad Songs" and on and on.
This cd won't set the world on fire. The songs will not be remembered for their originality. They will, however, be remembered. You'll find yourself humming and singing them when you're not playing them. If you like to listen to music that makes you feel good, that you simply enjoy, then you will like this cd. This is a fine - albeit not perfect - first effort by a terrific new talent (his phrasing and his ability to convey the meaning and emotions of a song are phenomenal!). I look forward to hearing more from Clay Aiken as he continues to develop as an artist and cultivate his own style (I read somewhere that he could try being a cross between Beck and Bobby Darin. Now that would be interesting!). I hope radio stations will begin to recognize what the millions who have already purchased his single and this cd already know. Clay Aiken is here to stay and should not, cannot, be ignored. Enjoy this cd for what it is and what it is simply enjoyable music.
Free Music Review: Fun CD
Hit: 5 Stars
One of Clay's strengths is his consistency. All of his songs have beautiful tone and power. The only problem I see is that I haven't heard him sing anything besides ballads. Don't get me wrong. I'm perfectly happy with that but I want to really let people know what this CD sounds like. The liner notes are really sparse although it does hold a small fold out poster of Clay. Track by track:
1. Invisible - Really interesting song with a lot of the power the single carried.
2. I Will Carry You - A nice ballad but doesn't have the same catchiness as some of the other tracks.
3. The Way - More romantic than many of the others. Very sweet lyrics to this one describing the way that this girl makes him feel and act. Really moving.
4. When You Say You Love Me - Faster paced tuned with a strong beat. This is one of those catchy driving tunes.
5. No More Sad Songs - I love this one. Clay really plays with the song and puts a lot of emotion into this track.
6. Run To Me - This track has a little of the same power shown on Invisible and This Is The Night. Interestingly enough, I just looked at the writers and some of the same people worked on all three of these songs. That explains the similarity in strength. The tunes all have a great flow to them.
7. Shine - Nice but not a real standout on the CD. With the Clay Aiken power voice, it's hard not to skip to the songs that really bring that out. The bridge of this one is probably the most interesting part of the song but still doesn't make it great.
8. I Survived You - Lyrics seem rushed at times on this track but really brings an interesting feel to the beat.
9. This Is The Night (bonus cut) - Well, if you don't know how this one sounds, you haven't been listening to the radio lately. Beautiful powerhouse of a song. Really showcases Clay's strong clear voice. Maybe I don't know the song well enough but I can't tell what the difference is between this cut and the single. No matter, still wonderful!
10. Perfect Day - One of the more intriging songs on the CD. This is almost not a ballad so it brings a little more to the album as a whole.
11. Measure Of A Man - The title song has a really nice solo piano part to begin and brings out the quality of Clay's voice rather than the power that many of the other songs showcase. The lyrics have some Christian symbolism with "Would he walk on water?", "Would he give his life up to be all he can?", and building a life around "his one true belief." Beautiful sentiment in this one to go with the lovely tune.
12. Touch - Very different end to the CD with this song that has more of a dance beat to it.
Overall, quite a nice beginning for Clay. Looking forward to seeing him develop his voice and career.
Free Music Review: Clay Aiken... The Man and his Music Measure Up
Hit: 5 Stars
Clay Aiken is a true phenomenon. And he is the next big thing (it is already happening. Hello? He's hit triple platinum with this album "Measure of a Man", and has sold the most singles so far in 2004 with "The Way/Solitaire". He was #1 seller in singles last year with "This is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" (according to Billboard Charts)Clay Aiken is a true inspiration to so many people who have taken the time to listen to this CD, his interpretation of songs on Idol 2, and who have learned how great a person he is (his personality is awesome..ahh if you only knew!)
I have hoped and prayed for an artist like Clay to come out in the secular world. We needed an artist to shift the gears on the kind of music people come out with these days. A big change from all the CRAP on the top 40 (those drugs, sex, rock n' roll..) And believe me, I've been a big huge fan of R&B, Rap and other kinds of music since I very little. We needed this change. Clay is THAT change.
Clay's voice is pure and very powerful. Every song on this album is fantastic. Everyday I listen to it and my heart, mind, and ears have grown to love every song more and more. The songs are so fun you can't help but sing along and be inspired.
I've been a fan since American Idol 2 and even voted for him several times till the end. Hey even though he came in 2nd place, I've always known he would be more popular than Studdard and even Clarkson (it's happening and you can't stop it). He has more fans that either two. His audience is very broad. At the concert, I saw people of all ages and races. At first when I bought this album, I didn't really give myself time to listen to each song. I would only play "This Is The Night" because I loved how he sang it on AI2. But ever since I saw him on the Independent tour with Clarkson just last March, I have grown to be a bigger fan of his music and him particularly. Yes, some of the songs on the CD do have religious themes (which is good...because they uplift you and they inspire you.."I Will Carry You", "Measure of a Man", "Run To Me", "Shine", even "This Is The Night") And the other songs are sexy and fun and romantic... like "The Way", "Touch", and Invincible". Others are sweet like "When You Say You Love Me" I love others to like "Mo More Sad Songs", "Perfect Day", "I Survived You".
Will the album win a Grammy (2005?). I bet it will. Will he win Best New Artist (Male). Very possible!!
What else can I say?
If you haven't bought this CD, buy it! And get the single "The Way/Solitaire" His version of Neil Sedaka's "Solitaire" is close to perfection.
Clay is one of the best new artists I've ever heard!
Also, thank you, Clay Aiken, for being such a great role model for people.. especially the youth!
Free Music Review: Every Voice Heard
Hit: 5 Stars
No hype here...yes, I have been a Clay fan from the beginning (*well from the show where he came in third before the wildcard show--didn't really remember him from Glendale). So the automatic bias that you'll probably read into this is that it'll just be yet another "5-star" review from a "Claymate."Well, I've come to the conclusion that there is really nothing wrong with that (If I could, I would give it 5+++!) I'm proud to be counted among "everyday folks" who have found an incredible singer with an enormous talent that just happens to be a fantastic role model as well.
There will undoubtedly be negative reviews from folks who will never like Clay or what he stands for. And there will also be fair, objective reviews with legitimate perspectives from those that don't care for the music (as opposed to just not liking Clay). That's great...we should all be grateful that, as Americans, we can all have our own points of view. Let's get beyond putting down other reviewers for their own beliefs or tastes. There are singers and types of music for all.
But at the same time, let's celebrate what this CD represents. An absolutely monumental debut from an incredible talent. Clay, there are millions who hope you will have a long and successful career. If double platinum in 1 week is any indication, we KNOW you will go nowhere but up from here!
Finally, from a more personal take of MOAM, of course as a fan, I nervously listened to the tracks on the night of the launch party since I wasn't one of the fans who had downloaded any "preview" snippets. Nervous because I wanted to love everything.
Well, I am among the folks (and there seem to be many) who wasn't sure the first time around (yup, still nervous at that point!). But after listening to it almost non-stop since that first day, I will join the throngs who can honestly say that there is not one song I don't like. Every single song I find myself wanting to hit "repeat." My top three today are "The Way," "Measure of a Man," and "No More Sad Songs." But that changes on a minute-by-minute basis!
I can understand critics who do not believe or want a "vanilla revolution" to the music industry (there are huge $$ at stake here!). But you can't argue with the voices (or the wallets) of the masses; we yearn for and deserve this type of music on the airwaves as well.
If you're a Claymate, be proud of that...and if you're not, that's fine too. Just realize that we have our own reasons for loving this CD and understand that you have reasons you don't.
If you're still on the fence...get this CD! Hopefully, you'll be happy you did! :)
Free Music Review: Beautifully Done
Hit: 5 Stars
Invisible: "If I could just watch you in your room..."Catchy (albeit creepy) lyrics of Clay as a voyuer. It's the kind of track that should be uncomfortable but ends up sparking ideas.
I Will Carry You: "When the stars go blind and the darkness starts to flood your eyes...I will carry you." Sweet, poignant track that justifies Clay's position as a friend and confidant. Very beautiful.
The Way: "It's in the way that you hold me and they way that you know me." An addictive track that provides Clay with a slightly more uptempo beat. Very nice.
When You Say You Love Me: "You laugh like your really ntertained and you smile like its your favorite game." This is one of my top three of the album. Clay's voice is perfect and the lyrics are surprisingly memorable and also can be related to many people.
No More Sad Songs: "This is way that I state my independence, that I'm no longer connected to your memory." A powerful lyric supported by an undeniable hook with this song. Bound to be very popular with fans.
Run To Me: "As soon as you get the feeling you can start to live again...run to me." I must admit it: this is a safe track. It's plesant and nice and Aiken's vocals are strong. But I don't feel that it reaches the quality of the others. It's unassuming and sweet. Not bad but not great either.
Shine: "Hey butterfly, open up your weary eyes." My second favorite song on the album--an empowering track that anyone can relate to. Solidifies Clay's persona of relating to people and their weaknessess. Infectious tune.
I Survived You: "I see the picture clearer now and the fog has lifted." Another safe track. Aiken sounds great but the song contains quite a few cliches within it. Still, it gets better with listening.
This is the Night: "Lift me up in your eyes." Now, the track seems dated but it's still a solid song (albeit schmalzty). Among the new songs, it's tempting to skip this song in favor of the others. But it's been rearanged a bit since the single and is still a good track.
Measure of a Man: "Why do you ask him to move heaven and earth to prove his love has worth?" One can see why Aiken chose this as his title track. A poignant tune that rings true. Sums up the album as well--how do you measure Mr. Aiken's voice? There aren't enough inches.
Touch: This is a sexy song; it drips with sensuality and is sure to be a hit with the ladies. My favorite on the album--quick paced and beautiful.
Overall: Aiken is nearly perfect on this nearly perfect album. Every track suits his voice--the lyrics are quite good and there's no denying the appeal of the album's sincerity. Beuatifully done, Mr. Aiken.