Clay Aiken - Merry Christmas With Love
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Free Music Notes for Merry Christmas With Love
Free Music Review: Even non-fans will like this one
Hit: 5 Stars
Is there a more divisive force in pop music today than Clay Aiken? For some unfathomable reason, Clay is a singer who inspires as much loathing as love, although it is beyond me why a clean-cut, God-fearing, apple pie-eating, momma-loving All-American Southern kid like him would be so despised by so many. But I digress. The subject at hand is Clay's new Christmas album, "Merry Christmas with Love," and the verdict is in: it's a wonderful collection of holiday standards that, unlike Clay's admittedly overproduced debut "Measure of a Man," should have widespread appeal that will bring Aiken new fans, please the diehards and silence the critics who hope (in vain, IMHO) that he disappears from the musical landscape faster than he appeared two years ago on "American Idol."
Even Clay's diehard fans who loved "Measure" will admit that the album didn't do his considerable talents justice. With too many producers helming too many sound-alike ballads, all overseen by executive producer Clive Davis in much the same way a blind cop would direct traffic, "Measure" was pleasant and had many fine moments (the title track, the lone hit "Invisible" and the incredible power ballad "I Survived You" among them) but failed to expand his fan base much beyond the "Idol" crowd. "Merry Christmas with Love" should change that as it is an album even non-fans will enjoy. With Davis no longer at the helm and only two producers (Phil Ramone and Walter Afanasieff) working separately on approximately half the album apiece, the result is a much more cohesive and balanced package that showcases Clay's incredible vocal power and range while lowering the volume of the accompanying orchestration so that it is his voice, and not the instrumentation, that drives the songs. The result is several beautifully understated readings and a resisting of the temptation of having Clay attempt to blow the listener away with one "glory note" after another, so that when he finally does let loose with all his vocal power it is extremely effective.
The album highlights include wonderful, understated readings of "O, Holy Night," "Silent Night," and "Mary Did You Know?" and bouncy, uplifting renditions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Winter
Wonderland." The title track is very effective, and the album ends on a touching note with "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" But the absolute highlight is Clay's goosebump-inducing, incredibly moving version of Celine Dion's "Don't Save it All for Christmas Day," in which he starts off in understated mode and slowly builds toward a last-minute crescendo that is beautifully complimented by an effective gospel choir and orchestration. Clay actually manages to out-Dion Celine with the tune, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if she herself was impressed and called with her congratulations.
In all, Clay and his producers have delivered an outstanding Christmas package that should quiet (for the time being) the tiresome rantings of his critics, satisfy his legions of fans while they (impatiently) await his sophomore pop effort, and bring new fans aboard while at least offering those on the fence with ample proof why he inspires the kind of devotion that hasn't been seen since the days of the Beatles and Elvis.
"Merry Christmas with Love" should sell well through Christmas and become a new perennial holiday classic. Clay, Ramone and Afanasieff have done themselves proud, and the result bodes well for Clay's future projects. Take a bow, gentlemen.
Free Music Review: Great singing and new twist to songs like O Holy Night
Hit: 5 Stars
Clay is a great singer who evokes emotion in his singing, reflecting nuance and showing what aesthetics are all about. The singing is really great but I don't think it's super super special enough yet. The singing could still use even more improvement and I think the intonation and exact pitch of notes might need to be worked on a bit.The version of O Holy Night was something new and quite amazing but again, some notes' pitch needs to be worked on. However, this is a great cd and I think it is a great listening experience even after Christmas cd! This is just a great cd from an even greater singer. I liked it more than Measure of A Man because Clay demonstrates more power in this cd; I think he should sing more old songs or sing new songs with a style like the old ones which can allow him to demonstrate the power of his voice.
Don't Save it All for Christmas Day-this is an incredible song...there's so much emotion and power packed into it that it's absolutely amazing. Not to mention, he holds a high note with incredible strength for 15 seconds. Although I love Celine Dion, I think Clay's performance of this song exceeds Celine.
A+
Merry Christmas with Love-Of course, this song is just simply divine and wonderful. The singing is very sweet and expressive. Everytime I listen to it, I feel a warmth inside. Definitely a heartwarming song that's sung with his heart.
A
Joy to the World-A short but very joyous song! Clay accentuates each note clearly and the effect is just great!
A
O Holy Night- As I said earlier, great rendition and wonderful vocal to carry the message of the song. It's not what you would usually hear in church. A lot of feeling is incorporated but unfortunately, a few bad notes.
A
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Good singing and nice rendition. His voice is really something. Nothing too too special though.
A-
Sleigh Ride- Pretty good and catchy but the way he sings it seems to lack a little something
B+
Silent Night-Great great singing to make it special and unlike the usual hymn. His voice just soars but I think there's a bit too much vibrato
A-
Mary Did You Know- I think this song is beautifully sung but I just don't think it is as good as everyone says it is. The melody is ok, i guess, but just doesn't seem to be THAT good
A-
Hark the Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful- incredible medley...again, his voice soars in this song. Just divine. very very very well done...I've listened to this again and again
A+
Winter Wonderland- an ok song. Nothing special. Well, his singing is good but just not too much special in this song B
The Christmas Song- I'm not a big fan of this song. It's just an ok song for me.
B
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?- um...pretty ok and good singing. Nothing very special...so ya...
B
This album is just a wonderful music experience. I sincerely wish that everyone who reads this review will go and buy a copy of this cd. =D
Free Music Review: 50 YEARS FROM NOW THIS ONE WILL STILL BE PLAYING!
Hit: 5 Stars
First, let me make one thing perfectly clear....I AM NOT what you call a "CLAYMATE". I do not idolize anyone. I just appreciate a beautiful voice making beautiful music. This offering by Mr. Clay Aiken is magnificent!! I think someone finally heard the complaints about these 'idol' kids' music being massacred by faulty production and mediocre songs. This CD surpasses anything done by Clay Aiken in the past.....including his haunting version of "Solitaire". I did not buy his "Measure of a Man" CD because after listening to the samples I knew the producers just didn't hit the mark with the songs, even though I'm sure Clay brought the material up to his superior level.
However, with "Merry Christmas With Love", Clay has set a standard with brilliance which will instantly become a classic and be played for generations to come. The man is a true inspiration and those who write faulty reviews for this one are clearly deaf or just hate him. Its quite obvious that the one or two negative or mediocre reviews that I have read here thus far are from people who didn't buy the cd. Message here: If you didn't buy the CD or listen to it (as I know these one star reviewers did not because they are spewing their hate around...I won't buy a CD from someone I don't like) THEN DO NOT RATE IT. If you can't rate something honestly, then do not rate it at all, with all due respect, please.
Every cut is truly to be savored, and it is difficult to single out a favorite because Clay has the uncanny ability to take a song and make you think you are listening to it for the very first time. When I heard him do "Mary, Did You Know" I wept profusely. He soars on the glory of "Don't Wait Until Christmas", a song I had never heard before, and again, my heart was deeply affected. As a matter of fact, the more I listen to this 'labor of love' the more love I feel toward my fellowman and to those who I find difficult to like, much less love. Clay has this effect on people. He is a true role model for young and old alike and his charisma and charm are infectious!!
Best of all, this CD is not like most Christmas CDs with up-to-date "popish" sounding production values that destroy the quality of the music to where it doesn't sound like a Christmas CD. This is not the case here. This is a "Christmas CD" through and through with rich production values enhanced by Clay's mesmerizing performances. His is a talent that is to be reckoned with and I feel sorry for those poor souls who feel they have to turn in a one star rating simply because of the hate that is in their hearts. Fortunately for us who have listened to this testament of Clay's love for God, for humanity and for the world, we are blessed beyond what words can convey. Just buy the CD and listen for yourself and you will hear for yourself why 50 years from now this marvelous CD will still be playing! Thank you Clay for one of the best Christmas Presents I'll receive this year and may God continue to bless you as you give honor and glory to him through your life, your talent and your oh so evident love.
Free Music Review: More Than I Dreamed Of - Awesome Aiken Album
Hit: 5 Stars
I bought Clay Aiken's "Merry Christmas With Love" on the day of release, like so many others. It has become my favorite holiday album of all time, and I own many. Most likely, it will also be the only holiday CD I listen to this year, and will continue to listen to it throughout the year - a lot, I imagine.
I knew "Merry Christmas With Love" would be an incredible product, but it far surpasses my expectations, hopes and dreams. Clay Aiken should be very proud of his work on this album. It is top notch. I also want to compliment Clay's producers, Walter Afanasieff, Phil Ramone, the orchestra, choirs and other backup vocal accompaniment including the singers from Clay's tours who lent their talents to two tracks, Quiana Parler, Jacob Luttrell and Angela Fisher. It is evident that much teamwork went into making this a stellar album that will stand the test of time.
Clay's voice, however, is the STAR of "Merry Christmas With Love", front and center, as it should be. We get to hear many of Clay's voices throughout these beautiful tracks. Sometimes soft and gentle, sometimes soaring, always smiling, always soothing, always inspiring, always beautiful, at least to my ears and heart.
I absolutely love every track on "Merry Christmas With Love", but my top favorites are "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day", "O, Holy Night", "Mary Did You Know" and "Hark The Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful", followed closely by "Merry Christmas With Love", "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? and "Silent Night". This is not to exclude the remaining tracks, I love them too, and I am still listening to the CD in order, over and over, not yet repeating only the single tracks that are my top favorites.
I completely agree with the advice given in other reviews to listen with headphones! There is so much glory on this disc and a good pair of headphones brings it all together for intense listening pleasure. It's amazing how letting the magic and beauty of the music on "Merry Christmas With Love" wash over me clears out the stresses of the day and leaves me in a relaxed state, ready to face the world again! Listening at a low volume level while at work also helps to keep the stresses at bay, but it's that time with the headphones that I so look forward to, when I get to submerge myself into the glory and magic of Clay's voice.
Many people I love are receiving "Merry Christmas With Love" for Christmas this year, in fact, starting this next week (before Thanksgiving). I want them to have it early so they can enjoy it for the entire holiday season. They may also love it so much they that they, in turn, want to share it with their loved ones! A few extra sales is such a lovely gift to give back to Clay for what he's given to us.
Thank you sincerely, Clay, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your glorious voice and generous spirit with us. "Merry Christmas With Love" and Clay Aiken are real treasures.
Free Music Review: A Pre-Holiday Gift
Hit: 5 Stars
I can highly recommend Merry Christmas With Love. You can tell a lot of care went into producing this album. Here you will find the traditional Christmas carols and some perhaps you haven't heard before. There were some I had not heard before and instantly fell in love with. I think the best way to review the album is for me to address each song. Listed in order as they appear on the album are the following songs and my review for each:
"O, HOLY NIGHT" Of all of the songs, this is my least favorite. I have always loved this hymn and was disappointed in this arrangement. I thought the middle and last part were wonderful, but there was something about the first part I didn't like. I think there was too much of a contrast between Clay's upper and lower register.
"WINTER WONDERLAND" I liked this one. This is a joyful, lively rendition of this song.
"SILENT NIGHT" I love this. He sings this song in a mellow, yet powerful way. It's almost like he's directing our emotions to follow him.
"HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING/O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL" I liked this Clay/choir medley. Wonderful glory notes.
"HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS" I have always liked this song. Clay sings this in a very warm, soothing way.
"MARY DID YOU KNOW" This song is really beautiful. Clay sings this with so much emotion and skill that I was amazed. After this song finished playing, I pressed the back button and played it again.
"JOY TO THE WORLD" This is another Clay/choir medley I liked. Again, those glory notes!
"THE CHRISTMAS SONG" Another carol I have always liked. In this one, for those of you who remember Johnny Mathis, Clay sounds very much like him. I enjoyed this one, too.
"DON'T SAVE IT ALL FOR CHIRSTMAS DAY" This is another of my favorites from the album. There is a lot of power in this song and a note at the end of it that Clay holds forever. I love those glory notes.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE" I think this is my favorite from the album. While listening to this one, I suddenly realized that my cheeks were wet. I don't cry easily. It's a reminder of those we have left behind; the moms and dads who won't be getting a visit from their children and the wife, husband or partner whose mate is no longer there to share this wonderful time of the year. Clay sings this with so much emotion that you feel every note.
"SLEIGH RIDE" There is a lot of joy in this song. I just love Clay's rendition of it. There's a fun bounce to it and you find yourself wanting to sing along.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE?" This one warmed my heart. Clay sings this in a way that makes you remember your first New Year's date. There is a warm, smooth quality to his voice, which stirs the memories.
You will be in for a pre-holiday treat when you purchase this album.