Clay Aiken - On My Way Here
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Free Music Notes for On My Way Here
Free Music Review: Great feats of Clay
Hit: 5 Stars
"I've fallen hard
But I've been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here."
Clay Aiken's been working pretty hard since his 2003 second place win on American Idol Season 2, becoming a UNICEF Ambassador in 2004 and this year gracing the Broadway stage in Spamalot. He's also done his share of touring and volunteer work, while still finding time to record this, his fourth full length studio album.
The album comprises 12 tracks of radio-friendly pop ballads of varying tempos, the strong points being the clarity and purity of his voice, and the inspiring and emotional lyrics. The first single, which is also the title track, was co-written by Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic) and was the inspiration for the album.
"Where I Draw the Line" is another track that should be a single, and it's about not wanting to surrender your heart for fear of getting hurt.
"Seems whenever I let somebody get this close
I'm right back where I got hurt the most
And that's why, oh that's why
Around my heart is where I draw the line"
"Grace of God" reflects on being grateful for the blessings in your life, empathizing with the many people who may be in need or in trouble.
Other notable tracks are "Ashes"; "Everything I Don't Need" (where he throws in an R&B vibe); "Weight of the World" (great chorus) and "Lover All Alone" (co-written by Aiken)
The only thing wrong with this album is that it's only 12 songs long.
(I don't really like the cover art either, but that's neither here nor there)
Recommended for American Idol and pop music fans.
Amanda Richards, May 27, 2008
Free Music Review: A meaningful, gorgeous album
Hit: 5 Stars
I love this CD. Its lyrics come back to you hours after hearing them, making you say "Yes! That's just how I have felt sometimes." My favorite songs are "As Long as We're Here" and "Grace of God," two songs for people who wonder at the world's suffering. Some of the songs, especially "The Real Me," "Ashes," and "Falling," talk of those experiences of despair and loneliness that we all feel sometimes, but that we don't always talk about in an honest, heartfelt way. The album is about life lessons Clay has learned over the past five years, so while all these songs are honest, they are also full of faith and hope that human beings can learn to treat each other better and that we can grow through surviving the tough times. The effect of them is to create a sense of connection through an understanding that our feelings and experiences are shared by others and that we have a responsibility to our friends and family as well as those in need across the globe.
Which isn't to say that the album is only about message - it is just as musically gorgeous as you would expect a Clay Aiken album to be. Clay and his producers have chosen songs that are stylistically quite different and range from edgy to ballads and the production is lush and expressive. It goes without saying that Clay is a true vocal artist; he can and does create worlds with his voice. When he sings these songs, you know he means them and they are a joy to listen to. I have to admit that my favorite track from a song-writing perspective is "Lover All Alone," co-written by Clay. Clay's lyrics have an essential, poetic quality and I hope he'll write more in the future.
Free Music Review: A relaxing listen
Hit: 5 Stars
When reviewing a CD, it's hard for a reviewer be completey unbiased. Much depends upon the type of tastes the individual has in music. I listen to a variety of music from Alternative Rock, Rock, Pop and some blues and jazz. What I listen to at a particular time depends upon mood and circumstance.
This CD fits the mood of wanting to sit back relax and tap your foot to some beautiful instrumentals and vocals. Most of the songs are mid tempo reflection of things that happened in life songs. If you're looking for a relaxing "feel good" music you'd likely hear on lite radio stations this is the type of CD you'd want to give a try. If you're looking for something to dance to or jam to then I don't think so.
Whether you like the CD or not I think will depend upon your music preferences. Two songs I thought stood out from the rest in style and sound.
Something About Us: This has a nostalgic love song feel to it. The kind of love that everyone searches for. It's the type of song you would have for a slow first dance in a wedding reception or aniversary song. I think it's absolutely beautiful in lyrics and sound.
Lover All Alone: From weddings and ultimate love, this song does a 180 and is a heartwrenching song about thinking you've found the perfect love only to find it all an illusion. The loneliness of finding your dreams smashed and wondering if the love inside of you will find someone to share it with.
I can't criticize the vocals, I think he always has had a heckuva voice.
I'd recommend it for those looking for that light pop sound.
Free Music Review: The REAL Clay
Hit: 5 Stars
It's interesting for me to read some people's assessment of Clay's voice in this CD as being 'wobbly' or 'weak' and even suggesting that he's 'lost it' since American Idol days! What he is NOT doing in this CD is blowing us away with lots of (to date) 'glory notes'; most likely, people who haven't followed him closely since those tv shows five years ago---who haven't seen him in concert or listened to him put his unique spin on various songs---WOULD notice a difference in his delivery.
And we SHOULD! because Clay's voice is maturing as he is. More nuanced, more controlled. When before he might try to belt a high note (and succeed!), now he's more thoughtfully choosing when to power through and when to let the note flow softly. Some of his vocal talent simply overwhelms me in "The Real Me" and "Everything I Don't Need"--such different songs with completely different delivery choices, but both showcasing THE VOICE.
He's said these lyrics mean something to him and I agree also that they will have listeners connect to their messages, too. And since there is such a variety of musical styles---pop rock, smokey jazz, funky r&b, ballads---here, it's hard to imagine that there isn't something among the tracks that everyone will be drawn to.
I honestly can't name a favorite or perhaps it's more accurate to say my favorite changes with each listen. Can't wait to watch him let go on stage in concert with some of the uptempo songs and I know he'll bring some people to tears singing the slow ones.
Bravo, Clay and Kipper!
Free Music Review: Clay, you are Amazing!
Hit: 5 Stars
Dear Clay: What I respect most about you, apart from your gorgeous, honey coated voice, is your message of Universal Consciousness that speaks to experiences we all share in Life and in Love. This collection of meaningful songs is light years ahead of the material recorded by any other artist today. Through superbly crafted lyrics, each song reveals the spectrum of experiences confronted by each along the way toward maturity and refinement of one's life. The songs are emotionally reflective; fun and upbeat; uplifting; and, for me, they have inspired feelings of hopefulness.
This CD reveals both your self mastery and personal growth of your soul in a collection of songs that invite the listener to embrace the IDEAL of both higher and deeper expressions of LOVE. They are invitations to move toward renewal of spirit in body, mind, heart and soul. "On My Way Here" is a subtle, thoughtful, potent package and one that will be deeply felt by people who have open and receptive minds and hearts. This work merits 5 stars, in my opinion, for content as well as delivery.
The music arrangements never over power your gorgeous voice. You reveal refinement and richness in your tone, range and depth. You have chosen this material with deep sensitivity. Thank you, as well, to the production team who have made this collection superior. Clay, you will never be a "Lover All Alone", because your fans will continue to love you forever. Thank you for such a stunning and timeless gift to us all.