I feel weird because I'm not a huge fan of Clay's album......

[HipHopChristian]

I mean, everyone loves it. I dunno, it's not as good as I expected. Like, the songs or to slow or something.. I dunno. I'm just not a huge fan.

Does EVERYONE just love his cd?

[Ellie]

Hey HipHopChristian! :) - I actually love the album. I had my doubts before I ever heard the album and thought I might not like it, but I find myself enjoying the songs because they're so catchy, light, and infectious - but that's okay that you're not crazy about it. I kind of expected some people not to like the album - since he has a diverse fanbase, I think they went with mainstream pop songs so as to please the majority and chose songs that might be AC radio-friendly. I think this album is a good starting point for him - it gives him room to grow and develop his skills as an artist. I love listening to his voice so I knew I would not be disappointed with whatever musical direction TPTB guided him into. I'm looking forward to his performances on tv and his solo tour - I want to see him perform these songs live. :)

[HipHopChristian]

Hey ;)

That's the problem though... I don't think it's mainstream pop so to speak.

[Ellie]

Oh cool - You're still in this forum :D

Hmm... good point you have there. I wouldn't necessarily call it mainstream pop then - maybe, AC pop? - lol - I don't know if that makes any sense. I think the genre, or style, suits him though. It kind of reminds me of the 80's music :) - and maybe that's why I like the songs. I like that they have a sort of rock-edge to them - even the ballads. How would you describe the songs HipHopChristian? I'd like to hear more of your opinions.

[Diva4230]

I don't have the album yet.. I ordered it months ago..

I'm about to go out and buy it.. But I to, like the songs because they are more rockish.. Not like rock and roll, but a nice mainstream radio light rock and roll kind of feel.. Sort of a Michael Bolton kind of rock..

And plus Clay's voice.. :love:

[Ellie]

Hey - That's a good way to put it Diva4230! :D

I also loved the pull out poster of Clay - very nice touch ;)

[HipHopChristian]

lol.. well Ellie... I think most of the songs are like... really lite adult comtempary you could say :)

[nmpv4176]

Yes! I was just speechless after listening to Clay Aiken's new album! It is such a good pop album. Though most of the album consists of ballads, they keep your attention. Clay's singing has really gotten better. He had his own approach to the songs with the phrasing and how he sang them. I think that he wanted to go for all new songs on the album and left out remakes. Although the album is Clay all over, I heard influences of Elton John, some Michael Bolton, '80s heavy metal power ballads--though a little softer, Jon Bon Jovi (especially on "Invisible"), Enrique Iglesias and Michael Buble on the songs. And he had 6 producers here--the five songs by Cliff Magness give the Desmond Child, Steve Morales and Rick Nowels songs a run for their money. It's more spared out with six and more balanced here on the album.

[HipHopChristian]

That one song.. "The Way" I think, was written by Enrique, that's why it sounds like something he'd sing lol.

[nmpv4176]

Originally posted by Ellie
Hey HipHopChristian! :) - I actually love the album. I had my doubts before I ever heard the album and thought I might not like it, but I find myself enjoying the songs because they're so catchy, light, and infectious - but that's okay that you're not crazy about it. I kind of expected some people not to like the album - since he has a diverse fanbase, I think they went with mainstream pop songs so as to please the majority and chose songs that might be AC radio-friendly. I think this album is a good starting point for him - it gives him room to grow and develop his skills as an artist. I love listening to his voice so I knew I would not be disappointed with whatever musical direction TPTB guided him into. I'm looking forward to his performances on tv and his solo tour - I want to see him perform these songs live. :) The album does have an adult contemporary feel. Clay has said that he wanted to do those kinds of ballad-based songs and not the trendy sounds of everybody else now. I have noticed in the clips of the concerts Clay performed this summer that women over 35 or 40 like him and he really appeals to that group more with these kinds of ballads. Teens like him for his looks; adults like him for his singing, vocal range and the music. It's a surprising balance--some young artists don't have the kind of diverse fan base that he has.