(PR) The long wait for Clay Aiken fans is over. RCA Records will release the singer's third album, "A Thousand Different Ways" on September 19th. The project, Aiken's first outing since 2004, combines 10 cover versions of well-known songs from the '70s, '80s and '90s with four brand-new songs.
For Aiken, the new album's title has multiple meanings. "This is an album of love songs," he explains, "but they are about all different kinds of love. Romantic love, Friendship, Unconditional love. There are a thousand different kinds of love; a thousand different ways to tell someone you love them. And, on top of that, since so many of these songs are covers, it's realistic to say that many of them have been or could be sung a thousand different ways."
.."Aiken credits Chairman CEO BMG U.S., Clive Davis for coming up with the concept for the album 'He is a man who not only knows music, but really has his finger on the pulse of what listeners want to hear.'" [Wow Jive pushing a cover album? Whodathunkit? And yeah the public has been clamoring for a new version of "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)". The good news is perhaps we'll see Clay in a mullet for the video of the Richard Marx cover.]
Rant or Rave? Your turn, post your comments and thoughts on this news item. But hey keep it clean, we wouldn't want to have to wash your mouth out with Old Spice.
Posted by Amy:
I am a Clay fan and i will be buying 2 CDs,one for my car and one for our bedroom cause I don't want to have to take the CD out and in all the time.I like many many different singing artists but for some reason I NEVER get tired of listening to Clay sing and he is so amazing in concert! I LOVE what I've heard of the new album.
Posted by Amy:
I am a Clay fan and i will be buying 2 CDs,one for my car and one for our bedroom cause I don't want to have to take the CD out and in all the time.I like many many different singing artists but for some reason I NEVER get tired of listening to Clay sing and he is so amazing in concert! I LOVE what I've heard of the new album.
Posted by Ann:
CLAY AIKEN has the best and most versatile male voice in the music industry today and anything he sings impresses me, so I am definitely buying this amazing CD.
Posted by Laura:
I want Clay to do well, but nothing I've heard from this latest CD really impresses me, so I'm going to give it a pass. I think it only fair to vote with my wallet, and if this latest CD doesn't perform as well as expected, I'm hoping that the next one will be a better direction for Clay
Posted by Longtimefan:
Mellisa, I was really torn. I thought about buying the CD just to support Clay. Then I decided that if this album does better than MOAM, that the powers to be might have him become the cover king. I want him to do good, but not too good on this album. So I am not buying it. I also feel quitly buying an album I don't like just to make Clay look better. But I will continue to be a fan and watch and wait for the next album.
Posted by Leyanet :
Clay sing awesome on Without you on his new cd when i heard it on Clay offical fan club! i can't wait for his new cd!!
Posted by Trish:
Hmmm...okay. I think Clay has a really good voice and not many people have THAT kind of voice, you know? Like there are great singers out there but Clay has his 'signature' style.
"Without You" is an all right song. I really wouldn't have picked it to be a single...but what the heck. I'll say this much: the first 1 minute and 43 seconds really isn't that great. However, after that, it's actually shows off his range. One word - wow.
So I don't know. I have a mixed feeling about album after listening to the snippets (although I am a fan). However what angers me the most is RCA. It's like they deliberately hold Clay back. They produce stuff for Kelly Clarkson (I can't stand her) and promote the hell out of her. And Clay? Nada.
Posted by Hmmm:
Susan, the name of the album is A Thousand Different Ways.
You might also concider the fact that this is antiMUSIC, not a Clay Aiken forum and this is a music new article. Read the title for the comments. RANT or RAVE
I may not like all the comments here but they do have the right to make them on this site, as long as they keep them clean.
Posted by Susan:
I am a MAJOR fan of Clay Aiken and have already pre-ordered the new CD--A Thousand Days. I love Clay's voice and that is my opinion.
Anyone who doesn't like Clay's voice, simply don't listen but SHUT UP and go find someone that you want to be a fan of and leave the rest of us alone!! I don't give a rat's patooie if you like Clay or not, you have a right to your own opinion, just please take it on down the road somewhere else because Clay-Bashers, you are so yesterday's news and please get a life! I think that you really like him, otherwise, you wouldn't follow his every move so closely!!
Oh, and get a job if you don't have one, I do!
Posted by jean:
Clay Aiken has the best voice I have ever heard. I have listened the snippets on Promo Squad and the full version of Without You on my space. Clay puts so much emotion into the song and his vocal is flawless. I can't wait to hear the rest of the CD. I don't care if the songs are covers or New songs. it's the VOICE. There's no one like him, he makes any song he sings his own.
Posted by Melissa:
I love Clay and I think he has a fantastic voice. And I WILL be buying his cd.
However, I have to agree with Longtimefan in that, looking at the track listing, I only like about two songs on the whole thing. I will buy it, but only because I love his voice, him, and want to support him.
Posted by Longtimefan:
I have been with Clay since AI. I voted my fingers off. I have every CD and have bought a few for my friends to introduce them to Clay. I have been to every concert. I have a drawer full of magazines, article and memorabilia from the concerts
But I am not going to buy this album because I don't like most of the songs on it. The one by Paul Young is a favorite, but I only want to hear Paul Young sing it because it has memories for me. This is just not my type of music. I have heard one of the new songs at a concert and I didn't like it. Before you jump all over me about not hearing Clay's version of these covers, let me explain. Clay sang Sailing at the JBT concert. He did a great job, it sounded even better than the original, but I still do not like that song. I know all the original cover songs and they are not songs I want to listen to. Buying the album on the chance that I might like any of the other three new songs is not for me.
I love Clay and I think he deserves to have songs that are his and his alone, a few covers sure. I will be waiting for his next album with the hopes that the powers that be wake up and give Clay the chance to make even more fans.
Posted by onemoretime:
Trying to post.
Posted by calling.a.spade:
Julie, come off it. You are kidding right? As a "teacher first he cares for the plight of the world's children"??? What is he Mother Theresa? First of all Clay was never an actual teacher. He subbed in a classroom for a few months. Second of all, he is the one putting out the CD. When I buy a CD I buy it for the music not for their efforts to try and save the world. This CD is going to stink. And by the way, Clay doesn't care about the world's children; he tries to promote himself every chance he gets. If he cared about kids he would actually do something for them directly through his own foundation. He does squat for them. He only shows up at photo ops when UNICEF tells him to.
Posted by Suzy:
I have had heard 4 songs from this CD--Without You becomes screechy and hard on the ears and 1000 Different Ways just drags on. Sorry I am not impressed. It is simply too bad, because I like his voice, but I fear this CD is not going to boost his popularity, but may just sink him.
Posted by anabanana:
I love Clay's voice and am so glad he has a new album coming out.
Posted by soapyjeans:
I just absolutely love the new song. It just grips your heart and sticks in your head. Now this is music!!!!
Posted by Karyn:
I am looking forward to Clay Aiken's beautiful voice singing these covers. I am greatly anticipating the four new originals as well.
As to CID, your comment about "he won't be the biggest star to come out of AI" says it all for me. I see the reason you are here to put a negative spin on things. Could be you are so worried he may overshadow the "idol" you perceive to be the biggest. By the way, when you have some free time, be sure to buy yourself a hearing aid. Without You is stunning.
Posted by Cid:
Why would a singer like Clay Aiken record covers of poorly selected tracks for his sophomore outing?
He probably won't be the biggest star to come out of AI. This path of singing overdone covers is a direction no true artist would do.
And what's up with the tacky arrangement and orchestration of Without You?
Didn't his label put dollars on this haphazardly put CD?
Posted by Jackie:
This album will be great with a voice such as Aiken's. It won't be a flop and who's business is it how many someone else buys. There is all kinds of voices out there that I don't like but someone else does. If you don't like Clay go support your favorites.
Posted by Julie:
Three snippets from the new CD are now at #1, #2, and #3 at Promosquad. Without You may be heard in it's entirety on Clay's MySpace and on Clay's official website: ClayAiken.com Please listen to the ending.
I don't say Clay is the best evah, but I do say he is very good and his sound is unique. You either like it or you don't. But for those who do like it, why shouldn't they have the right to support him?
If's funny someone mentioned Pat Boone. Pat Boone made his own rules and chose a path quite different from mainstream pop stars of his day. You may not have been a fan of Pat's, but 25 years later you know his name.
You may not be a fan of Clay's, but I'll bet 25 yrs. from now you'll know his name.
As a teacher first, Clay is not interested in taking over the planet. But he would like a small part of it in order to bring attention to the plight of children in the world and the causes he cares about and supports. Why hate him for that?
Posted by TW:
"Without You" is one of the best songs ever and although I don't love the instrumentals on this, Aiken's voice is thrilling! If the rest of the album sounds like this, I'll buy it in a flash.
Posted by claypotlilac:
It's kind of fun to read all the snarky reviews frompsudo-experts who haven't even heard one note of the CD yet. Must be nice to be clairvoyant.The crotch-pulling screamers are well represented already - time to hear real music from a real singer.
Posted by claypotlilac:
It's kind of fun to read all the snarky reviews frompsudo-experts who haven't even heard one note of the CD yet. Must be nice to be clairvoyant.The crotch-pulling screamers are well represented already - time to hear real music from a real singer.
Posted by PB:
...........oh, one more thing.
There ARE four new and original songs on this album for all of you who distress over the covers. Enjoy the new pieces then! Most people never find more than 3-4 songs on an album that they really love anyway, so just to hear Clay sing something new will be well worth the money.
:)
Posted by PB:
I have been reading all of the posts by bashers and people who think that Clay doing covers will be a flop.
Well, if you truly feel that way, then you don't really know Clay's voice or his fans.
Clay Aiken is one of the few artists in the industry who can sing almost any type of music ( except rap I think) and sing any song and make it his own.
If you watched him on AI, every single cover song he did was praised by the original artist who was there judging, and to have Neil Sedaka basically GIVE one of his signature songs away to Clay after he heard his rendition of it ( "Solitaire") speaks volumes.
This album will be a hit with many and for those don't like it or don't like Clay, to ecah his own, go buy a different album.
But no need to bash an incredibly amazing talent as Clay Aiken. Nobody's voice in the industry matches his,it is unique and both he and his voice are loved by many of all ages and races.
This song is all Clay which makes it alright with me.
:)
Posted by Jan:
Most of the fans do not buy multiple CDS. Some do in other fandoms,as well. Even buying multiples, we could not have bought 4 million CDS. Thats just what non fans say to make Clay fans look bad. If you don't care for Clay's music, don't buy the CD. I love his voice. He has a unique sound. I do thank antiMusic for asking posters to keep it clean and not spam under different names. I wish they had waited to review the CD until they had heard it, though.
Posted by Clayeyes:
You can tell by my name, I might be a Clayfan. I think this CD is going to be fantastic. I have waited for 3 years for it, and I know he wont disappoint. Without You, tears my heart out. His voice is glorious. His new look is deadly. He is a force to be reckoned with. Clay will be remember as one of the Greats !!
Posted by aikenhart:
This one song is only the tip of the iceberg. Best not to judge any book by it's cover. (pun intended).
Posted by dottybgood:
I can't wait to get my hands on Clay Aiken's new CD. September 19 couldn't come soon enough. Clay Aiken has the most fabulous voice. It is truly a well honed instrument and the man he's just one of a kind, unique and oh so eyedelicious.
Posted by Amazed:
I am not an avid Clay fan, but I thought, Oh what the heck, I will give this a listen.
Holy Crap, it was awesome !! The power and beauty of his voice hit me like a rock from outer space ! Well done Mr Aiken,......you really took my breath away. I will be waiting to hear more. I am still shaking my head over that voice. I may become a Clay fan after all. Eeeek !
Posted by Galadriel:
I think Clay sounds like magic on this track. The voice still gives me chills and his artistry is undeniable. Not everyone can pull this song off. I am not as fond of the instrumental arrangement. Remember that retro is in right now as a number of artists are following that route. Clay knows what he is best at. I am looking forward to hearing the 4 brand new songs, including one that Clay co-wrote on it. I plan on listening to this album all by myself the first time I hear the whole thing. It is usually a very emotional experience for me to hear "the voice". Some will like Clay and some will not. Each to his own, I say.
Posted by Flop:
I did listen to the version on myspace. I listened to the whole thing because I wanted to give it a fair shake. I do think that Clay sings well but I don't think he's the greatest as some of you are saying. I did not feel the emotion. If you put the singing aside and listen to the music, it does sound choppy and that's why I made the statement that it sounded like it was pieced rather sloppily.
Posted by Rik:
The title of this CD might as well be "Elevator Moozak from Clay Aiken - Karaoke Singer."
What's the point to this CD? This is BIG INSULT to whoever RCA thinks is the target audience.
Posted by Lacey:
For those who posted that Clay sings Without You showing no emotion, I say you need a refund on your hearing aids. His rendition is exploding with emotion.
As to the haters who continually come to a forum about Clay Aiken, I say this. If this man were to retire from the music biz tomorrow, what would you people do with all your spare time? Get a job? I have a better idea. Sign up for the armed services, go serve in Iraq or anywhere in the Middle East and see what happens when you have hatred in your soul.
You haters are more obsessed than the most "over the top" Aiken fan.
Get a life!!!
Posted by Lacey:
For those who posted that Clay sings Without You showing no emotion, I say you need a refund on your hearing aids. His rendition is exploding with emotion.
As to the haters who continually come to a forum about Clay Aiken, I say this. If this man were to retire from the music biz tomorrow, what would you people do with all your spare time? Get a job? I have a better idea. Sign up for the armed services, go serve in Iraq or anywhere in the Middle East and see what happens when you have hatred in your soul.
You haters are more obsessed than the most "over the top" Aiken fan.
Get a life!!!
Posted by MMM:
Why is Clive Davis punishing Clay with this cheesy album of covers?
This CD will eternally make this official: Clay is this generation's Pat Boone - bland, whitebread, soul-less singer of middle-of-the- road songs.
Posted by allison:
that version of with out you by clay aiken is a wower i was so wowed and amazed at clays singing range in this new song
Posted by Linc:
That version of Without You by Clay aiken is the bomb. It is the best version I have ever heard. Guy has a voice like no one else on the charts these days. He should sell millions of CDs. As for some of the idiots who post comments here about him, save your breath. You are not going to influence the general public. We love Clay and his voice. I'm a guy and I think the world would be a much happier and better place with more men like Clay Aiken. He is supremely talented, has a heart of gold, does charitable work for humanity and cares about kids. For those who mock him and hate on him, when did you last do something for hunanity or anyone for that matter?
Posted by Martigyrl:
I think I am real tired of giving your site a chance to stop bashing Clay Aiken. I continued to come back when I receive the alerts, but I am really sick of reading your articles. Your other articles that don't bash singers, are not worth me coming back, to read. Rest in Peace. I'm outta here, for good. Please douse yourself with the Old Spice, as you spew crap about Clay all the time.
Posted by Somewhere out there:
if u dont like Clay Aiken, dont come here to post ur messages!! it's simple!! save ur words for the artists u like!!! i heard Without You by Clay, and i think it's the best version ever!!! and who said there was no emotion in the song? there's plenty!! u should get a emotion-detector-machine if u dont get it. there's always plenty of emotion in all Claysongs. unlike many singers, Clay sings wth his heart, and u can feel it, if u open urself. for those who struggle to remain deaf in their hatred, well too bad!! it's not as if it affected me or any Claymate out there. we will sleep sound tonight, no matter what u like or dislike. get a life, folks!
Posted by Carol:
To those with negative comments about "Without You", did you even listen to the full version on MySpace? It is just beautifully done, building up with passion and emotion that almost brings me to tears. The "glory" notes are incredible. Clay has the voice of an angel, almost surreal. He is truly sublime! And for you bashers out there, leave the fans alone. Go follow someone YOU like. We just choose to like someone who can sing, who we understand, who doesn't spew out smut. Clay is one in a million. And guys, don't resent him cause women love him --just learn from him. He's one special person with unbelievable talent.
Posted by javajunky:
Gee, bias much? LOL
Clay's voice is amazing. I heard that the reason it took so long for this CD to be released was that Clay was battling Clive over the content. Clay didn't want to sing covers. I guess money really DOES talk. However, Clay's voice is so unique and beautiful, that I'll probably buy this CD just to hear him again.
You know, it would be really nice if some of these bloggers would at least wait until they hear the CD to make their judgements. Not that most people really care anyway. People buy what they like. Period.
Just my opinion.
Posted by lmic:
OK, Without You is not a favorite of mine, but he does do a really nice job with it. Devoid of emotion? I really do have to wonder if you listened to the whole song - he builds a story with this arrangement, but the last half is incredible.
Posted by k:
I have to laugh at all the people saying how they hate Clay and how awful his version of Without You is. If you hate Clay so much, why are you visiting his MySpace to listen to it? (that's the only place it's available right now) I can't stand Britney Spears, but I would never go to a website devoted to her to listen to a song just to trash it. Don't you people have anything better to do with your time than to troll the internet looking for ways to trash someone? You are very strange people.
Posted by Sara:
Flop, I think you probably were speaking about the Promosquad version. The entire song is on Clay's My Space. The second half is VERY different(emotional)!!!!
Posted by Beckles:
I am absolutely THRILLED at the news of Clay's new release. His voice is amazing, and this CD will be well worth the wait.
Posted by whomever:
Clay haters are really obsessed aren't they??? AND, they call us Claymates rabid! HUH?????
Posted by R4C:
we'll see who has the last laugh.
the Clay haters spend more time obsessing over him than the fans do who love him. Without you is a masterpiece.
Posted by flop:
I too have had an honest listen to Clay's version of Without You and it was horrid. Completely devoid of any emotion whatsoever and the entire track seems to have been pieced together rather sloppily. And what's up with his phrasing particularly when he sings "without you". It's ridiculous. He should have just done a straight forward phrasing instead of making it sound so ridiculous. I'm sorry but it's just awful. I think this outing is going hurt his career.
Posted by Fanta:
My comments is about the rabid fans. Visit the AI boards and you can read posts from Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, and the Soul Patrol and their Power buying of albums to prove their idol is the best one. There were actual news articles quoting Fantasia fans running out of Walmart clutching multiple CDs. There was a behind the scenes push by civil rights leaders to power buy Ruben's CD to beat Clay's numbers. Google it, there is an article by a Raleigh journalist about it. El, I have to say the Clay haters are the obsessed one. I don't know anyone but Clay haters who follow a career so closely of someone they claim to dislike. Therapy is my recommendation for them.
Posted by me:
I am a fan, i believe that this totlly has CLIVE DAVIS written all over it. I think of clay's concerts the one's that didn't involve album promotions, heck even the ones that did were soo different than what this album is. he chose cover songs like u2 elvis, prince, stuff that wasn't in his "easy" category, this album is about as far away from clay in concert as it can get. the songs he was working with for the origional shelved album were upbeat and fun. 7 months ago everything changed and a blog about clive and love songs shows up. he had said in an interview once that he had songs enough for 3 cd's and they just needed to figure out how to go, early on there was a song about his brother in iraq, yet the songwrter wasn't sure if it would end up on the album because" RCA WANTED LOVE SONGS" his quote.then after the blog, he's back in the studio recording again. I really think clay had no choice and i truly belive clive chose this path for him.
Posted by El:
I listened to Without You and would call it AMAZING. The vocal skills and emotion are compelling and breathtaking. I closed my eyes to listen carefully and take in every carefully crafted note of perfection. I must have listened to the song about 50 times and I am not tired of it yet. WOW. And BTW, I am a claymate on a budget, and I have purchased my one copy on the Amazon.com presale. If you have ever tried to get tickets to a Clay Aiken concert, you would know that there are more than 35,000 fans. I wish!.....then maybe I could finally get a good seat for a concert. And if you are not a fan, why do you take the time to read Articles about Clay, and post your disapproval. Seems odd to me. I only post my support for Clay, because I am a fan.
I would never go onto a Britney Spears site and say that I don't like her music...blah blah blah. I just don't bother reading or commenting, because, I am not a fan. I don't care. Not my style of music.
One has to wonder who the real obesessed people are. Are they the Clay fans or the Clay haters? Think about it!
Posted by Richard:
I've never really warmed up to Clay Aiken's style of music. He seems to place a lot of emphasis on showing off his technical skill, without investing the songs with any true emotion.
I have heard "Without You", and regrettably, Clay doesn't seem to have grown much at all over three years. He might have even regressed since his American Idol days. Deathly dull and with virtually no interpretation skills or imagination.
A CD of new songs might have been worth a listen to discover something new. Knowing that the majority of songs are weak remakes makes this one a definite pass.
Posted by Katie:
Leesa - you do make a very good point about Clay shouldn't be doing covers just fresh like this. I respect your opinion and appreciate you for being honest.
Yes, I am a Clay Aiken fan, and yes, I am not so sure if this album will really gain him new fans, but what a fan really wants is just to hope that their idol can do what he/she wishes to do. And as I've read blogs from Clay himself, I think he's happy with the album, so it's okay. It'll be okay.
troll posts deleted. Make your point but don't spam the fan speak under different names or you will be banned from posting
Posted by Rita:
I like Clay. I'm not a Claymate or rabid fan or whathaveyou, but I did enjoy him very much on Idol.
Posted by Maricela:
Clay Aiken is my favorite male singer and male entertainer. Clay Aiken is the greatest and the best male musical artist ever!!! Clay Aiken Rules!!!
Posted by Julie:
I guess you've never heard Aiken do covers? Bridge Over Troubled Water, Solitaire, Unchained Melody, I Can't Make You Love Me, etc. He's known for taking a cover and making it his own.
One new song on the album, Lonely No More, was co-written by Aiken. There are 3 more new songs, one by Jon Bon Jovi.
The album might be better than you think, unless you've already predetermined not to like it no matter what.
Posted by Leesa:
This will be a flop. Come on whow ants to hear a cover album from a newbie? That's insane! He needs to build up his catalog of decent songs before doing something that a well established artist would only do at the latter end of his career. Not fresh out the gate. I know he has rabid fans who will buy many copies to try and push their boy onto the charts. But that's not fair to Clay. He could sell 100,000 copies and it would in reality be to only 35,000 fans. To see a true artists worth everyone should purchase one CD and see then how many people are actually interested.
