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A genuine pop culture phenomenon who unexpectedly transcended the instant fame granted by his second-place finish in the AMERICAN IDOL competition, Clay Aiken made a decidedly un-hip media figure, often looking and sounding more like George Bush's nerdy, Andrew Lloyd Weber-loving nephew than a sexy or dangerous rocker. Perhaps not surprisingly, Aiken (with the help of uber-producer/record-company mogul Clive Davis), has crafted what sounds like the first-ever secular contemporary Christian album.
With an utter lack of pretense and genuine feel-good vibe worthy of the best work of Newsong or Steven Curtis Chapman, MEASURE OF A MAN is a pristinely produced, relaxed-sounding showcase for Aiken's gorgeously clear and unaffected vocal style. On solid pop songs like "Shine" and the McCartney-esque "Perfect Day," the retiring Southern singer communicates his songs in a pure, direct fashion that, by virtue of its appealing simplicity, manages in short order to project more soul than a CD rack full of gut-busting Michael Bolton histrionics. A defining moment in the mainstream pop genre, MEASURE OF A MAN bridges the generation gap between teens and their parents with comforting consistency and a refreshing lack of flash.
Personnel: Clay Aiken (background vocals); Dan Warner (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Andreas Carlsson (guitar, background vocals); Eric Bazilian, Borge Petersen-Overlier, Fridrik Karlsson, Tim Pierce, Eivind Aarset (guitar); Clif Magness (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, keyboards, programming, background vocals); Rick Nowels (acoustic guitar, bouzouki, keyboards); Marcus Englöf (acoustic guitar, keyboards, programming); Esbjern Ehrwall (acoustic guitar); Chris Glansdorp (cello); Doug Emery (piano, keyboards, programming); Samuel Waermo (keyboards, percussion, programming); David Siegel, Martin Sjolie, Greg Kurstin, Steve Mac, Dave Arch, Charles Judge (keyboards); Wayne Rodrigues (drums, programming); Tim Klaussen, Josh Freese, Lee Levin , Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Frank Ricotti, Rune Arnesen (percussion); David Eriksen (keyboard programming, drum programming); Chris Braide, Danielle Brisebois, Mark Nelson, Heath Burgett, Håkon Iversen, Marian Lisland, Maria Vidal, Chris Willis (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Manny Marroquin; Niklas Flyckt; Andy Zulla; Serban Ghenea; Bob Clearmountain.
Recording information: Blue Iron Gate Studio, Santa Monica, CA; Icon Sound Studios, Miami, FL; Master Mix, Minneapolis, MN; Metropolis Studio, London, England; NRG Recording Services; Red Door Recording Studios, St. David's, PA; Rokstone Studios, London, England; Stereo Studio 1, Oslo, Norway; Storm Studios, Stockholm, Sweden; The Chill Building, Santa Monica, CA; The Gallery, Miami, FL; The Gentlemen's Club, Miami Beach, FL; Westlake Audio, Hollywood, CA.
Editor: Cameron Webb.
Photographer: Kevin Scott Hees.
Arrangers: Clif Magness; David Eriksen; Rick Nowels; Steve Morales.
Personnel includes: Clay Aiken (vocals); Clif Magness (acoustic & electric guitars, piano, keyboards, bass, programming, background vocals); Marcus Englof (acoustic guitar, keyboards, programming); Esbjern Ehrwall (acoustic guitar); Andreas Carlsson (guitar, background vocals); Dan Warner, Eric Bazilian (guitar); Doug Emery (piano); Samuel Waermo (keyboards, percussion, programming); Thomas Blindberg (bass); Lee Levin, Tim Klassen, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Chris Willis, Chris Braide (background vocals).
Producers include: Clif Magness, Desmond Child, Rick Knowles, Steve Morales.
Chris Garcia; Clif Magness; Kieron Menzies; David Eriksen; Craig Lozowick; Eric Bazilian; Alan Veucasovic; Jules Gondar; Marcus Englof; Shane Stoner; Samuel Waermo; Carlos Alvarez; Robin Sellars; Chris Laws; Richard Wilkinson
Outstanding Project I really like this CD. The songs are just right for Clay Aiken. Not too rock and roll, but definitely not "soundtrack" style either as the American Idol judges seemed to want to classify him. The producers and mixers on the project did an outstanding job too of showcasing Clay. I also purchased Justin Guarini's album and was disappointed that the background vocals were so prominate that you couldn't distinquish Justin from the backup singers. This is not the case with Clay's album; he shines on it. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good music. Submitted by a reviewer (Tyler, TX USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 3 of 3 found this helpful.
He's Cool! yeah........well hes okay but i do like his sine Invisible that song is cute...........kepp u the good work clay! Submitted by pixydust32 (Hockessin,De,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
New Album!!! I am looking forward to Christmas, which means Clay's new Christmas album!!! I can't wait! and by the way it is the 30th of November so... HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Submitted by Alezah23 (Columbus, OH, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Sorry Clay Ok I like all types of music and when I heard about clay's album I went and bought it. when I got home and pop his cd in I was so disappointed. His whole ablum could be better. He has a great voice and talent out of this world but the songs need more work. Submitted by a reviewer (Birmingham, AL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Oh Aiken, my ears are achin' You know you're hard to take seriously when CD Universe says this about you in artist information: "Aiken fills a comfortable spot between Celine Dion and Michael Bolton." Nuff said.
Submitted by Salty Salty Triscuits (Aikenesse) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Outstanding Project
Sorry Clay
Oh Aiken, my ears are achin'
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