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MP3 Album Price: $9.99
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Given that Clay Aiken's success story is a little like that of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's underdog-made-good tale, it's entirely appropriate that the AMERICAN IDOL runner-up would record a Christmas album. That MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE is so defiantly traditional just adds to the warm-and-fuzzy vibes.
With nary a hint of hip-hop or pop-punk to be found, the record is a testament to the evergreen appeal of the heavily orchestrated holiday epics of Christmas past. Aiken's bell-like voice is perfectly suited to the sweeping, old-time Disney/MGM production style here, and his evangelical Christian beliefs no doubt add to the sincerity with which he imbues these performances. Listening to the warm chestnut glow of "Sleigh Ride" or "Winter Wonderland," listeners might be forgiven for thinking they just stepped onto the set of a 1940s Bing Crosby film. Of course, Aiken can't resist adding a little of his trademark R&B spice to the eggnog, and this extra touch is what makes MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE accessible to holiday-music lovers of all inclinations.
Recording information: Chalice Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Hensen Studios, LA; Paramount, Los Angeles, CA; Right Track Recording, New York, NY.
Photographer: Eric Ogden.
Arrangers: Walter Afanasieff; Patrick Williams; Torrie Zito; Jorge Calandrelli.
Personnel: Clay Aiken (vocals); Tanesha Gary, Catrice Joseph Hart, Gerti Lee James, Laura Dean (soprano); Eliseo Román, John Eric Parker, Chris Zelno, Maurice Lauchner, Glenn Rainey (tenor); Emanuel Kiriakou (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, programming); Michael Landau (electric guitar); David Finck (bass instrument); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Clark Anderson, Angela Fisher, Quiana Parler, McCrary Choir, Jacob Luttrell, Michael McElroy, Michael Elroy, Clark Anderson (background vocals); Jeff Mironov (guitar); Ira Siegel (acoustic guitar); Stephen Ferrera (harp, percussion); Kenny Ascher (piano); Allan Schwartzberg (drums); Walter Afanasieff (programming, keyboard programming); Darryl Phinnessee, Conesha Monet (background vocals).
A MUST HAVE! THIS IS A GREAT CD FOR EVERY CHRISTMAS MUSIC COLLECTOR! CLAY HAS A STRONG AND INCREADIBLE VOICE. THIS IS THE MUST HAVE FOR 2004! Submitted by rstrange (Elmira, NY, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 3 of 4 found this helpful.
Excellent Great collection! I've been a fan for a little while, since I saw a segment of American Idol and heard him sing. What a voice! I love Christmas music, and have favorite versions of many songs by specific artists. While all the tracks are great...the one that took me a week to get passed was "Mary Did You Know". In this politically correct world we live in it's great to have an artist put out a song with a religious tone and then go and perform it on TV...and nail it! I was moved, almost to tears, the first time I heard it and replayed it (seriously) for about a week. Even got chills on the high note towards the end (still do).
Keep it up, Clay...looking forward to more. Submitted by Bill (Indianapolis, IN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Great holiday CD I thought Clay's collection was great, especially the original, "Merry Christmas With Love". I didn't know he sang it when I bought the CD, but it is absolutely one of the most beautiful, touching Christmas songs out there! The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is that I didn't care for the last 2 songs on the CD (Winter Wonderland and What Are You Doing New Years Eve). Submitted by clammd (Silver Spring, MD, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 3 found this helpful.
The Very Best!!! Clay has an excellent voice and that voice traslates to an excellent collection of songs in this Christmas cd.
In a world where Christmas has become more a commercial festival rather than the birth of Christ, Clay Aiken has brought the values of Christmas and "the reason for the season" through his vocal interpretation of the songs found in his Christmas cd.
Excellent Voice, Excellent talent but above all, Excellent Personality.
Submitted by verondenise (Singapore) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 3 found this helpful.
Simple and beautiful Clay Aiken's gift for the holidays is a beautiful collection of songs well-done. This CD is not over-produced as many collections of holiday favorites are; instead it has an intimate feel almost as if we are "gathered around the piano at home". It's a little more produced that, but certainly not overblown. Each song is a special gift. "Mary Did You Know" is a standout as is "Don't Save it All for Christmas Day" but it is difficult to pick one favorite. The traditional hymns show a control and maturity in his performance that is exciting to hear. I have never been someone who plays a Christmas CD over and over but this has been in my car CD player since I bought it. Beautifully done! Submitted by karsha (Jacksonville, FL, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 3 found this helpful.
A MUST HAVE!
Great holiday CD
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