Search - Clay Aiken :: Tried and True

No Surprise

Brandon Galvin | Missouri | 06/02/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Being a fan of Clay Aiken since he first appeared on American Idol, it is always exciting when a new album is released. His last album, "On My Way Here", was a masterpiece. After that incredible record, I was kind of disappointed to hear that his next release would be another batch of cover songs instead of original material.....specifically covers of 50's and 60's songs. While that is not a bad thing, I was just hoping for another original album from my favorite artist.



That being said, Clay is probably the BEST cover artist in addition to being just a fantastic singer. He truly takes older songs to new levels, and completely redefines them. So it was no surprise that "Tried & True" turned out to be a very good album. While it doesn't measure up to the fantastic "On My Way Here" album, it does fit in comfortably with the rest of his work, and proves one thing: Clay can sing anything.



I'd heard all of these songs before, but Clay definitely didn't just rehash them. Instead, he put his own personal stamp on it and made them his own, while still retaining that classic feel. It was pretty impressive how consistent this album was. The tone stayed the same all the way through, and the arrangements were both jazzy and orchestral. Clay's voice was also fairly restrained for the most part....only rarely letting rip with his huge vocals. He seemed very at home with these songs.



There were indeed several fantastic highlights. His duet with Linda Eder on the classic "Crying" was fantastic, and his takes on "Misty" and "Mack the Knife" actually made me enjoy those particular songs. His last note on "Mack the Knife" is pretty amazing. I was slightly disappointed by "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You", "There's A Kind of Hush", "It's Only Make Believe", and the bonus iTunes track "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me", but all were still enjoyable songs. His rendition of "Moon River" was very beautiful. Two of the least familiar songs to me were "What Kind of Fool Am I?" and "It's Impossible", and both were absolutely amazing. "It's Impossible", in particular, was a stand-out. It might be my favorite on the album. But it would have to compete with "Suspicious Minds" and "Unchained Melody".



"Suspicious Minds" is probably the most contemporary arrangement, and it's a very fun song that definitely improves upon the original. I have to say that when Clay sang this song on his Jukebox tour several years ago, he ended in on a particularly amazing final note. Sadly, this "official studio version" doesn't end as majestically as it did when he performed it live all those years ago. But it's still a fantastic track. Meanwhile, "Unchained Melody", probably the most covered song in the world, is so well-known that any alteration to it can be somewhat jarring. But Clay actually stayed faithful to the original arrangement, and even kept it very mellow throughout....that is, until the amazing climax when he finally lets loose, and entirely redefines the song and makes it his own.



All in all, I would have much preferred some original songs, but "Tried & True" is still an excellent album, and worth it for any fan of Clay Aiken or classic romantic music.



Must Haves: "Unchained Melody", "Suspicious Minds", "It's Impossible", "Crying", "Mack the Knife", "What Kind of Fool Am I?", and "Misty"."

HIS BREAKTHROUGH ALBUM...A GEM!!!

Burton D. Shapiro | Ft Lauderdale, F l. USA | 06/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally the album that i have been waiting for. Clay had the good sense to record the classics. Great song selection, and renditions. This is the music he should have been singing all along. The best covers since he recorded Solitiare.



His voice is tailor made for these songs. One of the best versions of Unchained Melody, a heatfelt It's Impossible, and a sublime duet with Linda Eder on Crying. Not to metion his Kick-Ass version of Mack The Knife.



If anyone loves GOOD music, this album is a must have !!!"

Great album, great classics

JLBoston | Boston, MA | 06/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an awesome album. All the songs that I love and Clay sings them with flawless perfection. His voice melts my heart."