Since shooting to stardom on the second season of American Idol, Clay Aiken, the Raleigh, NC, native with the powerhouse voice has become a international pop phenomenon who has sold six million albums. In addition, Aiken ... more »has launched eight live tours, made the New York Times best-seller list, and won several American Music and Billboard Music Awards. In January 2008, Aiken made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical Monty Python's Spamalot. When Clay began the search for songs to record for Aiken's first album of original material since his 2003 chart-topping debut Measure of A Man, he fell in love with a song written by OneRepublic front man Ryan "Alias" Tedder called "On My Way Here." The message of the lyrics -- how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults -- struck such a deep chord with Aiken that it wound up inspiring the theme (and title) of his new collection. To musically represent the album's lyrical theme, Aiken and Foster enlisted Grammy-Award winning British songwriter and producer Kipper, who has worked with Sting, Chris Botti, and Julia Fordham.« less
Since shooting to stardom on the second season of American Idol, Clay Aiken, the Raleigh, NC, native with the powerhouse voice has become a international pop phenomenon who has sold six million albums. In addition, Aiken has launched eight live tours, made the New York Times best-seller list, and won several American Music and Billboard Music Awards. In January 2008, Aiken made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical Monty Python's Spamalot. When Clay began the search for songs to record for Aiken's first album of original material since his 2003 chart-topping debut Measure of A Man, he fell in love with a song written by OneRepublic front man Ryan "Alias" Tedder called "On My Way Here." The message of the lyrics -- how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults -- struck such a deep chord with Aiken that it wound up inspiring the theme (and title) of his new collection. To musically represent the album's lyrical theme, Aiken and Foster enlisted Grammy-Award winning British songwriter and producer Kipper, who has worked with Sting, Chris Botti, and Julia Fordham.
Scott C. (scotso) from EAST ISLIP, NY Reviewed on 7/14/2008...
Actually pretty boring. One Standout song, The Real Me. Stick with his debut, which was his artistic peak, it seems.
CD Reviews
On his way
Derrick Jenkins | Hampton VA USA | 05/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"with this excellent third cd by Clay Aiken. While its the first of his cds that i've bought. I found myself partial to the title song "On My Way Here" written by Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic). It starts off the album very well and Clay's voice handles each song like it is meant for that individual song.
While i enjoyed the album very much. I am really fond of certain tracks:
"On My Way Here"
"Ashes"
"Everything I Need"
"Something About Us"
"Falling"
"Where I Draw The Line"
"Weight of the World"
"Lover All Alone" a song he cowrote on
With this release Clay continues to cement himself firmly in the music business and should continue to have much success now and in the future with this one. I will look into his other cds and plan on buying at least another one of them in the next few months without question. He's a great talent that shouldn't be overlooked because of his AI connection or whatever other reason.
Purchase "On My Way Here" and hear the cd that has folks excited all over the country."
Clay's best effort to date
CS | WI USA | 05/06/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Clay finally got a chance to make an album as HE wished it to be, and IMO he knocked it out of the ball park with every song. I enjoy the variety of song styles, which makes for a fantastic album overall. Great listening all the way through, over and over. Thoughtful lyrics throughout. I love it!"
A Wonderful Effort From Clay
reneeden | At my computer . . . DUH | 05/06/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While the cover art may be questionable (a hair product promotional ad comes to mind), don't let it turn you away. Being an avid listener of Aiken's since his 'Idol' days, even I was skeptical after his last offering of covers.
I stand corrected.
This album deserves a very solid four stars, simply for the high quality of the music and performance. For a thirteen track disc (referring to the Wal-Mart edition - one bonus track not available through Amazon), I found it to be an amazingly strong product, leaps and bounds better than 'A Thousand Different Ways'.
In the music business - no matter how you try to reinvent yourself - it's key to find your niche and stick to it. With 'On My Way Here', Clay shows that not only is he certain that soft rock/adult contemporary is his strong point - he reveals an extreme confidence in staying with that genre. The tracks are well written, consisting of realistic themes and portraying simple emotions that the average fan will be able to identify with - and steering in the opposite direction of other 'artists' who fuel the 'sex sells' bandwagon. The orchestrations are smooth and full - a very nice complement to the rich, solid quality of Aiken's vocals.
'On My Way Here' is a collection that will appeal to listeners both young and old, a very nice mix of mid- to up-tempo pop songs and ballads that are an easy listen and will transfer nicely to the stage for any upcoming tour. Aiken has represented himself well with this outing - a fine effort that fans have been waiting for since his first album of original material.
Four stars and two thumbs up to this wonderful disc. Highly recommended!
"
Pop. Rock. Blues. Jazz. This CD's got a little of everything
M. Hannah | New Zealand | 05/06/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm still waiting on this CD to arrive, but thanks to a friend I've heard all twelve songs.
It's amazing - forget what you've heard before, this is a grown up Clay Aiken; no longer just a 'ballad boy'. A little modern blues a-la James Morrison, a little uptempo rock/pop, a little jazz piano, a few ballads, a little country-crossover and even an inspirational song. And a beautifully sad song the man wrote with David Foster. Just goes to show ya what the guy can do when his record label lets him choose the songs instead telling him what to sing. The guy has good and very eclectic taste in music.
If you remember Clay from American Idol, but have never bought any of his CD's, this is the one to get!"