November 16th marked the release of former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken’s highly anticipated holiday cd ‘Merry Christmas with Love’. This follow up to his successful debut effort ‘Measure of a Man’ is a twelve song compilation of traditional fare and spiritual music with just the right mix of winter warming tunes to liven up the dullest of Holiday parties.
This is just a small portion of the Clay holiday blitz. Aiken kicks off a twenty city Christmas show this weekend. There is The Clay Aiken Holiday Special broadcast on December 8th. Aiken will also be making the rounds of the usual daytime and primetime shows, promoting both the holiday cd and his inspiring memoir ‘Learning to sing: Hearing the music in your life’ (Random House), Clay Aiken has become the Andy Williams of a new generation.
Merry Christmas with Love begins with the solemn O, Holy night, a haunting and lovely rendition that Aiken uses to demonstrate the great vocal skill he possesses. A longtime Christmas show favorite/ emcee back in his home area, Aiken presents this little gift for the listener in the form of a wonderful holiday song backed by an a full orchestra.
Sleigh Ride is the lively, jazz infused second song. A nice, danceable favorite that could be played long after Christmas passes. Put down the eggnog, grab your sweetie, and hit the dance floor! (although, Aiken may need to release the ‘Sleigh Ride Dance Mix’ As it could use another 2 minutes coming in at a bit under three minutes in length.)
Aiken returns to the spiritual side with Silent Night, backed by the beautiful voices of Michael McElroy and members of the Broadway Inspirational Voices. (Yes Simon Cowell…Clay IS “Broadway”…when he looks for powerful vocal accompaniment!). Nothing new here, but his version is top notch, and the listener can really appreciate the production value on this cd, something that was a bit lamented by fans on ‘Measure of a Man’.
A traditional Holiday medley of Hark the herald angels sing / O come all ye faithful continues the traditional aspect of ‘Merry Christmas with Love’, and while I’m partial to the Peanuts gang’s version, this is a nice medley and it sounds like Aiken really enjoys singing to the heavens on this track.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is a song that has been done by everyone..everywhere..on every holiday album. However, the fact that Aiken chose such a wonderful style as holiday songs with a jazz tinged backing makes this yet another of the danceable tunes on this cd.
Aiken sings praises of his deep religious conviction and the true meaning of Christmas with ‘Mary Did You Know’, a song without fancy orchestration and mostly Clay singing from deep inside himself. A haunting but lovely song that one doesn’t find on many standard Holiday cds, but true to the style much of Aiken’s early work.
Joy to the World livens up ‘Merry Christmas with Love’ by featuring Aiken and the return of The Broadway Inspirational Voices. Certain to please the Gospel music fan out there, and another traditional holiday nugget.
The Christmas Song(Chestnuts roasting on an open fire) is another…old chestnut given the Aiken treatment. Once again, this song is all over the holiday music lists, but fans of Clay will love his version. I still prefer the Nat King Cole version, but some things are better with age.
A personal favorite and one featured on Fox’s American Idol Holiday special last year is Don't Save It All for Christmas Day’, a song made popular and written by Celine Dion, but Clay really gives it his all on this one. A song about having the good holiday spirit, and continuing those feelings throughout the year. His vocal prowess is highlighted by wondrous glory notes and powerful vocal dynamics. Goosebumps. That is all.
The title track ‘Merry Christmas with Love’is sweet story of someone who may be alone during the holidays, either physically or spiritually. The lyrics as sung by Aiken send his special holiday message to those who may really need it during a sometimes depressing time of the year. Very nice song, and uplifting.
‘Merry Christmas with Love ends with two seasonal songs that can complete the holiday season.
Winter Wonderland takes the listener to snowy meadows with Clay. The finale ‘What Are You Doing New Years Eve?’sets the fervent Clay lovers hearts aflutter as they hear him look for his New Year’s date. The sound you hear is swooning from coast to coast and beyond. A wonderful conclusion to this Holiday cd .
With the release of Clay Aikens ‘Merry Christmas With Love’, he establishes himself solidly as more than just a “Claymate” object of fanaticism or an American Idol wannabe. He proves that his style is ever evolving, maturing as he also matures. The style of music Aiken provides on this holiday cd may be a preview of what genre of music he is most comfortable with, and best suits what he feels his audience craves as well.
