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Claymates Won't Be Achin' for New Album Much Longer

080221clayaiken.jpg
Clay Aiken by Steve Granitz/ WireImage.com
Season 2 American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is eyeing a May 6 release for a fourth album that should appeal to his core fans. Noting that most of the disc's tracks have been picked out already, the 29-year-old tells People, "Sonically, I don't know that we're going down any path that's crazy. I'm not trying to be cool, I'm not trying to be hip. I'm not trying to do anything other than sing stuff that I'm good at."

Nor is he planning another extreme image makeover ą la the "dark crazy" emo-boy haircut he shocked us with the last time around. "I'm just going to do what I do this time," he says. "But I've got the red wig [from Broadway's Spamalot, in which he's currently starring]. Maybe I'll do that!" Please. No. — Matt Mitovich

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Posted by The Idol Chatters
Feb 21, 2008 8:54 AM
"I'm not trying to be cool, I'm not trying to be hip. I'm not trying to do anything other than sing stuff that I'm good at."

Oh thank goodness! His first album was overproduced and too "boy band" sounding with the exception of a few songs. There were even songs on there where I wouldn't have recognized him if I hadn't known already. His Christmas album was good but just doesn't play as well in May as it does in December.

I heard a few tracks from the third album but didn't buy it. Just wasn't the Clay I wanted to hear. I'm hoping this time around there's more Bridge Over Troubled Waters/Solitaire type of music. That's where he excels. Let his voice soar.

I'm still holding out for a duet with Clay and Josh Groban. Josh Groban may have a more trained voice but I like Clay's phrasing and song interpretation better. It would be an interesting collaboration.
Posted by Cindy
Feb 21, 2008 9:10 AM
I attended two of his Christmas concerts with friends.He still has that voice.I am glad he said he is playing to his core.I think he will be around for a long time singing the songs he does best.The main thing is that he knows who he is and he is just being and singing the songs which fit him. Go clay. I don't consider myself a claymate, I just enjoy his shows and recordings.
Posted by dustygirl
Feb 21, 2008 10:05 AM
this is very exciting. i loved both his first album and christmas album, but his last release just didn't do it for me. i liked the original songs, but it was mostly covers. i'm so glad we'll be getting the old clay back!
Posted by karrahbrooke
Feb 21, 2008 10:21 AM
Clay has a wonderful voice and I hope the new album shows it!!
Posted by tjn092249
Feb 21, 2008 11:03 AM
With the new season of AI just starting, this comes as some much needed GOOD NEWS!

Let's hope there's more Clay in this cd and less Clive.
Posted by TheFutureMrsEads
Feb 21, 2008 12:12 PM
There are a ton of beautiful unrecorded songs Clay could chose from. One day cruising songwriters myspace could fill his album. I am thrilled Clay plans to stick to what he does best, but he's overdone the cover thing and needs to find songs he can call his own.
Posted by Debbie
Feb 21, 2008 12:14 PM
closeted freak.
Posted by holabrian
Feb 21, 2008 1:18 PM
This is the album I have been waiting for. He did a beautiful job on the last album...but I'm NOT a huge fan of covers. So, BRING ON THE NEW MUSIC, Clay. My sister and I are big fans and can hardly wait!!!
Posted by TeeDC
Feb 21, 2008 1:59 PM
I love his performance of this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MraaE_dqVPw
There used to be a better version on You Tube but it got removed. There was another one but someone in the audience kept yapping. Enjoy!
Posted by Šarclyte
Feb 21, 2008 8:12 PM
Thanks Darclyte for supplying that link..I must have missed that clip somehow...what a cutie Clay is!

IMHO, Clay's last album was excellent...Lonely No More, Everything I Have, Everything I Do (I Do It For You), Because You Loved me were all excellent and will stand the test of time. Although,thanks to Clive, it was presented years before its time, you can't fault Clay's interpretations of the chosen songs.

Clay knows which songs suit the range of his voice, which we all know is incredible, so we can be sure this album will be fantastic. Also, Clay has not named the record producer,who is a multi-award winner, so....we can definitely expect this album to knock everyone's socks off and leave no room for disparagement.

My guess is Clay'll be sitting at Number 1 by the end of the first ...day or two.;)
Posted by karencheyne
Feb 22, 2008 12:42 AM
Just for the record: I am not a Claymate! but I find it unfair to call
Clay Aiken - American Idol runner-up.

What about American Idol finalist or American Idol contestant if you don't want to call him a recording artist or a superstar.

Nobody call Chris Daughtry American Idol fourth place runner-up, or
Jennifer Hudson American Idol seventh place runner-up.
Posted by Bphun
Feb 24, 2008 1:54 AM
Actually, his last album was fantastic. His take on most, if not all, of the oldies was better than the original version!

Thought Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word and Here You Come Again were amazing. So was Without You.

The new tracks were excellent, so all in all, even though Clive mandated the mainly cover album, Clay's voice made it a super offering.

Looking forward to the new cd, and hoping it is well received. That voice is astounding, but radio won't play him, and I do believe it is a Payola problem. They certainly get the requests. Can't believe the air time given to those with not even half the talent.
Posted by susanna1
Mar 4, 2008 10:43 PM
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