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Our Review

American Idol ("AI") is a television show that embodies the American Dream in many respects. In the show's second season, 50,000 hopefuls auditioned for a slice of that dream, wanting to find acclaim and a national audience. When I first heard about the show, I was skeptical of the whole concept, concerned about a marketing machine that would churn out a manufactured "Pop Idol" celebrity. The more I watched, however, the more I became a believer. With minor exceptions, the participants seemed to be proceeding on the power of their raw talent, and watching these amateurs develop from week to week can be mesmerizing.

As an AI junkie, I will admit to being both entranced and puzzled by Clay Aiken when he appeared on the second season in 2003, ultimately snaring the runner-up spot (soulful Ruben Studdard came in first). After all, here was this gawky kid, skinny as a rail and possessed with an unruly thatch of (initially red) spiky hair, singing like an old timer in a pop music competition. Kelly Clarkson, AI's winner from the first season, embodied the cutesy look of a modern pop star; Aiken definitely did not. And he was this wholesome, self-denigrating, bashful "Aw shucks" Southern boy studying to be a special education teacher, to boot! It seemed impossible that anyone could ever use the words "cool" and "Clay Aiken" in the same sentence (although I just did). The voice, of course, could not be denied--Aiken possessed an impressive crooner's voice box that could comfortably belt out Broadway show tunes at a moment's notice. But pop star--or even pop heartthrob? Hard to imagine! Impressively, Aiken took many, many nasty shots from infamous AI judge Simon Cowell throughout the competition, and Aiken handled all criticisms like, well, a man (interesting, Aiken's first release last fall was Measure of a Man).

Now Aiken has released Merry Christmas With Love, a lovely, heartfelt holiday card to his millions of adoring fans. The release definitely plays to Aiken's strengths; this is no frivolous pop froth. Aiken sings these Christmas classics with the gusto of a seasoned holiday music icon, somewhat reminiscent of Sinatra or Como. Aiken is often compared with Harry Connick, Jr., and it's a fair comparison. The arrangements are relatively straightforward, and Aiken's stylings are old-fashioned, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. Although Aiken's clean voice is accompanied by considerable engineering magic and background vocals, the production is largely restrained and tasteful. No annoying gimmicks clutter the fine music here.

Merry Christmas With Love contains a dozen tracks, a smart blend of the old and new. As you might expect, the best-loved holiday chestnuts are here. The three lesser-known contemporary numbers are the title track, Celine Dion's (co-author) "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day," and the wonderful "Mary Did You Know?" (a personal favorite of mine!). Interestingly, there was apparently some ongoing debate regarding the order of selections on the CD. The album's back reflects one listing with the caution "See Label For Sequence," and the CD's label in fact shows the correct line-up ("Winter Wonderland" and "Sleigh Ride" are switched). The liner notes, which contain considerable information about each track's production and some nifty photos of Aiken, present the songs in a third (and entirely different) order. None of this affects the recording's quality, of course, but it is fascinating to consider the strategies involved when stringing holiday tunes together into an entire album.

It is easy to see why Merry Christmas With Love is flying off the shelves this season! Aiken does it all--he moves from intense drama (nailing the powerful high notes in "O Holy Night") to a velvet touch ("Silent Night") to carefree crooner ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas") with ease. Aiken's genuine sincerity pervades the production; he projects a satisfying sweetness that is neither cloying nor overdone. You just believe that this artist cares about Christmas and this project far more than the routine pop star who mindlessly generates a holiday album by-the-numbers. I especially enjoyed the simpler presentations, favoring the marvelous "Mary Did You Know," which exudes Aiken's passion for the season, and his easygoing "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," two offerings that are excellent showcases for the artist's classic crooner capabilities.

From my perspective, the true measure of Aiken's long-term staying power will be the extent to which he can distance himself from his AI roots, establishing his celebrity in his own right. Merry Christmas With Love is definitely a step in the right direction. Cool, very cool.

--Carol Swanson

Second Opinion

There is popularity, and then there is acclamation. It is hard to understand how Clay Aiken lost out on the American Idol, because his legions of rabid fans are still busy casting their votes... at Christmasreviews.com! But be that as it may, Clay seems to be doing okay. Take his new Christmas album, for example. Merry Christmas with Love is an old-fashioned romantic pop record that I can appreciate even without being in the susceptible demographic. His earnest, soulful style adds gravitas to his youthful pop presence, a rare quality, and one shared only by a few, by entertainers such as Elvis Presley and Donny Osmond.

It's funny. I spend my time listening primarily to female vocalists. I don't go too far out of my way to listen to any of the young men who sing pop. But having heeded the call of his many admirers (you know who you are:), I was a bit surprised to find in Clay Aiken a singer I can listen to, relate to, and enjoy.

Aiken performs a mixed set, pretty much divided down the middle between pop tunes and sacred carols. Of the sacreds, I enjoyed his heartfelt telling of Mary Did You Know best. He captures the breathless pensiveness required for getting the most out of this song. Likewise, his easy listening sensibilities play out beautifully on What Are You Doing New Year's Eve

All in all, a fine outing from an evidently fine young man. A Top Pick!

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Produced by: Phil Ramone (1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9)
Produced and arranged by Walter Afanasieff (4,10,11,12)

Sometimes the World Needs a Voice.
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Clay Aiken

Merry Christmas With Love

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