Measure of a Man

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Good for the whole family -- especially tweens.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this album is good for the whole family, especially the tween set. The repeated message of longing for commitment is refreshing in a cute young guy.

  • There's a nice, refreshing, "guy-looking-for-true-love-and-commitment" message, overall.
  • This CD is all about the love stuff.
  • No explicit sexual content; lots of love and longing.

What's the story?

Clay Aiken has created an album to be proud of. Because of (or perhaps in spite of) his unprecedented visibility on American Idol, Clay has a lot on the line here -- millions of people are pulling for him, and he doesn't disappoint his fans. MEASURE OF A MAN is an extremely well-produced effort, and it tugs at our emotions in all the right places. Although there's quite a lot of over-the-top pop ballad angst, it manages to veer away from total corniness. And then there's the rock 'n' roll, not to mention "Invisible," which takes on an Elvis Costello influence. It all adds up to a pleasantly surprising, squeaky-clean, good-hearted package.


Is it any good?

 

The songwriting is the only weak link on the CD. Though Clay does a terrific job on the vocals, and the songs are well produced and beautifully played, they simply aren't memorable in and of themselves. This young man has a terrific voice, refreshingly appropriate sensibilities, and (we predict) a long and successful future ahead. He deserves better songs to sing.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about what it takes to turn reality show success into individual success. What challenges do singers like Aiken face? Does a great voice always translate into a great artist?


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
MEASURE OF A MAN
Clay Aiken should have won American Idol. His stunning voice is about ten times better than the "Velvet Teddy Bear" Ruben Studdard. Well, don't think I dont like Ruben I just for one think Clay's cd came out first and by time Ruben's does everyone will be like "uhhh who is Ruben again?". FYI- Invisible is a great song

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Clay Aiken, America's true idol
Clay Aiken's debut album showcases his talent as an artist and sends good messages to his listeners. The CD sends positive messages such as support for a friend in "I Will Carry You", and of hope in "Shine". This CD doesn't have objectionable material with no swearing or inappropriate lyrics. With positive messages and without objectionable content, this CD would be appropriate for preteens and teenagers, and is worth a listen.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Exciting CD
The songs are fabulous, and the singing is so amazing. This is definitely the best music CD of 2003...

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Teen, 16 years old
November 11, 2009
 

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Clay Aiken
Release date:October 21, 2003
Label:RCA
Genre:Pop
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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