 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
On My Way Here
- By Clay Aiken
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
Idol runner-up bears his heart and soul.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this American Idol runner-up has weathered a few storms during his five years in the spotlight, and this album is his chance to tell about it. The content is a bit heavier than his past stuff -- talking a lot about love, personal struggle, personal triumph and purpose -- but the language is Clay-clean and sends a positive message overall about being true to yourself and taking the good with the bad.
What's the story?
In his first album since 2006's A Thousand Different Ways, Clay Aiken has shed the comfort shield of covering other people's songs to bearing his soul and singing his heart out about his own life. All of the 12 tracks on ON MY WAY HERE are originals and even host some heartbreaking lyrics written by Clay himself.
Is it any good?
You might wonder how long these American Idol castaways can ride the wave of pseudo-celebrity, but Clay Aiken is proving once again that he isn't planning to go away...yet. On his fourth album since Idol, Aiken sings about what he has learned, loved, and lost since his name became a famous one. He's older, maybe a little more cynical, and wiser -- and it comes through in his voice. "Everything I Don't Need," sounds like a lightweight version of John Mellencamp, with bluesy rock guitar, solid harmonies, tambourine, and hand claps. "Ashes" is upbeat with a modern sound, and "The Real Me" -- a sweet, sad confession about life in the spotlight -- shows Aiken's soft side that he's loved for. Some songs sound a bit Broadway-ish and over produced with Clay's theatrical flare and lilt, but "Claymates" will be happy to have their boy back with a solid follow-up to the chart-topper Measure of a Man.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Clay Aiken's success after appearing on the popular American Idol. Do you think Clay could've had the same success had he not been on the show? Do you think success and celebrity has changed him? Do you agree with the way the media has always portrayed Clay Aiken? Is it fair or unjustified, or does it just come with the territory of being in the spotlight?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Excellent CD for the Entire Family
There is a something for all family members on this CD--a little rockin' blues, falling in love, learning from life's lessons, recovering from heartbreak, and the journey of letting people know the "real" person inside of each of us. In an interview Clay stated that The Real Me is about God to him, but it can certainly relate to friends/family/a love as well. His best effor to date--not racy, but not cheesy either. Enjoy!
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AGE
LISTEN!! Each time I hear this CD, the words take on a new meaning
Clay Aiken has always taken his role as a celebrity very seriously and wants families to be able to listen to his music. ON MY WAY HERE is contemporary with class, just like Mr. Aiken. There is a little bit of everything for everybody on the CD. Buy it, listen to the words and enjoy!
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AGE
Pure music heaven
This CD really gives you a great impression of how well Clay Aiken can sing. It also gives a message that others can relate to. The vocals are supreme and the arrangements are fabulous. This is the kind of music that should he heralded, promoted, and awarded. Thanks Clay Aiken for giving us this gift of your music!
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AGE
Fabulous music CD
The songs are so entertaining, and the singing is so amazing. This is gonna be the best music CD of the year...
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AGE
Don't miss it!!
On My Way Here is an eclectic mix of rock/pop, ballad, and bluesy material--all with a positive message of finding hope in the midst of tough times. Great lyrics, beat (on some of the tracks), and vocals. You can almost "feel" the message. I highly recommend it for pre-teens on up.
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AGE
Moving
I found this CD very moving. The lyrics spoke to me. It is a journey we all take as life progresses. I love the different feels from quiet to upbeat. Keeps your interest.
Not to mention, Mr. Aiken has an outstanding voice and seems to be able to put the right emotion with each lyric. The icing on the cake is I can understand each and every word he is saying. Can't say that about a lot of the music being put out these days.
This purchase was worth every penny. It is rare that I buy a CD where I like all the songs - this is the exception!
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| Artist: | Clay Aiken |
| Release date: | May 6, 2008 |
| Label: | RCA |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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