It’s no secret that pop radio has never been particularly welcoming to American Idol’s season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken, and so it makes sense that "On My Way Here," the lead single from his upcoming CD (due May 6), is aimed directly at an adult contemporary audience. Yet while Clay’s vocal is more restrained than usual on "On My Way Here" (huzzah!), the melody is surprisingly bland for an artist who’s already facing an uphill battle for airplay. (It would be like the new restaurant on the block choosing "toast with butter" as the house specialty.)
As for the lyrics, while things start somewhat promisingly — with flashbacks to Clay taking his first steps on a "black-and-white kitchen floor" and the dissolution of his parents’ marriage — it doesn’t take long for "On My Way Here" to devolve into a litany of clichés. I challenge your mind not to drift to other subjects (will Old Christine get a fourth season? Which is the stronger acting dynasty: The Baldwins or the Arquettes? Also: What’s for lunch?) as Clay touches the sky and hits the wall and learns to fly and does what he has to do (and so on and so forth).
No, I’ve never been a Claymate, but even so, this one’s disappointing. Listen for yourselves (after the jump) and then tell me what you think, PopWatchers!
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LOVE it!!!
I like it.
I like it.
Eh, it gets a big “meh” from me. I have a feeling he knows his audience and this song is more for their tastes than any sort of crossover appeal. The new hair is kind of freaking me out though.
By the way, can somebody do something about this spambot that’s hitting all the threads? It’s particularly inappropriate on the Charlton Heston one.
Can’t bring myself to listen–those blond eyebrown and that hairdo are freaking me out…
LIKE ALOT OF FOREPLAY WITH NO SEX, IT HURT’S
I totally agree with you Slezak. I turned it on as I work and I totally forgot the song was even playing. It wasn’t horrible enough for me to want to turn it off, but it wasn’t memorable at all. (And the lyrics are a little too cliché)
Huh. This doesn’t suck. In fact, by the end, it was kind of growing on me. Good for Clay. I’ve always rooted for that guy.
LIKE ALOT OF FOREPLAY WITH NO SEX, IT HURT’S
It’s ok, nothing great, I think Clay needs to do an album of standards, I mean the 40’s & 50’s, I think his audience would eat it up, just like when he was on Idol and did such a great job with Mack The Knife.
I was a Clay fan when he was on Idol and immediately afterwards, but the new look (and sour attitude) are a total turn-off!
Gee, who would have ever guessed that you were not a Clay fan, Michael?
As for Pop radio not “embracing” Clay, give me a break! Pop radio plays whom they are PAID to play. Clive/RCA has no desire to pay for Clay to be on radio; ergo, no radio play. Do you really think people are that stupid?
Love it! Beautiful song. Not surprised in the least by your review though.
I guess my life must be a litany of cliches too cuz the lyrics hit me hard. I like it very much.
Beautiful song. Beautifully sung.
I think Ryan Tedder did a great job on the lyrics and Clay sings it with great feeling and style.
Huh. I guess it’s different strokes for different folks. I think the melody is quite beautiful, yet still has a great hook. It definitely sticks in my head. And I love how Clay sings it. Very understated and emotional. And cliched lyrics? Really? Have you listened to Top 40 lately? These lyrics are Shakespeare compared to a lot of the junk on there.
The Youtube version is a particular low quality rip from the AOL site.
Go here for a much better listen:
http://www.popeater.com/2008/04/07/clay-aiken-on-my-way-here-song-premiere/
I really like it. I could do with a little less orchestration but I like the vocals and the vulnerability.
It sounds like a weak song that someone wrote for the finale contestants on idol to sing. David Archeleta or Carly?? Clay is just singing the demo.
Beautiful lyrics. I love this song.
Wow – beautiful song.
It really showcases his great voice, without relying on tricks or glory notes.
I love it.
Hey, Michael – did you write this one up yourself or have big Rog W. help ya out? You all can’t hold down talent forever. It’s inevitable.
While I’m sure this won’t be Top 40 material, people who enjoy a good voice and a catchy tune will appreciate this. I know I do.
Not surprised by some comments. Know who they are. lol! Don’t care. Same ole, same ole from the same ole people.
Clay looks great these days.
Sounds as good as anything on the radio. imo!
And Michael, cliche lyrics? Do you really listen to some of the crap out there? Some artist could sing old Mcdonald Had A Farm and you would say, “Thats great.” Yeah, some can do no wrong and some can do nothing right. Pretty obvious bias to me.
Wow, your review wasn’t too predictable…yawn
Ryan Tedder of One Repbulic wrote a great song and I really really like Clay singing it but the poster of this song on YouTube put a background noise on it so it wouldn’t be “misused”. I found a good copy of it at Popeater or here at AOL:
http://us.video.aol.com/player/launcher?ar=us_en_audio_748×541_full&pmmsid=2101402&lg=1&referer=http%3A//music.aol.com/search/#
Ryan Tedder of One Repbulic wrote a great song and I really really like Clay singing it but the poster of this song on YouTube put a background noise on it so it wouldn’t be “misused”. I found a good copy of it at Popeater or here at AOL:
http://us.video.aol.com/player/launcher?ar=us_en_audio_748×541_full&pmmsid=2101402&lg=1&referer=http%3A//music.aol.com/search/#
It’s bland.
I really like this song. Love Ryan Tedder’s lyrics sung by Clay Aiken.
dude, whatcha smokin? i like it! Tedder wrote it if you think the words suck blame him. clay sounds good on it. why you hate so much mikey?
It’s a beautiful song, and I can’t wait for Clay’s new album!
Oh, and who do you think you’re kidding? Clay’s only problem on pop radio is lack of payola. If RCA pays, the DJs will be all over this song, because it is current, it is catchy, and Ryan Tedder is red-hot right now.