Dianne Austin: Proud of Your Boy - Clay Aiken Does it Again

“Proud of Your Boy”--Clay Aiken Does It Again!
Special DVD Release -- Aladdin -- Walt Disney Productions
In Stores: October 5, 2004

by Dianne Austin
Friday, October 1, 2004
Los Angeles, CA

I'm not a reporting journalist, and therefore, don't deal much with items that are of the "breaking news" variety, but I couldn't resist this.

I had an opportunity to view Clay Aiken's "Proud of Your Boy" from the Disney special release DVD Aladdin, and felt it warranted some comments.

I've never been prompted to review a single song by any artist including Mr. Aiken in the past--this is the first time. And while there have been many renditions of songs this artist has produced that have affected me intensely; "Bridge Over Troubled Water", the acoustic version of "Measure of a Man", "Solitaire" and "You Were There" just to mention a few, I must say that this new addition to the Aladdin score is by far the best thing I have ever heard by Clay Aiken.

After I got over the initial impact and full effect of that voice paired with the stirring melody and heartfelt lyrics, it dawned on me that the Disney execs have got to be smiling and nodding at one another, because they now know what a gold mine they've found in this young man. Honestly, there never has been a more definitive sound to a voice for Disney animated movies. When you hear it, you'll know what I mean in an instant. If they haven't already signed him to do a full-length animated film at this point, I'm sure they're working on it.

Clay's voice is like no other and is naturally enhanced because of several other factors he exhibits that come into play on this recording. Besides power, amazing breath control, and unbelievable range, he has an element to his voice that, for the most part, cannot be described. The closest I can come is to say that it is pure and sweet, with a melodious quality that beckons you to go with him as Aladdin through those Arabian Nights, to find the genie he eventually liberates from the lamp.

Another ability the man has perfected is his phrasing. Clay has an innate talent for taking lyrics and grouping them together in a way that accents meaning with style and flare. He's an expert at it, and in this song his ability is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.

As if all of this incredible vocal ability isn’t enough, just open your eyes and WATCH Clay’s delivery of the song. Here’s a man with such boyish innocence in his face that it enables him to pick you up at the start of the song, and drop you off at the end, while never relinquishing the tug he’s got going on the old heartstrings. Funny part about it is, you just love it when he won’t let go.

Here's one more reason why this music is "great" and not just "good". It's because after hearing it for just the first time, it becomes embedded in your mind as if it were familiar; a classic song that will live forever.

You know the kind of song I mean--that timeless piece that starts by forging a path for new material, then holds a place in each of our hearts forever. Those are the ones that make a mark in history, because the combination of song writer and singer become the representative musical style of what we have come to know and love in Disney movie scores.

Take my word for it, when October 5th rolls around, you’ll want to go and grab a copy of the new Aladdin DVD just to see and hear Aiken’s rendition of “Proud of Your Boy” that has been added to the music for the movie.

Believe me, it's quite amazing!
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Editor: Michelle Arce
Copyright 2004 by Dianne Austin. Printed with the permission of the writer.