MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE REVIEWS

[caromiller]

I am so thrilled at all the great reviews.  I truly believe that the world is starting to realize Clay is here to stay.

[Pamela]

Clay Aiken, "Merry Christmas With Love."

With his wholesome choirboy looks and angelic tenor, Aiken is tailor-made for this kind of thing. Phil Ramone's unobtrusive production gently frames Aiken's soaring vocals on standards like "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night," lets him sway gently on "Sleigh Ride" and smoothly entreat everyone to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The runner-up on Season 2 of "American Idol" even manages to redeem the bombastic "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day," co-written by Celine Dion. In its first week of release, "Merry Christmas With Love" sold 270,000 copies, the biggest debut for a holiday album in the SoundScan era.

WASHINGTON POST (registration required)

[LuvMyClay]

That is very cool!!!!

[Pamela]

VANCOUVER SUN REVIEW

Despite the fact that he really is this generation's Barry Manilow, you can't ignore Clay Aiken's Broadway-bountiful voice. He covers the standards dutifully, so irony-free and rife with goodwill and divine purpose that you can't help but start to like this elfin nerd (if you hadn't already). He even sings Sleigh Ride with tremulous earnestness. And while he may enjoy his yuletide greetings with a generous dose of showbiz glitz, there's no faulting Aiken for his clean, unobtrusive approach to these old favourites. The choir harmonies are lovely, too. If his debut album put you off, you might just prefer this American Idol runner-up instead.

No link. Print edition dated 12/11/04. From the CH.

[clayMaine-iac]

Clay Aiken, “Merry Christmas With Love.” The album gently frames Aiken’s soaring vocals on standards such as “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night,” and smoothly entreats everyone to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” In its first week of release, the album sold 270,000 copies, the biggest debut for a holiday album in the SoundScan era.

FORTWAYNEJOURNALGAZETTE

[clayMaine-iac]

Clay Aiken "Merry Christmas With Love" (RCA, $18.99)

Of the more successful "American Idol" alumni, Clay Aiken has struck a nerve with vocal chops that belie an aw-shucks demeanor. And fans will likely revel in his new Christmas album, "Merry Christmas with Love." As his earlier work has shown, though, Aiken's high-register tenor soars best on songs suitable for showcasing vocal fireworks. Here, on only his second album, "Joy to the World," "The Christmas Song" and "Winter Wonderland" don't really fit thebill, though "Merry Christmas With Love" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" make the case

THELEDGER

[clayMaine-iac]

• Clay Aiken, Merry Christmas With Love: Aiken further transcends his American Idol roots with this very professional CD. Aiken has a pitch-perfect voice that he uses tastefully on inspired treatments of O Holy Night and Silent Night. But he also touches hearts with the more obscure Mary, Did You Know and Celine Dion's Don't Save It All for Christmas Day. It's a handsome effort from this singer on the rise.

OHIO.COM

[Invisible Touch]

Ho ho ho or ho-hum?
December 12, 2004

HO HUM

Clay Aiken, "Merry Christmas With Love" (RCA) He performs some of the most conventional music in the world, so these faithful renditions of ultratraditional Christmas songs make perfect sense for him. Some people will want this record as background music, and hard-core Claymates will love the unswerving earnestness. But nobody should expect surprises, rough edges, wit or originality. (N.M.)

http://www.startribune.com/stories/389/5124573-2.html


STAR TRIBUNE - Minneapolis, MN

[Pamela]

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

CHRISTMAS REVIEWS

[Marilyn]

WHAT A GREAT REVIEW!! I LOVE THIS PERSON!!

[caromiller]

I have yet to talk to anyone that has heard this CD that has not loved it. I really don't care what critics say - I trust my own opinion. :)

[Tammy]

THAT LAST REVIEW HAS GOT ME ALL TEARY EYED.. OMG...I HAVE BEEN DOING ALOT OF THAT LATELY...

[Pamela]

•Clay Aiken released his Christmas CD, "Merry Christmas With Love," last month. He does well with classics like "Silent Night" and a beautiful rendition of "O, Holy Night," but my personal favorite is the powerful "Mary, Did You Know." The weaker tracks are those that are more commercial, including the title track and "Sleigh Ride." But the other songs are enough to overcome it and make this a solid offering. The album has become a top-selling holiday album and for good reason. It is one that many people will enjoy. ***

BUFFALO NEWS

[Pamela]

How do the new Idol CDs stack up? David Hiltbrand gives a rundown.

Clay Aiken: Merry Christmas With Love (RCA **1/2)

There are a few yucky moments ("Sleigh Ride," for one). But overall, this traditional offering of Christmas classics fits Aiken like an elf's costume, with lofty songs well-suited to his sonorous delivery. Aiken is a fine caroler, but doesn't bring anything new to the yuletide party.

PHILLY.COM (registration required)

[Pamela]

The Cincinnati Post (Grade B) - "New yule CDs: Some naughty, some nice: Clay Aiken, "Merry Christmas With Love." RCA, B.
This plays as a thoroughly pleasant, unpretentious collection of holiday classics from the "American Idol 2" runner-up. Aiken is perfect for the genre. After all, he sounds (and looks) like a choirboy. The production is lush without being overdone, such as a full choir backing Aiken on a truly joyous "Joy to the World." It's back to just strings and piano on "The Christmas Song." The production, and Aiken's singing, is a little predictable; but, for most listeners, there's nothing wrong with that when it comes to the holiday standards."

No link - transcribed at the CH.

[Pamela]

Merry Christmas With Love by Clay Aiken
4 out of 5 snowflakes

Every year I buy a Christmas CD to freshen up my play list for the season.

This year I was given one as a gift, which was a holiday boon for me.
Not only did I not have to wade through the exhaustive holiday musical offerings, ranging from classical to hip hop these days, the CD I was given was unlike the many traditional “various artists” ones I normally would have purchased, thus adding something completely different to my tired collection of Brat Pack selections.

So, if you are also looking for a Christmas CD that has old-fashion charm coupled with contemporary arrangements, Clay Aiken’s “Merry Christmas With Love” uniquely fits the bill.

Filled with both holiday classics such as “Sleigh Ride” and “Joy to the World” as well as contemporary mixes of “Mary Did You Know” and “Don’t Save It All Up For Christmas”, Aiken’s “Merry Christmas With Love” nicely blends Aiken’s smooth vocals with rich orchestrated arrangements and simple piano accompaniments.
 
From its unique “Hark the Herald / O Come all Ye faithful” medley to a cool version of, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, this CD has a lot to offer by way of Christmas music that is both traditional and modern.
Besides giving listeners a variety of Christmas tunes, the CD provides new takes on its nostalgic song list. In addition, tracks are also woven as if “Merry Christmas With Love” is telling a story.

Using his voice and unique phrasing to tell the tale, Aiken crafts a unified creative work — not just another haphazard assemblage of a Christmas tunes amassed to create additional selling opportunity for a hot artist of the day.

There is a strong sense with Aiken’s Christmas CD, that both time and thought were put into the project. Each song is linked by parallel accompaniments and Aiken’s signature sound, a combination, which propels the CD from start to end.

Now on the other hand, if you are not a fan of the “Clay” sound, this CD may not be your cup of Christmas tea.

It is Clay, Clay and more Clay!

Aiken’s CD, however, is measured and paced to suit his crisp yet relaxed style, offering listeners a mellow mix of music that makes one want to sing along just as much as it prompts to quietly listen in admiration of its clear tenor vocals.

Clay hits a high note with Merry Christmas With Love, perfectly matching song, voice and arrangement.

Give it a whirl.

No link. Transcribed at the CH. From Detroit Lakes Tribune, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

[cjrmax]

It is Clay, Clay and more Clay!

Sounds good to me!!!  

[Pamela]

Clay Aiken, "Merry Christmas With Love" - Last year's "American Idol" runner-up benefits from seasoned producers - the legendary Phil Ramone and Walter Afanasieff - and a balanced mix of secular songs and religious carols. At times, it sounds like a rush job (not surprising, given the red-haired wonder's schedule), but mostly it's an assured effort by a singer with a strong, theatrical voice who can make a song like the melodramatic "Mary Did You Know" his own. A must for the Clay-mates and a nice addition to those who like their holiday music on the easy-listening side. (Doug Pullen)

FLINT JOURNAL

[Pamela]

Deck the Halls and Spin Some Discs
Clay Aiken "Merry Christmas With Love"
(RCA) 2 1/2 out of 4 stars.
Whether you're a Clay Aiken fan or not, you'll be hooked with this CD. Clay Aiken has by far topped every Christmas album made. No one can touch his voice. OK, we had you there. That's not our opinion. That's the Aiken-ites raving on Amazon.com, proving that when it comes to the golden boy from "American Idol," people get a little too worked up. "Merry Christmas With Love" is a fine, middle-of-the-road Christmas record from a singer still finding his voice. Over the swelling arrangements, Aiken croons like a choir boy, e-nun-ci-a-ting every syllable and holding as many notes as he can grab onto. It's a nice voice, a pure voice -- we're not about to say no one can touch it. The song list sticks mostly to the basics -- "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," "Joy to the World" -- while adding the rare gem like "Mary, Did You Know." If you're looking for the most earnest Christmas record of the year, start with this one. (Scott Mervis)

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

[Pamela]

Clay Aiken - Merry Christmas With Love
American Idol's Season 2 runner-up is jingling his way through the holiday season with an album that you should definately snap up the next time you're out doing some last-minute holiday shopping. Clay Aiken delivers a traditional, spiritual Christmas collection with his powerful vocals. Give this album a try if you want to dive straight into the Christmas spirit and warm up those nippy winter nights.

Clay Aiken - Merry Christmas With Love Fun Facts
# To promote the album, Clay is doing a 21-city tour, which began in Pasadena, California and ends on Christmas Eve in Detroit.
# The album includes a Celine Dion track.
# Clay has been honored with the title of spokesman for the 2004 U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign.

Clay Aiken - Merry Christmas With Love Hot Tracks
# O Holy Night; Joy to the World; Winter Wonderland; The Christmas Song; Silent Night; Don't Save It All For Christmas.

Clay Aiken - Merry Christmas With Love Rating: 4 notes

KIDZ WORLD