Ever since he was named the runner-up on season two of "American Idol," Clay Aiken has showed that he deserved to win. He’s one of the most successful former idols: he’s sold a boat load of albums and even performed on Broadway. Although his sexuality has gotten more attention than his skills, it doesn’t take a 40-year-old soccer mom to realize that the guy has one of the best voices around. His sophomore album (and the first batch of new tracks since his 2003 debut), On My Way Here, proves that yet again.
At worst, it’s refreshing to hear Aiken tackle new tracks. However, he does expand on his adult contemporary sound a bit, peppering in some more up-beat and modern cuts throughout.
The first single, "On My Way Here," finds him returning to his former glory with a mid-tempo anthem about growth. The song is paced just right, fitting perfectly with the extremely uplifting lyrics. Moreover, the production by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder gives the track just enough shimmer to help it land on Top 40 radio instead of the women’s section at JC Penny.
"Everything I Don’t Need" lets Aiken have a bit more fun. The track makes an attempt to funk things up, albeit in a watered down way that fits well with the singer’s more aggressive vocal stylings.
But don’t fret, Aiken doesn’t let us forget he is. The sweeping ballads and outlandish string sections are still present throughout On My Way Here. "Where I Draw The Line" is the best, allowing his voice to stew and slowly build to the typical Aiken chorus. Obviously, lyrics like "Seems whenever I let somebody get this close / I’m right back where I got hurt the most / And that’s why around my heart is where I draw the line" are somewhat embarrassing, but considering the source, they work.
Clay Aiken’s new album will be embraced wholeheartedly by his die-hard fans, and that’s really all that matters. It’s not much more than over-the-top tales of love and change, but that’s when he is at his best.
