Clay Aiken Tried & True (Decca)
This is Clay's fifth studio album, and it features classic songs from '50s and '60s. The American Idol Season 2 runner-up does have a great ear for good melodic songs. To wit, Tried & True cuts like "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You," "Moon River," "Crying," Herman's Hermits' much-under-appreciateed "There's a Kind of Hush," "Suspicious Minds" and "Misty." Aiken also includes two songs he made his signatures on Idol: "Unchained Melody" and "Mack the Knife," which are the perfect vehicles for his soaring vocals. Congrats, Claynation, your idol will be out on the road with Ruben Stoddard this summer.
IN OTHER WORDS: Love his style or not, Clay's a great vocalist, and these terrific selections are right up his alley.
I really like it when reviewer(s) write about the voice without any pre-conceived notions or agendas. Good job, guys.
