Almost everyone who is involved in music has heard of the weekly magazine, Billboard. As one of the oldest trade magazines in the world, the American magazine is dedicated to the music industry. Billboard is regarded as one of the most pertinent and unbiased sources of information in the field of music.
Most people are familiar with the music charts that Billboard posts each week. There are two charts that are the most popular. The Billboard Hot 100 ranks the top 100 songs based on physical sales, digital sales, and radio play. The other important chart is the Billboard200, which rates albums.
Billb
oard was first published on January 4, 1936 and by 1940, they started to publish the Music Popularity Charts. Today, Billboard magazine covers all angles of the music business. Besides the charts, it features news stories, features and opinion articles. The magazine covers the entertainment business in a very extensive way.
When Billboard publishes a review of a new CD, it is copied and published all over the web. Since the publication is a leader in the music field, their review is usually a much –anticipated event.
On Friday, May 21st, Billboard published the following review about Tried & True, the new CD from Clay Aiken. The review can already be found at Reuters and has been picked up by many sites.
It is nice to see that Billboard approves of the change of direction Clay and Decca are presenting in Tried & True. After you read the review, be sure and click on the link and “buzz” the review. A positive comment would be wonderful too. If Yahoo gets enough traffic and buzz, they will put the review on their first page. This would be wonderful “buzz” for Clay.
NEW YORK (Billboard) – After a series of so-so soft-rock efforts, Season 2 “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken looks back to the music of the ’50s and ’60s on “Tried & True,” a big-band-style collaboration with German producer Alex Christensen, whose resume includes work with Paul Anka, Sarah Brightman and Right Said Fred. Given the cabaret-ready character of Aiken’s voice, the change in direction suits the singer. Where he used to sound like an oldster attempting to crash the top 40, here Aiken’s vocals exude a relaxed vibe that seemingly reflects his recent stint on Broadway in “Spamalot!” That even goes for a surprisingly authoritative version of “Mack the Knife,” where Aiken summons a swagger he never previously displayed. Other songs include “Moon River” (with a tasty acoustic-guitar solo by Vince Gill), a jazzy take on Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” and “Unchained Melody,” which gets the full Hollywood-orchestra treatment.
What do you think of the Billboard Review?
I'm so excited! I truly hope the critics love this cd. It's seems like Clay has been a target for so long it would be about time they really listened and appreciated his talent!
I did not think it was that good–was like a –half way comment– could and should have been better anniemae
I'm hoping that since Billboard gave him a good review, others will follow. It's time for Clay Aiken to get the respect he deserves and it's time for the critics to recognize that talent.
I think it's a good, solid review. While there are parts that made me kind of scratch my head, I love that they said Clay has swagger, that they pointed out Vince Gill and his tasty guitar solo, and that Clay's vocals exude a relaxed vibe. I don't think I've ever heard Clay sound better. I'm looking forward to hearing the CD in its entirety, but I've very much enjoyed Misty, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You and Suspicious Minds (I'm loving that Mark James, who wrote Suspicious Minds, is also playing guitar on Tried and True – I think that is beyond cool). Under 10 days and I am SO READY!!! BRING IT ON!
I think for them it is a great review for Clay. I love the swagger reference also. I think you can tell that Clay loves to sing this kind of music. I am so glad he is being given the chance to do just that. I love it!
For once in seven years a review that about the actual artist Clay Aiken and his music and not about his fans or other incidental comments how wonderful is that?
Love it!
oh well–what do I know? still thought it was better than review
man–I give up how do I do this thing? I NEED HELP
I actually thought it was a good review and this cd is Clay's forte. This is the type of music he is most comfortable singing and he executes each number to PERFECTION. This man has an AWESOME Vocal Talent and I am so proud of him as a Person and Entertainer. I so do hope this cd garnishes him the Praise and Respect he so truly deserves and has worked so hard to attain these past 7 years………..
I was pleased with the review.
I think it was a pretty fair review. Clay is in his own league with these songs..and he certainly belts them out. Nice to know that they did listen..and said that Unchained Melody gets the full Hollywood Orchestra Treatment. Of the songs I have heard I just love "Misty" it has a dreamy and sexy vibe to it. I could listen to it forever.