From My Public Blog: There Was A Man

It's no surprise that Clay Aiken's fans are beyond ready for a new CD. This October it will be three years since a mainstream release, and in November it will be two years since the Christmas album release. Clay started recording early last year, but was not happy with the direction of the album. RCA allowed him to start over with Jaymes Foster as new executive producer. In December, the album was turned into RCA, but for some reason unknown to us, RCA decided to scrap that CD. Clive Davis is very partial to cover songs, so in a February 10th blurb in Entertainment Weekly, we learn that the album will be heavy in covers. Most of the online fandom was not happy. If anyone can do covers justice Clay can, but most felt he is deserving of his own songs. Who knows if really great melodic songs worthy of Clay's vocal talent are hard to find, or if Clive just wants to cash in on the trend to older music, but once we got word of covers, many had to readjust our thinking about the album. Clay has told us the theme is love songs--all kinds of love, but most songs are about love, so that is not a great clue. Clay also said he was taking his time with this album to make it something great for us and for him. There will be fresh modern arrangements on some old favorites. Clay does like to be cryptic. It is now June, and we don't know much more than we knew in February. His new look gives hope that he won't be singing all stodgy old ballads. I'm still hoping for the Clay Aiken album that showcases the same Clay Aiken we see in concert. Week after week, we wait for news. Is the CD still covers or has there been another change? Who knows, but I'm ready for Clay Aiken to fly...not only fly, but to soar to where his talent belongs...in the stratosphere. I'll be right there, flapping my wings behind him, trying to keep up. Bring it on!