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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Unbelievable Jan 05, 2008
Believe it or not, I have recently discovered Clay Aiken. Really wasn't a "music" person. Just watched "Idol" for the first time this past season. People were saying that the talent wasn't as good as in the past. I had no clue about that so I started to look at and listen to past Idols on UTube and found Daughtry--couldn't understand him exiting at 4th as he was good, and others. Then I found Clay. I have to say that I was blown away by him. His range is unbelievable and he sings with such feeling and passion. I loved Solitaire first and then bought everything. I haven't found one song I didn't like or wasn't moved by. He has got to be the best vocal in this generation.
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 There's a reason why Neil cried that night... Oct 11, 2006
"The Way" is a fine song, but... The real story in this single is Clay's cover of Neil Sedaka's classic 1972 song "Solitaire" (written and recorded in the U.K., then later released in the U.S. on his 1974 album "Sedaka's Back"). If viewers will remember during the 2003 season of "American Idol," when the "theme night" came around to Neil Sedaka's music and Neil was the guest judge (they've since done away with this practice), Clay explained that "Solitaire" was one of his mother's very favorite songs, and she begged him to sing "Solitaire" that night.
Neil Sedaka is a very emotional man. He's been married to the same woman, Leba, for more than 40 years. He's got two great children that he adores--daughter Dara (with whom he had that great 1980 hit duet, "Should've Never Let You Go," and Dara is still a professional singer today), and L.A. screenwriter son Marc, who with his wife have provided "Papa Neil" and grandmother Leba three beautiful grandchildren (updated 11/07).
And when something touches him, he shows it.
For only 90 seconds of a song that lasts about 4:30, Clay Aiken was able to take "Solitaire" and make it his own, and it was as if Sedaka had passed the torch of that song to Clay. The tears that Neil shed that night were genuine. His offer to produce an album for Clay notwithstanding, there was a real connection between the two.
Deciding to record "Solitaire" was a wise decision. Not putting the song on his album, "The Measure of a Man," was not a wise decision. However, bringing the song back as an off-CD cut and adding it as the B-side of "The Way" was a good decision, because people began buying the single not because of "The Way," but because of "Solitaire."
When it finally dawned on The Powers That Be--the record producers, the radio station promoters, Clay himself, etc.--to finally put "Solitaire" as the A-side of the single and promote "Solitaire" all by itself, it shot straight to #1 on the sales charts.
Clay Aiken--and Neil Sedaka--had a #1 song. For Neil, this was nothing new...but it was a great thing to happen to him in the 21st century. For Clay, savoring a #1 song is something he will enjoy for the rest of his life.
They're a great team. I hope they explore other songs together in the future.
CD SINGLE RATING: **** (out of 5) -- 11 Oct 06 -- BOB BOURBEAU
8 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Clay Music Mar 18, 2006
I purchased this wonderful rendition by Clay Aiken to complete a display featuring all of Clay's recorded music. I already own this CD but wanted new and sealed for my display.
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
New rendition of a popular old song Dec 29, 2005
Although many artists have performed their own version of the song, "Solitaire", few have gained the acclaim by the song's composer that Clay Aiken did when he performed it on American Idol. "I've lost that song to you forever", Mr. Sedaka marveled.
From the heartfelt poignance of the words to the breathtaking "glory note" in this song, Clay Aiken totally controls the mood of this composition.
The accompanying track, "The Way", is taken from his multi-platinum first time album, "Measure of a Man". Hearing this song back to back with "Solitaire", is a complimentary CD that is worth having.
23 of 24 found the following review helpful:
Want Two Amazing Ballads? Jun 16, 2005
You came to the right spot on Amazon. Clay Aiken has a powerful voice and you can hear this stunning voice so clearly on Solitaire, especially after four minutes when he sings out one note so strong it may move you to tears. I believe this is THE American Idol, regardless if he didn't win. I don't think there has been talent on American Idol even close to Clay's honestly. And I know people will disagree, but when I heard Solitaire, I knew this was my ultimate American Idol.
I do not mean to neglect The Way though, for this is a beautiful song as well that I love, although Solitaire is stronger indeed. Yet they both are amazing ballads and Clay's voice shines on both. If you love these two songs then go out and get his full c.d., because there are other songs worth recognition on his c.d. definitely. The problem is they didn't put Solitaire on his official album so I had to buy the single. Solitaire is worth the money though. You won't regret it! Clay is truly talented and I eagerly await more from him!
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