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Editorial Reviews

A throwback to wholesome heartthrobs like Pat Boone, Clay Aiken is an unlikely pop star who resembles a young Barry Manilow -- Aiken won't have any parents worrying that their kids' idol worship will lead them to drink or drugs. But anyone who watched him during the 2003 season of American Idol already knows that the North Carolina native's selling point isn't his sex appeal, or lack thereof. Rather, his standout quality is his powerfully soulful vocals. Although he was the show's runner-up to Luther Vandross clone Ruben "Velvet Teddy Bear" Studdard, Aiken's melodramatic "This Is the Night" topped Studdard's anthemic "Flying Without Wings" to become the year's bestselling single. Aiken's debut album, which producer Clive Davis packs with polished, adult contemporary fare, capitalizes on the young crooner's appeal to adolescent girls who haven't yet discovered their inner bad girl and to middle-aged women in search of a gentleman. The songs are expectedly middle-of-the road, and without a live audience and judges to win over, Aiken's dynamic voice loses some of its punch. Still, there are plenty of hummable highlights, notably the catchy lead single "Invisible," the country-tinged "The Way," and the haunting soft rocker "No More Sad Songs." Although the charismatic Studdard's disc may reaffirm why he was voted the American Idol champ, the measure of this man means staying true to himself, even if that calls for being a tad nerdy. And for that reason, Aiken may be one of the coolest pop stars around. Tracy E. Hopkins, Barnes & Noble

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