http://www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article1339.art&page=1 Is Clay Pushing Pop Music Over the “Edge”? by Candace Golden -- 10/17/2003 There have been a number of claims that Clay’s premiere album lacks “edge.” But what, really, is “edge”? Candace looks at this question and argues that Clay does indeed have “edge” – but it’s not quite what you might think it is. With the release of Clay Aiken's debut CD, Measure of a Man, there has been a lot of talk about the "revolution" of pop music, Clay's fight against his record label, and "edge." (A specific example is the Time magazine article about this situation. See the Foxes On Idol roundtable discussion article for the varied viewpoints.) What is "edge" anyway? If "edge" is going against the norm, taking risks, and shocking people or shaking them up, then I say Clay has plenty of "edge." Clay, by wanting to keep his first CD family-friendly pop and refusing to go against his beliefs and ideals, is doing all those things. When "edge" becomes the norm, it loses that essence which defined it as "edge" in the first place. It is a very natural progression. When a swear word ceases to shock, it loses its power and is replaced by a word that does shock. Where does it end? So goes the trend in today's pop music and music videos. In an attempt to be fresh and retain "edge," today's music and the videos that accompany it constantly barrage us with "in-your-face" sex and raunchiness. What happens when that gets old, when it loses its power to shock – actual sex in the videos? What comes after that? When does it go over the edge? It is a sad commentary of our world that we are so focused on the outward image of the singer and not the music. Christina Aguilera has a beautiful voice. Her new song, "The Voice Inside," has a good message but in the music video we have Christina singing this beautiful song while bursting out of her lingerie. Sex unfortunately sells and the only purpose of the way she is dressed is to get people to watch the video. It's not really about the music anymore and that needs to change. Clay may be new to the music industry and some people feel that by coming out of the gate bucking RCA/Clive Davis, he is digging an early career grave for himself. Clay is not stupid. Don't think for a minute he is. I don't care how the Time magazine article portrayed this battle. I have a hard time believing that Clay simply told Davis to "stick it where the sun doesn't shine." I am willing to bet there was a lot of dialogue and respectful discussion ending with Clay still wanting to take the chance that he would risk losing potential sales or favorable "critical" reviews in order to be able to stand on his principles. As it was pointed out, Ruben did essentially the same thing but who is up in arms about that? Clay's motivation seems to come from wanting to retain his identity and he fought the battle not just to fight it, but for his integrity and to honor his fans. On the other hand Ruben's, "If you want to drive, you had better find another car," comment comes off as a lot more self-serving and arrogant whether that was the intention or not. I don't hear any uproar from the music industry about Ruben taking that stand. Even in his fight to name his CD "Measure of a Man," Clay shows guts. You can't tell me that an intelligent man like Clay never once considered how this title would be lampooned by critics and admirers both (the adoration for Clay is not all maternal). Clay insisted on the title however because, as he has said in recent interviews, it reminds him of what is really important and that he needs to use his influence, whatever that may be and for how long it lasts, wisely. Clay will most certainly evolve and mature in his singing and song choices but don't equate maturing musically with having to sing about one night stands, gratuitous sex, or hate and discontent. Clay is extremely versatile, a fact a lot of people choose to ignore because then they can label him easier. He is not just about ballads, about pop, about Broadway. Wanting to return to decent music/lyrics/melodies shouldn't be ridiculed or vilified. Maybe it is all not earth shattering stuff but perhaps, just perhaps, the earth has been shattered enough in recent times. What is so terrible about getting music that crosses generations and that cross-sections of the music loving population can enjoy together? Is the music industry so entrenched in the concept of "their music" vs. "our music" that anything that bridges those generations or lines of taste is "abnormal"? As much as the detractors try to deny it, people who love Clay have extremely varying musical tastes. They do not fit neatly into a little box. Whoever spoke of "housewives" like a vile word must have been looking in the same place that stated having enough musical talent to succeed on Broadway is an insult. That thinking is so narrow-minded and false that it doesn't even deserve a response. Why are people so threatened by a truly nice guy? Why is that so "un-cool"? Maybe this is where the new "edge" lies. Standing up for what you believe in, not selling yourself short to fit in musically or otherwise, keeping promises – THOSE things measure a man – or a person. If Clay did not sell a single CD doing it "his" way, he would still have his integrity. Taking that risk in today's musical climate – now that's "edge." posted by Yee 11:21 PM . . .
