Tried and True - A review (iTunes bonus track version)

I cannot believe that it has been another month since I have posted here! I guess I just got wrapped up in the Clay fog that seems to have enveloped my mind over the past couple of months or so. Anyway, Clay's new album Tried and True has FINALLY been released! I can't believe I purchased as many copies as I did! I purchased the iTunes version since it includes a bonus song that isn't on any of the other versions, the deluxe version which has two bonus songs plus a DVD of the behind the scenes of making Tried and True (mainly why Clay decided to do this album), the regular CD, and I think one or two others.

I posted this review over at Clay's Offical Fan Club and I thought I'd bring it over here. :)
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I posted the other night that I LOVED the CD, but I didn't get into specifics...I was in a bit of blur after listening to it...a fog, perhaps? ;-) So I figured that after listening to it again and again and again... well you know what I mean. ;-) I thought I'd attempt to give my review on it. :-)

Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Love this song. I have always loved this song, but Clay made it sound new to me. I love the big orchestral music; that just makes the song if you ask me. Not to mention Clay just sounds terrific singing it. I can hear the swagger in his voice.
What Kind Of Fool Am I - Where to begin? First of all, I didn't think a song could make me cry. But this one succeeded in doing so! I have to admit that I had never heard this song before hearing Clay sing it. But now I'm in love with it. The soft, tender sound in Clay's voice is beautiful. I think that may be what made me tear up. I can hear the emotion in his voice, if you know what I mean. This has truly grown on me since I first heard it on Monday night! Also, David Sanborn is incredible. Loved that part as well.
It's Only Make Believe - This is another song that I had never heard before Monday night. But I love it! I like the 'bouncy' feel it has. Not sure if that really makes sense. Again, the orchestra just makes the song.
Misty - Oh my goodness. Misty made me...well, misty. Again, a song I had never heard (I think my age is starting to show here, lol) before. I love Clay's soft voice in the song. I don't know how he does it with such control. He's so talented like that. I adore the piano in this song. It gives it a jazzy/bluesy (spelling?) kind of feel, if you know what I mean. And the lyrics themselves are just wonderful.
Mack The Knife - I think we have all heard this one before! It was either when it first came out or in 2003 when Clay sang it out of the ballpark. I love Paula for choosing this song for him. I can just hear his love for the song as he sings it. And that note at the end. WOW. I still don't know how he can hold it for so long! Love it.
It's Impossible - This is just a beautiful song. I love hearing Clay's upper register in this song. Another one that makes me tear up when I hear it. I just close my eyes and go into another world. I'm not sure if that makes any sense... Again, the orchestra is beautiful. I love the violins in the background.
Unchained Melody - One word: WOW. I have adored this song since I saw the movie "Ghost" which is when I first heard it. So naturally every time I hear it now, I always tear up because I think of the movie (and Patrick Swayze). There is a bit of a difference with Clay's take on this classic, however. And that is when he gets to the "OMG note". I now know what everyone means when they said they were in a fog after hearing him sing that note. My gosh, I almost fell out of my chair! My favorite version by a clear mile.
Suspicious Minds - I've always liked this song. I remember watching a lot of Clack from the JBT and I loved the part of the concert when he would sing this song. He did it with such ease. I love that he basically kept the melody of the song, but also made it his own. And with this CD, he's outdone himself with the song. I love this version even more.
Crying - Oh my. This song is gorgeous beyond words. Linda Eder is just fantastic. I have heard her sing before and have always loved her voice. When she and Clay sing together, it's magical. I so wish I could have been at the taping to see it live. I'm sure it's even more amazing in person. Let's just say that this song had me crying!
There's A Kind Of Hush - I LOVE this song! I didn't know that I would, but I am so glad I proved myself wrong. Clay sounds so upbeat and happy when he is singing it. There is one point in the song when he sings "People just like us...[a beat of silence]...are falling in love..." I adore they way he sings "...are falling in love".
Moon River - To be honest, I didn't think I'd like this song as much as I do. I have heard it a few times and it's definitely a beautiful song. Insert Clay into this song. Okay, I'm hooked! He has this control that I've never heard anyone have in their voice before. The softness in his voice is just so moving.
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - After hearing this just once, my jaw was on the floor. This is just...wow. I honestly don't have enough words to describe the song! Clay's voice is magical. It really is. I love the emotion he poured into this song. I think that's what did it for me. I get chills every time I listen to it. It's playing right now actually and I'm barely able to type as I listen to it because my mind is in the song! And I have to wipe my eyes every now and then...

Well that was my attempt at a review of each song! I know I didn't get into each little aspect of the songs, but I wanted to give the general idea of how I felt while listening to them. :-) I hope you liked it!

Oh, and here's a little taste of what the album sounds like...



Lisa