Measure of a Man (Clay Aiken album)

"Invisible" was released as the first single from Measure of a Man. It was initially released as a promo-only single in September 2003,^[3] and only became available as digital downloads much later. The song peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary and at number 37 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on January 6, 2004. It was later certified gold for digital downloads by the RIAA on March 31, 2006.^[4] A music video for "Invisible", directed by Diane Martel, was shot in Hollywood at Hollywood & Highland, a major outdoor shopping center and tourist attraction, where Aiken invited 800 fans to be part of the crowd scene in the video.^[5] "The Way"/"Solitaire" was released as the album second single on March 16, 2004. "The Way" peaked at number one on the Canadian Singles Chart. A music video for the song was again directed by Martel.^[6] "I Will Carry You," the third single from Measure of a Man, peaked at number 25 on the US Adult Contemporary chart.

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Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[7]
Blender	[8]
Entertainment Weekly	C[9]
Now	[10]
Rolling Stone	[11]
Slant Magazine	[12]
The Village Voice	D[13]

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AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine felt that "Clay's earnest delivery—somewhat sweet and expertly coached—gives these songs a bit of innocence and believability, but the slickness of the whole enterprise overshadows his voice, particularly because his voice isn't all that remarkable on record [..] Even so, it's perfectly suited for this safe MOR album, and while none of the songs really catch hold, it doesn't matter since the sound of the record is pleasant and perfect for radio."^[7] Similarly, Jon Caramanica from Rolling Stone called the album a "school of middle-of-the-road bombast."^[11]

Entertainment Weekly's David Browne wrote that "from his earnest, emotive voice to the music that surrounds it, Measure of a Man works at pleasing [Aiken's] legions with relentless, machine-tooled precision." He found that the album was "less oversung and overarranged than Kelly Clarkson's” Thankful; Aiken avoids the melisma overkill common to the other Idol finalists. But he and his handlers also avoid anything remotely audacious or saucy [...] Clearly, Aiken wants to differentiate himself from the Christinas and Justins of the world."^[9] Now editor Nick Flanagan concluded: "If you like soft pop that has had every single angle retouched, airbrushed and perfected for maximum K-Mart sales, this is the record of the year, although it'll be runner-up if Ruben Studdard releases something."^[10]

Measure of a Man debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 613,000 copies in its first week.^[1] This became Aiken's first US number one debut.^[1] This was also the highest-selling debut for a solo artist since Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle in December 1993.^[15] In its second week, the album remained at number one on the chart, selling an additional 225,000 copies.^[2] In its third week, the album fell to number three on the chart, selling 141,000 more copies.^[16] In its fourth week, the album fell to number eight on the chart, selling 113,000 copies, bringing its four-week total to 1.1 million copies.^[17] On November 17, 2003, the album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of over two million copies.^[18] As of February 2011, the album has sold 2.8 million copies in the United States.^[19]

Performers and musicians

Production

Technical