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| Taylor Hicks | 
 enlarge | Artist: Taylor Hicks
Label: Arista
Category: Music
List Price: $18.97
Buy Used: $0.01
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Avg. Customer Rating:  362 reviews
Sales Rank: 17255
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 87984
UPC: 828768798423
EAN: 0828768798423
ASIN: B000IY04S6
Release Date: December 12, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: excellent condition in original cover
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| Tracks:
| • | The Runaround | | • | Dream Myself Awake | | • | Heaven Knows | | • | Gonna Move | | • | Wherever I Lay My Hat | | • | Give Me Tonight | | • | Just To Feel That Way | | • | The Maze | | • | Places I've Been | | • | Soul Thing | | • | The Deal | | • | The Right Place |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
The least you can say about Taylor Hicks is that he's not like prior American Idol champs: he already had almost a decade of gigging in bars when he won the fifth season in 2006, complete with songwriting experience, an ability to play harmonica and guitar, and a pair of self-released albums. On his major-label debut, the Silver Fox settles in a plush, comfortable sound framed by vintage-sounding soul and R&B, as well as classic rock--it's comfort food for the ears. The one thing that's not here is Hicks's first single, "Do I Make You Proud." Other than that, the songs are a well-balanced mix of oldies (Marvin Gaye's "Wherever I Lay My Hat"), newbies that sound like oldies (Rob Thomas's "Dream Myself Awake," Bryan Adams's "The Right Place"), the obligatory Diane Warren ballad ("Places I've Been"), and some party-fun anthems ("The Runaround," "Heaven Knows"). This last track actually is one of two paying tribute to Hicks's patron saint, Ray Charles--it references the piano riff from "What'd I Say," while "The Right Place" was originally written for Charles. Clearly, there are worse people to look up to. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Album Description
Taylor Hicks's much-anticipated major-label debut is being released on December 5, 2006. More Idol Releases
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| Customer Reviews: Read 357 more reviews...
 Lives up to expectations December 12, 2006
140 out of 202 found this review helpful
Like many, I was the more worried about Taylor Hicks's CD than any other Idol CD. Why? Because Taylor has a sound that's different than what you hear on mainstream radio. Would they make him fit in like they did with Bo Bice? Fortunately, the answer is no. While fairly commercial, Taylor's CD definitely allows his blue-eyed soul personality to shine. The opener, "The Runaround," might be a song that Simon would pan - but I think it's a good song that will get you dancing in no time. Taylor's voice gives it its needed thrust. The next song, "Dream Myself Awake," is more of a pop/rock effort, but the verses allow Taylor to be expressive, and the song comes out pretty well. This song might get him some new fans. "Gonna Move" and "Wherever I Lay My Hat" are mid-tempo old-style R&B types that match Taylor perfectly. "Give Me Tonight" sounds forced and is a dud, but "Just To Feel This Way" is a gorgeous ballad that rivals another fave of mine - Bryan Adams's "The Right Place." "Places I've Been" is a Diane Warren ballad that's somewhat flat, but "Soul Thing" picks things up again. "Soul Thing" is like a signature song for Taylor. The CD ends with the before-mentioned "The Right Place," which allows Taylor to show his range. Should convince even some doubters. So, to sum up, this is one of the best Idol CDs - and I hope it does well, as Taylor has carved his own niche.
 A golden nugget shining brightly--straight from The Silver Fox! January 8, 2007
79 out of 95 found this review helpful
Taylor Hicks creates beautiful music with great lyrics that are catchy; every song on this CD will hold your attention as well. Taylor's voice is strong, full of energy and self-confident. This CD proves that he will go far in his career.
The CD opens up with the song entitled "The Runaround." This song is not merely pop; it pushes forward as a rock song would with an aggressive, rousing and passionate beat to it. Taylor sings this number with all his might and just one listen will prove it to you. The musical arrangement is flawless and the chorus is beautifully written.
The CD takes a turn for the somewhat more pensive, slower paced ballad entitled "Dream Myself Awake" written by Rob Thomas. Another song that honors another great artist is "Heaven Knows." Taylor admires the late great Ray Charles so much that "Heaven Knows" even includes a portion of "What'd I Say" by Ray Charles. This is a great song about a love going wrong and the tribute to Ray Charles is equally touching. Impressive!
Another song worth special mention is Taylor's cover of a song written partly by Marvin Gaye called "Wherever I Lay My Hat." Taylor tells a lady who has feelings for him that he's not the kind of man who's ready to settle down. The musical arrangement includes Taylor on harmonica, too! Very good!
Other great songs on this CD include "Give Me Tonight" which starts off with a brief hip-hop arrangement and then switches to more of a rock and roll beat. This song deals with the strong physical attraction between two people. In addition, "Just To Feel That Way" is a beautiful love ballad; and "The Maze" captures the thoughts of a man whose relationship with his woman is far from perfect anymore. "Places I've Been" expresses the pure love of a man for his woman--this is another love ballad delivered flawlessly by Taylor and the musicians.
The CD ends with a tender, pensive ballad entitled "The Right Place." Taylor assures the special woman in his life that he will always be there for her no matter what may happen--even if she initially needs time to think it over. This song about unconditional love brings a strong ending to the album!
People complain about the fact that "Do I Make You Proud" is not on this CD. I was surprised, too. Oh sure, the song is available but it would have been better to have it already on this CD.
Taylor possesses another incredible strength: Taylor appears equally comfortable whether he sings his own songs including "Soul Thing" and "The Deal" or whether he performs covers of songs including "Places I've Been" written by Diane Warren and "The Right Place" written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Excellent!
The liner notes display excellent color photos of Taylor Hicks, the Silver Fox. With looks like Taylor has I know that the girls must be going crazy for him! The song credits are there. There are no lyrics in the liner notes; but Taylor sings so well and so clearly that you almost certainly won't need them. The quality of the sound is excellent.
Taylor Hicks clearly deserves a bright future because of his talent and his passion for music. When Taylor Hicks sings he throws himself into the song and even thought you can't see him on this CD you can tell he's acting out each song as a story. Each song becomes a little story with a beginning, a middle and an end. I highly recommend this for Taylor's fans and for fans of rock and blues/soul popular music.
Pretty Good December 13, 2006
78 out of 129 found this review helpful
I've listened to the album a few times now and I have to say it's pretty good. Definitely better than I thought it would be. My favorites include Give Me Tonight, The Maze, and The Deal. The album is a nice mix of rock, soul, and disco beats. It also contains some tracks from his previous album before Idol such as, Soul Thing and The Deal. All in all you have a good package here. If you enjoyed Taylor on American Idol you're going to dig this album.
Wow!!! He KILLED IT!!! December 14, 2006
44 out of 51 found this review helpful
Never in a million years did I expect Taylor Hicks to deliver this kind of record. And I never would have expected it to be this good. I didn't vote for Taylor, nor am I a member of the famed "Soul Patrol." I watched American Idol and found Hicks to be entertaining, but had serious doubts as to whether the record label could produce a decent enough album for him. But to my surprise, Taylor and his producer Matt Serletic exceeded ALL expectations. When I heard the album preview on VH1 I was literally STUNNED. I think this is the best debut CD to come out of the Idol franchise thus far. I think Taylor is probably the most pure recording artist to walk off the show. I saw the Idol tour this past summer and was impressed by how strong his voice sounded live. I absolutely hated "Do I Make You Proud" going into the concert, but ended up liking it based on his performance. And after hearing this CD, I think the right person DID win. I wouldn't have said that 8 months ago, but I have to give Hicks credit for not walking into the studio and recording a clone record. I'm glad he showed some faith in his own ability and didn't just copy what was currently on the radio. Taylor Hicks is his own man. This might be the most ambitious Idol CD because it's not commercial by today's radio standards. Although, I liken it most to Rascal Flatts. In fact, had they recorded this CD it probably would have been all over the radio and a HUGE hit. Taylor's CD almost seems more like R&B/Soul mixed with light Country Rock. It's not really a traditional Pop record. It's somewhat hard to classify because Taylor wasn't the typical Idol contestant. I think Taylor's CD would be a good debut CD for any new recording artist. The only downside is that I think a lot of people saw him as a gimmick on American Idol. And in essence, that's the risk he took in order to win the competition. Therefore, some viewers may not give this CD a chance. He'll have to depend more on casual buyers, but without radio it will be difficult to get that opportunity. I'm a realist, so Chris will most likely sell more. They wanted him to win. And no, I'm not a Chris fan but radio is embracing his music. So I think he's getting the Kelly Clarkson slot. What that leaves for Katharine and Taylor, I'm not sure. I'm glad Taylor got the opportunity to record this album, but ultimately his fate is in the hands of radio and his record label. If you liked him on the show, then I would definitely buy the CD. The musical arrangements are great and Taylor sounds fantastic. I think Taylor did a GREAT job. Regardless of how this CD sells, it's a winner in my book.
Favorites: The Runaround, Gonna Move, Wherever I Lay My Hat, Give Me Tonight, Just To Feel That Way, The Deal, The Right Place
Taylor Hicks, modern day Rocky story come to life. December 12, 2006
39 out of 47 found this review helpful
Let me first say I am NOT a member of Taylor Hicks catch phrase club, The Soul Patrol. This review is from a long time Idol fan and someone who respects Mr. Hicks for his many years as a journeyman musician and Idol outcast. I did not vote for him, but I'm fine with him winning.
Taylor Hicks story is much like the iconic figure Rocky Balboa. This time he's a struggling musician, who mostly paid to play before small crowds for over a decade until he slipped " under the radar " and made it to the Idol stage. If they ever made a movie about his life they should start the movie in a musty looking, mostly empty club, much like Rocky started his saga. Simon, the smarmy Brit with the too tight over priced black baby tee shirts was like the old trainer, basically telling Taylor he would always be a bum.
I have tried to understand the phenomenon that is Taylor Hicks and I think this analogy explains why he's so popular. People like to root for an underdog. He had a Ray Charles hitch where he would throw his head to the side and give a Wooooo. What the heck was that?? Some didn't take him seriously, he was just so out there. But some saw something they never had seen before, a regular guy, an everyman who sang like the singers of a time gone by.
Taylor has a shy Southern charm and Idol is very popular in the South. There has never been an Idol winner who wasn't born in the South. Taylor, being from Alabama fit that mold. But he also was more refined in a way then your average good old boy. Taylor is not Gomer Pyle with gray hair. He always looks like he's up to something, always thinking. He's maybe the smartest Idol in the shows history. He was a smart when it came to marketing himself and still is taking advantage of networking and the computer age. He knew there was a budding fanbase and once named, The Soul Patrol, he always gave shout outs after each and every performance Woooo, Soul Patrol!!! Well, unlike Rocky, Taylor Hicks, upon getting his shot, ended up the winner in a season ripe with talent. This season will have had more contestants with records that actually sell then any other season.
So, will Taylor Hicks be a blockbuster like Kelly's second effort or Carrie Underwoods unstoppable country smash? It's hard to say. The team that is backing Taylor is very strong and the producer worked with Santana and Rob Thomas. There is a nice mix of material, and the recording sounds pretty organic on much of it. Some of it sounds a bit more safe and it's clear that attemps to make the record commercial show up on a few tracks. But Taylor is never lost in the production. You konw it's him, and his fans will be thankful for that. They will be introduced to some new sounds, and they will, for the most part, accept it. Taylor fans are very loyal and supportive. The question is, will he get new fans? That's the $64,000 question. I guess today it would be the 6.4 million dollar question.
I would say half of the record is very good to outstanding and seems to be the kind of music his fans expected, blue eyed funky soul, you can shake your money maker to. Heavan Knows is a standout. It's Ray Charles beat/sample that works very well, and sounds modern, yet retro. His vocals are good on all the songs, but this one has amazing flow to it. Soul Thing and The Deal are songs from Taylor's independent release, Under The Radar and they have been updated nicely. They are the only representation of Taylor as a songwriter and I have a feeling the next record will truly have a more consistant Taylor feel to it. The closing track, The Right Place, was written by Bryan Adams for Ray Charles. How fitting that Taylor, with a nickname of Gray Charles, got a chance to sing it. Taylor does a nice rendition and I'm sure Ray would approve. Some of the material is a bit safe, and some of the lyrics are a bit corny, like The Runaround, the potential first single, which is better live then on the CD. But it's catchy stuff and Taylor gives his all and his fans will surely enjoy this record. It's a nice first step into the big time for Mr. Hicks. He gets a solid 4 stars from me, giving him room to grow and improve. He has real potential and I actually look forward to his future projects.
Oh, his touring band is about as good as they come. This material live will be stronger and a good time is gonna be had by all, of this I'm sure. Congrats Soul Patrol, your man did good.
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