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| Taylor Hicks | 
 enlarge | Artist: Taylor Hicks
Label: Arista
Category: Music
List Price: $18.97
Buy New: $0.76
You Save: $18.21 (96%)
New (61) Used (71) from $0.01
Avg. Customer Rating:  362 reviews
Sales Rank: 14366
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: Brand new sealed in stock and ships today!
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| Customer Reviews:
 One of the Best American Idol Debut Album Ever Produced. This is a Definite Keeper ! December 12, 2006
35 out of 42 found this review helpful
I have already heard the entire CD (except for the bonus track -- HELL OF A DAY ( another original Taylor Hicks composition ), apparently available only when you buy from Wal-Mart). I am not shy then to give my personal judgment on the album --- IT IS (as of this writing) ONE OF THE BEST DEBUT ALBUM EVER TO COME OUT FROM ANY AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT OR WINNER ! ONE OF THE BEST EVER FROM THIS HUMONGOUSLY SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT FRANCHISE.
True to his innovative personality, Taylor Hicks calls this eclectic mix of musical fusion of southern rock, blues, jazz, swamp boogies, Cajun and 20th century soul -- "modern womp music" ( see his interviews ).
This album is a very good showcase of the Hicks' versatility. His desire to experiment with modern beat will probably cause some concern to his old school fans -- the legions who supported him at American Idol who call themselves the SOUL PATROL. These are the people who prefer to listen to Hicks perform root-influenced old-style soul music. They see him as the antithesis of today's modern assembly line music, which many consider, justifiably for the most part, trashy and tuneless. They want an "old-time" soul revival.
To these old schoolers, let me assure you -- this isn't a "me-too" type of album. It is very carefully and thoughtfully crafted, produced with excellence in mind and superbly performed. What surprised me is the cool collection of great cover selections, re-recorded original compositions and a few slick pop songs ( maybe a compromise with uber-producer, Clive Davis ). However, kudos to Mr. Davis for trusting in Taylor Hicks' own musical instincts and not "forcing" his own vision as to what a good Taylor album should be on Taylor himself.
Many Soul Patrolers might not recognize the Taylor Hicks they have come to know, but they need to understand that Mr. Hicks is actually a multi-faceted artist. He isn't one to stand still and desires to innovate, to try out new sounds. This is a good thing in my book...it prevents stagnation and leaves open a whole new world of music that can be explored !
Hicks' soulful, gruff vocals is the star of this album -- and what a natural instrument it is !
Ignore the once dismissive comments of envious mouseketeer, Justin Timberlake, who tends to appeal to boy-band type listeners who want to remain teenagers forever. Taylor Hicks has that soulful, manly voice that appeals to mature adults. His vocals are always impeccably spot on, emotive, rich and full and always appealing. You also cannot ignore the fact that Taylor Hicks plays more than one instrument, writes his own songs, and performs in such a way that he draws the audience to each and every one of his musical interpretation. To say that he is a "new artist" is of course inaccurate. The man has honed his skills for over a decade in every bar, blues alley and honky-tonk clubs in the South. His "soul-fires" circuit are well known to people who have followed his career for years.
His decade-long musical journey is manifest in this album. The energy and creativity, pinpoint focus, an astute versatility that covers a broad swath of musical ground is clearly present in the album compilation as a whole.
What does not surprise me is Taylor's mastery of various musical genres. The American Idol contest in a sense, forces contestants to show this sort of versatility and the one who lasts longest is clearly the one who shows his/her ability to do well in many genres. Taylor Hicks won because he clearly showed his knowledge and ability to perform different styles of music as well as his ability to pick and choose the right songs for his unique voice during every theme night.
Ultimately, what endeared him to the public is his genuine passion for his art ( as he once said to Ryan Seacrest -- "It's All About the Music"). In this album, Listeners can feel his passion whether he's wailing seductively, growling or simply soulfully crooning; The bottom line is this -- If you think that Hicks is just all about live, quirky, fun performance and that his voice alone minus the visuals will expose his limitations, you are wrong. This album showcases his excellent vocals. His strength as a vocalist is his intuitive sense of rhythm, phrasing and emoting, and timing. He once said in his audition : " I WANT MY VOICE HEARD". Well, he got his wish. His strength lies in his natural God-given ability to deliver emotive "feelings" to a song and thus draw the sensitive listener to an emotional participation in the performance itself. This uncanny talent cannot be taught. It is a natural gift.
You will just have to listen to this album more than once to drench yourself in what makes for a wide, engaging, often impressive and richly fulfilling listening adventure . What you saw in American Idol is but a small insight into the multi-faceted talent of Taylor Hicks the musician . In other words, there is more to Taylor the musician than meets the eye and you will miss the rest of what you should know if you fail to get this album.
To conclude, I believe that we have in Taylor Hicks, an artist who will be with us for a long time. If he stays healthy ( unlike the unfortunate Eva Cassidy) and does not get into an accident ( God willing ), the musical world will be blessed to have someone we can enjoy listening to for years and years to come. The great thing about Hicks is he isn't willing to stand still. He has shown that, like Lennon/McCartney, he is willing to experiment, evolve, progress, create in order to explore additional aspects of his talent. If you're willing to embark on that journey with him, then hitch along and don't miss the ride because Taylor Hicks is going to have a long, fruitful and enduring career.
Here is my personal endorsement: Invest $10.00 on Taylor Hick's album and buy additional copies as gifts for your like-minded friend or relative. Listen to the album more than once and be receptive to soul music that blends styles or elements from more than one tradition. Allow yourself to be immersed in the music for a short while. I'm willing to bet you'll become either a registered or unregistered member of the SOUL PATROL if you're open minded enough.
DOWNLOAD:
1) Taylor Hicks' own composition "The Deal"
2) His cover of the late Paul Pena's "Gonna Move" ( the excellent a capella interplay with the backup singers in the 3rd half of the song is worth the price of the download ).
3) "The Right Place". The best song in the album and one for the ages. The song is evocative of the other gospel-tinged classic -- LEAN ON ME by Bill Withers. This song, co-written by Bryan Adams, was originally intended to be recorded Ray Charles, who unhappily passed away before he could sing it. Taylor does his hero proud with his comforting and emotional interpretation of the song. I can imagine the great Ray himself smiling as he listens to this version. STRICT OLD SCHOOL Taylor Hicks fans will absolutely treasure this song.
4) "Just to Feel That Way". A dramatic, haunting and rousing rock-opera type song. The song draws you to it from the opening piano bars to the rousing chorus to the deliberate slowed down ending. Taylor Hicks' voice alternately wails, soars, moves seamlessly from fortissimo to pianissimo in tandem with the complex movements of the song and emotions of the lyrics. If I were to pick one song in this album that can is perfect for top 40, this is it.
5) "Heaven Knows" co-written by Ray Charles and Smokey Robinson and one of the many spirited and soulful songs of the album.
Best album of 2006 December 15, 2006
35 out of 40 found this review helpful
You know an album is great when you're singing along with the songs the first time you hear them. Very catchy tunes from start to finish. Absolutely, undoubtably the best effort to date by an American Idol artist. I liked Taylor on the show, but this CD has far exceeded any expectations I had before listening to it. If Taylor Hicks interested you at all during this past season of American Idol, you MUST buy this CD. Again, just perfect from start to finish.
Proud debut! Well done album! December 14, 2006
33 out of 37 found this review helpful
HEADS UP!! I am a Chris fan. I am also a big Clay fan. I like a great variety of music. Chris was my favorite during AI5, but I liked Taylor from the beginning, and I am very happy with his success. I think American Idol is great because of all the great singers and the unknowns making it big. But I also think American Idol has shown the bad side of America. All this bashing of artists, other Idols, is just terrible. There is plenty of room for many singers to have success. Let's just support the artists we do like and not try to bring down other artists. It does not accomplish anything and I don't think the artists want you doing it. I am talking to Taylor fans too; you have done shameless bashing on Chris. Everyone just stop.
Taylor seems like a good guy. For me, the tone in his voice is kind of plain sounding. I know some Taylor fans will get upset for me saying that, but that is what I hear. I think the tone of his voice is just okay, no standout sound for me. Where Taylor shines is being a great stage performer, and putting strong emotion into his songs. I love how every song; you know Taylor is putting everything into it! I was not going to buy Taylor's album with all the unfair bashing I have seen done to Chris, but I heard good things about Taylor's album and decided not to deny myself good music. I am glad I did.
Runaround: I did not like this song when I first heard it. But after a few listens, it is a very fun song. Up tempo and will probably be great seeing Taylor do live.
Dream Myself Awake: One of the top songs on the album. A slightly up tempo ballad with a great sing along, "I Can't Get Enough Of You Baby" lyric! I think it could be a good radio hit.
Heaven Knows: Fun song! Up tempo, lively. Well done!
Gonna Move: Up tempo, okay listening for me.
Wherever I Lay My Hat: Great ballad! I really like this one. I wish he sang the word "hat" because he just kind of blurts it out there. It is still a great song.
Give Me Tonight: Up tempo. Pretty good. A lady adds some backup singing in there, nice change.
Just To Feel That Way: I love this song. A very emotional ballad. Just great! He can sing ballads with the best of them!! My favorite song on the album.
The Maze: Again, Up tempo. Nice listening, probably killer live!
Places I've Been: Another strong ballad. I could listen to a full album of Taylor ballads. He puts so much emotion into these songs; it is hard not to like them.
Soul Thing: On okay up tempo. Good guitar play in there and Taylor does get into the song pretty good.
The Deal: A laid back type of sound. Not bad.
The Right Place: I really like this one. I think it has a soul feel/sound to it. Very nice.
Very good job Taylor! Each song on the album is worth a listen. You are a true artist in so many ways. I have confidence you will have a long, strong career!! I will be listening to this album for a while (I need to give Chris's album a little break from a month of non-stop listening).
Look at that, a Chris fan did a good review for Taylor. The world did not stop; Chris's career has not missed a beat. Others; please take note!
Finally, some real music! December 12, 2006
31 out of 36 found this review helpful
I have been waiting for something 'real' from the music industry for years, and this CD finally brought that to me! This album has the funk and soul that is missing from todays mainstream music, and it's a HUGE breath of fresh air. Every single song is a gem on this album, and I applaud Taylor for this outstanding debut.
Very Impressive! December 13, 2006
30 out of 31 found this review helpful
I listened to the cd 3 times yesterday, had chosen a favorite, listened again, chose a different favorite, then yet another.
Wherever I Lay My Hat is the best song on the cd. Even though the song is about a man leaving a woman, Taylor sounds like his heart is breaking yet he is living the life he needs to live. It is soulful,has beautiful vocals and moved me to tears. Simply stunning.
The Right Place, written by Bryan Adams for Ray Charles, has the sound of an instant classic. It has the feel of Ray Charles and Randy Newman, a bluesy,gospel feel that warms the soul.
Just To Feel That Way shows off Taylor's beautiful vocals and should be a big hit on the adult contemporary list.
The Runaround is the song many people will have most likely heard now during Taylor's promo tv performances. If you can sit still to this upbeat,motown groove song, you have absolutely no rythym whatsoever.
The Deal and Soul Thing are songs penned by Taylor and have a nice blusey feel to them.
Taylor has the versatility in this cd to make me smile like a drunken monkey and dance barefoot across my kitchen floor one moment with songs like Runaround, and leave me weeping like a motherless child after listening to Wherever I Lay My Hat.
Kudos to Taylor for giving us an outstanding first offering and I truly believe this young man is destined to become a first class entertainer for a very long time.
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