CD Review: Taylor Hicks' Debut

By Brian Williams: 2006-12-14 00:00:00

Comment on “CD Review: Taylor Hicks' Debut”

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1. james blatt Says:
   December 14th, 2006 at 20:38

   Nice review.
   But I DO NOT agree on the voice comparison between Hicks and Daughtry.
   Both are strong. Just in different ranges.
   Taylor cannot hit high notes like Chris, yet Chris has no low power growls that Taylor does.
   The two best first time CD's from any AI contestant.
   IMO, Taylor gets a slight nod over Chris. But damn close.

1. Sherry Says:
   December 14th, 2006 at 20:49

   I was pleasantly surprised by Taylor's soulful selections. I was doubtful that the powers that be would win out and dominate the CD. I found a song for every mood and plenty of flavor to savor. Thank you Taylor!!

1. MaryS Says:
   December 14th, 2006 at 21:28

   Thanks for an objective review.
   
   I guess it really does come down to personal musicial preferences in the end. I would say there are 9 out of 12 songs on Taylor's album that I like or love and 3 that are just meh for me. I pick some different favorites than you do, but I agree that it stands above other Idol debuts.

1. ShawnB Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 07:58

   Everyone has their own tastes in music and their own opinions. For me, this CD is just what I needed, something for my every mood. I love all of the songs, each for a different reason. Hell of a Day is still my favorite and Where Ever I Lay My Hat. I think Taylor's vocals are outstanding. I think for a debut album it is wonderful. Can't wait for number 2.

1. Janicae Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 15:40

   Very nice review. I simply LOVE the album!!! I am proud of the fact that Taylor stood his ground at least as much as he could and put out an album that we can ALL enjoy!! Thank you Taylor for your music.

1. Cheryl F Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 15:41

   I waited and waited for Taylor's CD and was at Walmart on Dec 12 before they even got them unpacked.
   
   It has been worth the wait. I loved all the songs except for one which was just okay...now however,
   after continuous listening I have to admit it is growing on me and I was surprised that I know all the words to it now.
   
   I love Taylor's voice...mellow and full of soul.
   
   Great Job Taylor - can't wait till March 10. I will be in the audience at the Alabama Theatre for your concert. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

1. D. Craig Rikard Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 15:41

   So far, the most fair critique of Hick's album. This is the best debut from any AI alumni. Hicks must be given credit for refusing to sing the less sappier album of the two presented him. He threatened to walk on the first. Now, if he will just exercise that same moxy in the recording studio. We will have the chance to hear a great album. There are only two tracks that I really dislike, and three that I love. The rest are good but not moving.

1. Gladys S Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 15:42

   I can't agree with you on this one. I do not like Taylor's CD at all. Bland is a perfect word for it. I really hoped it would be good. I think a lot of Taylor's appeal came from watching his performances. Chris' CD is AWESOME! There are a couple songs I don't care for but for the most part, I can listen to it over and over. Taylor's got one play and came out of the CD player. Here's hoping the next one is better when he can get away from AI.

1. mousser Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 15:43

   Surprise, no hand wringing or teeth clutching or gnarling at the writer of the review. Do I disagree on some points, sure, it's a matter of musical preference. However, Brian, you presented logical analysis for your conclusions...can't ask for more.
   
   I adored the CD. There will be more Taylorizing of Taylor in his live performances. That is the joy of this man and his talents... you never know what he will do (live ) with a song until he does it .... Surprise.

1. EJ Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 16:31

   I agree with mousser. The genius of the man is in his live performances. The album is overall pretty good, but compare the album version of Runaround with the live performance at the Rockefeller Center tree-lighting cermony that ws televised in New York and you will get his strategy. He's deliberately playing smaller venues to capitalize on his intensity before small live audiences. I have seen him perform like this three or four times, and he never does the same show twice. And he's at least 50% more charismatic in person than on camera. He'll build a solid fan base this way.

1. Kim Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 18:00

   I really like Taylor's new CD. I absolutly love Give Me The Night and can't wait to see that performance live!!! Go Taylor go!!!

1. brandon Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 20:34

   I don't think that Taylor's CD is that good. It seems like he is stuck in the 80's.
   
   I think that Chris' CD is much better and will probably get more radio airplay and end up being the most commercially successful out of all the Idols' CDs this season.

1. Brandon Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 20:34

   Why did you want Chris Daughtry to lose? I thought Chris was and is a much better singer than Taylor. All Taylor had going for him was he did slapstick dancing.

1. faye Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 20:35

   Thank you for an honest review and appreciate that we all have different opinions but we both agree on a long fruitful career for Taylor Hicks.
   Really wanted to like Taylor's first CD and waited impatiently for it.
   After a few listens I immediately liked several but was somewhat disappointed in some of the songs. However, what I have found is that the more I listen, the more I like what I hear.
   And just saw videos of several of these on www.video.aol.com and was blown away.
   Can't wait for the tour - he is an amzing performer

1. debbie Says:
   December 15th, 2006 at 22:39

   I was very impressed with Taylor's debut CD. I liked the songs you picked. I also like Where Ever I Lay My Hat and Hell of a Day. My favorite is the Brian Adams song. I can't wait for number TWO. I hope Bo takes the same road and produces an ORIGINAL CD this next time. Can't wait to see Mr. Hicks live!! And I agree with a previous comment on the fact that Run Around was much better live on TV than on the CD.
   
   

1. Songrose Says:
   December 16th, 2006 at 08:51

   Nice review. "Soul Thing" is my 2nd favorite song on the CD because it strongly signifies what Taylor is about and why I started liking his music in the first place. I think it is just as or more solid than the songs penned by more seasoned veterans on his CD. But that is just my opinion based on my taste in music. Thanks again for reviewing Taylor's album.

1. Bo_Taylorfan Says:
   December 16th, 2006 at 08:52

   I am also looking forward to seeing Taylor do these songs live, without the constraints of the "production" team. I do want to tell you though, that "Soul Thing" existed long before the Soul Patrol did. It was recorded on Taylor's CD Under the Radar before he ever thought of going on Idol. (I think it sounds much better in that recording.) So, it was not a lame attempt to give us an "anthem". My favorites on the CD are The Right Place, where I agree that Taylor's voice really shines; Places I've Been, and Wherever I Lay my Hat. I have to say, though that every time I listen, I like each song more.
   Thanks for your honest appraisal. I also wanted Taylor to win because he deserved it for all the reasons you stated.

1. taylor rocks Says:
   December 16th, 2006 at 08:52

   I think Taylor hicks and Chris Daughtry both rock! Chris Daughtry is better though because he just is better. I am going to buy both of their cds or people in my family will. I am going to support all the idols from season five who come out with cds even if i did not like them. Well I have to say i listened to Taylor Hicks cd on line and it rocks and so doesn't Chris's. It is going to be tough to decide who's the best. When I get Taylor's and Chris's cd, I will be able to tell you!

1. moonbeam Says:
   December 16th, 2006 at 14:39

   I really love Taylor's CD. For anyone who only gives it one listen, please try a second time. My favorites have changed every time I listen and my least favorite has moved up to probably the number 2 spot. I do agree though if you don't see Taylor live, you are really missing out. The small venues are where he really comes alive. We saw him at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta and were totally blown away. Can't wait til March.

1. Stephanie (hickschicks2010) Says:
   December 16th, 2006 at 14:39

   As a SP'er, I can safely say:
   
   Bravo. Great Review.

1. DebbieGee Says:
   December 17th, 2006 at 16:56

   Thank you for a very fair review of Taylor's CD. For a debut album done in only six weeks' time, it's fantastic. Taylor has to expand his fan base and must reach out to other demographic groups. I think this CD has done an excellent job of accomplishing that...it's fun, catchy, radio friendly and heart-wrenchingly soulful, too. When I first heard the entire CD, there were a couple of songs I wasn't crazy about but they have definitely grown on me. There isn't one song on the whole CD that I just don't like. I think Taylor has done well introducing his musical influences in this CD. I look forward to many more years of Taylor Hicks and his music.

1. LAURA Says:
   December 17th, 2006 at 21:51

   Taylor is amazing on this new album. I only wish that 'The Fall' could have made it on this CD. I am not completely charmed by some of the songs but 'Heaven Knows', 'The Runaround', and couple others are diamonds in the rough, that I hope with -what I am saying?, I know will be amazing in concert. I have two chances to see Taylor in concert, and I am going make the most of it! I think that if Taylor ever gets 'carte blanche' he will rule the world!

1. Aaron Bates Says:
   December 18th, 2006 at 17:16

   I think that you don't know what the heck you are talking about. His debut cd did blow all of the other ones out of the water. He was far better than the rest and none of his songs were boring. They were all awesome and don't deserve any kind of discredit.

1. Julia Says:
   January 4th, 2007 at 23:49

   Thank you for your review of Taylor's cd. The test of this cd is that one listen does not do it justice. I can't pick a favorite at this time, but if pressed would say "Heaven Knows" for upbeat and "The Right Place" which is masterful. This is the only cd I have purchased in a very long time where I play all the tracks. No skippers on this one! The last cd I purchased that I can claim such playability was Ray Charles, "Genius Loves Company." Seeing Taylor perform is to know he always changes it up and it is always good. More harp, less harp, and always a high energy enthusiastic performance. At this time Texas is not on tour schedule. When that happens I will see him as often as possible. By the way, Sould Thing, The Deal and Hell of a Day were all on Taylor's cd "Under The Radar" independently produced; songs written by Taylor. Taylor is so multi-talented. AI was only a precursor to his song writing and performing skills. Thank you again for a fair and unbiased review.

1. Ellen Says:
   January 4th, 2007 at 23:49

   Finally, a seeminly unbiased review that does not sink to age or hair bashing...I found Taylor Hicks CD to be very good...I've listened to it over & over...no critiquing for me, just someone wanting to listen to easy listening music which moves me.....ps thought Taylor deserved to win as the best all-around performer.

1. June Says:
   January 29th, 2008 at 02:56

   Taylor is the best that American Idol has ever had or ever will have again.
   
   Season Five is one tough show to follow and it will never touch so many people as it did that season.
   
   Soul Patrol Soul Patrol Soul Patrol.
   
   June NESP

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