Taylor Hicks - Taylor Hicks
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Free Music Notes for Taylor Hicks
Free Music Review: Proud debut! Well done album!
Hit: 5 Stars
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!
Free Music Review: Taylor Delivers!
Hit: 5 Stars
This CD offers something for everyone. There are power ballads, jump up and dance songs and songs that will bring you to tears. Taylors vocals are stellar. He truly shows why he won American Idol and that he will be around for years to come. The songs are as follows:
The Runaround-This is a get up and dance song. It is peppy and fun. The lyrics are a tad cheesy, but that dosen't matter, this song isn't about the lyrics, its about having a good time. Rating: 4 out of 5
Dream Myself Awake - This song was written by Rob Thomas, and it sounds like it. The biggest problem I have with Rob Thomas songs is that they always sound disjointed. The chorus does not seem to flow with the rest of the song. It is apparent with this song as well, however Taylors vocals could make row, row, row your boat sound good. Somehow, this song still works. Rating 3.5 out of 5
Heaven Knows - This would have been my choice for his 1st single. It is upbeat. It takes some riffs from What I'd Say, but Taylor makes it modern and great. Rating 5 out of 5
Gonna Move - A nice rendition of an old classic. Its not up to the Susan Tedeschi clasic cover of this Paul Pena song, but still worthwhile. RAting 4 out of 5
Wherever I Lay My Hat - Taylors cover of this Marvin Gaye song can be described with one word - goosebumps. Rating 5 out of 5
Give Me Tonight - An interesting song that is a throwback to the disco days Rating 3.5 out of 5
Just To Feel That Way - This is Taylors 1st single. It was my choice for his second. It is a Billy Joelesque power ballad. It may be the song that showcases Taylors vocals the best. Rating 5 out of 5
The Maze - This song is kind of poppish. There is not much to say. It's not bad, but dosen't really stand out in any way.
Places I've Been - This song was written by Diane Warren. Which initially scared me that Taylor would do a song by the mistrss of sap. However, it works. I'm not sure if its the song, or Taylors beautiful vocals that make it work. Rating 4.5 out of 5
Soul Thing - The 1st of Taylors originals that are on the CD. It was never one of my favorite Taylor originals, I would have preferred Heart and Soul, but the re-mix works. I can see it doing well as a single. Rating 4.5 out of 5
The Deal - Another Taylor original. I liked it originally and I like it hear. Rating 4 out of 5
The Right Place - This song was written by Bryan Adams for Ray Charles, but Ray died before he could record it. It is pure and simple, the gem of the CD. This is Taylor. It is beautiful and soothing. It is worth the price of the CD for this song alone. Rating 10 out of 5
Hell of A Day - Some CD's have this as a bonus track. I would highly recommend searching for the one with this bonus track. It is Taylor original, that is much better re-mixed. Rating 4.5 out of 5.
Free Music Review: Wow!!! He KILLED IT!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
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
Free Music Review: Gimme some more of that blue-eyed soul!
Hit: 5 Stars
I've been disappointed by previous American Idol cds that I've bought (Josh Gracin, Tamyra Gray, and Daughtry) in that while they might have had one or two memorable songs each, none of them really wowwed me the way debut cds by people like Whitney Houston, Macy Gray, Tracy Chapman, and Toni Braxton had in the past. It seemed like hitmaking songwriters didn't want to waste their good songs on these reality show contestants. Since Taylor Hicks was the first American Idol in which the person I rooted for from the auditions actually made it to the very end, I had very high hopes for his CD. I've tried unsuccessfully to win his two older cds on ebay and only have a bootleg live cd to get a sense of his music style.
On first listen, I was blown away! The boy got talent...as well as he should. He spent a decade after graduation from high school performing in all sorts of music venues around the South. His love for music is apparent throughout the competition and on this cd. While many contestants seek the fame the show provides, viewing music as something that has to be endured, the reason for Taylor's success is his authenticity and love for music. He paid his dues and the universe has blessed him with well-deserved exposure.
The standout tracks are "Dream Myself Awake", written by Rob Thomas and should be the first single; the funky "Gonna Move"; the show-stopping "Give Me Tonight", and the Diane Warren power ballad "Places I've Been". Each of those songs in particular offer memorable melodies from first listen. Also included on this first major studio album are two Taylor Hicks-penned songs "Soul Thing" (his anthem) and "The Deal." What's missing is his first single "Do I Make You Proud?" which makes me wonder why. I suspect that he probably never truly loved that song. When I saw him perform it on various shows after his Idol-win, he looked pained singing it. I love that song, but understand why he might want to put that behind him as he offers 12 new songs to his "Soul Patrol" fans.
Simply put, Taylor Hicks is the best new face of music and this album is far superior to any of the many American Idol cds that have come out. It's irresistable in its hooks and rhythms, and the blend of rock and blues in the age of trip-hop-rap is a breath of sonorous air. This is a great beginning to what I hope will be a long career. It's great to see someone who truly loves music with all his soul have success on a rather superficial competitive reality show full of wannabes. Taylor Hicks is the real deal and is here to stay.
Free Music Review: Modern Whomp is fantastic
Hit: 5 Stars
I wasn't quite sure what to expect with Taylor's post-idol debut...would he be Bice'd? Would Clive try to make him record his vision of pop music? After hearing the 3 preview songs, I was hopeful. All were very different and I could hear the soulful Taylor Hicks I'd come to know. Although I was aware that there would be some pop compromises (ie Dream Myself Awake) it seemed that Taylor got some control and freedom to be Taylor. It was also clear that he had a vision for his sound.
When I finally got to hear the rest of the album on VH-1, I was very happy with the overall sound and quality of the music. This "Modern Whomp" music Taylor had been talking about is good stuff. You will find your toes tapping and yourself moving in your seat without even realizing it.
What is great about this album is that it is all very different...there is, literally, something for everybody. Several genres are covered, yet it all has a common thread. There are dance songs: "The Runaround" and 80's throwback "Give Me Tonight." There are groovy songs: "Heaven Knows", "Gonna Move", and Hicks' own "Soul Thing" and "The Deal." There are Pop songs: "Dream Myself Awake" and "The Maze" and there are soulful ballads: "Wheverever I Lay My Hat", "Just To Feel That Way", and "Places I've Been." Than there is "The Right Place" which is in a category all its own. Written by Bryan Adams, for Ray Charles (who died before it could be recorded), it is a soul/gospel gem that is perfect for Hicks' soulful voice. It is an emotional performance that borders on perfection and I believe Ray himself would whole-heartedly approve.
While the whole album is a good listen, my top 3 must listen to recommendations would be "The Right Place", "Heaven Knows", and "Just To Feel That Way" as they are my current favorites.
This album is better than my expectations and possibly the best post-Idol debut yet. My only fear is that, along with the stigma of American Idol, people will not be open to something new and different. If, however, they are willing to open their minds and embrace this "Modern Whomp" music, I think they will enjoy it immensely as many of us have.
So, please open your minds, take a listen and enjoy!