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Free Music Notes for Taylor HicksFree Music Review: I Can't Get Enough of You, Taylor!!! Hit: 5 Stars
I have been waiting a very long time for this soulful singer's cd to finally come out. I have to say, I am a die hard American Idol fan. There are so many fans out there, but consider me to be at the top. When I first saw Taylor on American Idol, I said "This guy is so special." and I watched him from then on. Of course, I had other favorites....Ace, Chris, Elliott, and Mandisa....but there was something magical about Taylor. Whenever he had come on stage, my whole family would feel a sudden rush...we all loved Taylor. We voted for him until the very end when he beat out Katharine in the finale. I was the happiest person alive. Taylor, whom Simon denied would even be going past HOLLYWOOD, won. He had something special going for him. A sweet, southern gentleman with a voice that could bring tears to anybody's eyes. He always had the biggest smile on his face, and he was eternally grateful for the American Idol opportunity, which drew me to him. I saw him live on the Idols tour and I just had a blast. I was the one screaming along to "Do I Make You Proud" and laughing when he was spinning around uncontrollably!!! : ) Our family got this cd this Christmas and I have to say, next to Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts and Clay Aiken's Measure of a Man, this is one of the best Idol debut cds.
My favorite would have to be "Heaven Knows", "The Runaround", "Give Me Tonight", "Dream Myself Awake", "Soul Thing", and "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)". This cd is just fabulous, not just for Idol fans, but for anyone who REALLY APPRECIATES soul and blues music. Since I watched American Idol for the very first time and really watched it, I have come to appreciate so many different types of music. Showtunes, 80s music, classical, vintage pop, southern rock, R&B, classic rock, metal, and now soul.
I recommend this cd for soul patrollers, curious McPheever fans, People-who-live-for-American-Idol just like me, or just anyone who appreciates or is a big fan of Ray Charles, Bo Bice, John Mayer, Five for Fighting, Stevie Wonder, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rob Thomas or Elvis Presley. This cd is for you.
American Idol really is the greatest show on this planet.
SOUL PATROL FOREVER!
-S
age 14
Free Music Review: Taylor Hicks - blue eyed soul Hit: 5 Stars
Wow, it's been years since I've heard a voice as marvelous and fun as Taylor Hicks. The strengths of this release are originality and broad appeal.
1. The Runaround - 4/5. This is such a fun track. I can't get the lyrics out of my head!!
2. Dream Myself Awake - 4/5. An ear pleaser. This song is slow and melodically generic, but Taylor's voice makes it special. I can hear this being played all over Adult Contemporary Radio.
3. Heaven Knows - 4/5. A fun song. The instrumentals and Taylor's bolstering voice make this song one to put on repeat.
4. Gonna Move - 5/5. This song is very original, harmonic and fun at the same time. The chorus is highly singable.
5. Wherever I Lay My Hat - 4/5. A slow, steady song that highlights Taylor's vocal strengths. His uniqueness shines.
6. Give Me Tonight - 3.5/5. A slight weakness. While the song is commercially good, it just doesn't have quite the spark that the other songs have. However, it's solidly produced and is highly singable.
7. Just To Feel That Way - 5/5. A beautiful and chilling song. This song crosses the boundaries between Rock/Pop/Soul. This is part of the thing that's so great about Taylor. His originality stands tall.
8. The Maze - 5/5. Very fun, upbeat song. You won't be able to get the chorus out of your head.
9. Places I've Been - 5/5. My favorite. A truly touching ballad. Taylor puts his heart and soul in it. This one will leave an impression on you.
10. Soul Thing - 4/5. First recorded on "Under The Radar", Soul Thing is an upbeat and catchy song full of instrumentals.
11. The Deal - 4.5/5. Also originally recorded on "Under The Radar", The Deal places more emphasis on vocals. Taylor does a fine job.
12. The Right Place - 5/5. Chillingly beautiful, I can't think of anybody else who could've done it better. Except well.. maybe Ray Charles himself.
Bravo Taylor! Judging by this CD, he's going to capture the hearts of millions. He has outdone himself, standing high above the slew of American Idol albums coming out recently. Taylor Hicks is "The Real Thing" no pun intended.
Free Music Review: Give Taylor Hicks A Chance Hit: 5 Stars
I am one of the fortunate few who received my preorder last weekend so this cd has been in constant rotation of '1'. PLEASE don't be put off by any pre-conceived notions re American Idol or even the first single Do I Make You Proud (although a lovely song). THIS is a superlative music collection, especially for those of us sitting there shaking our heads over the state of much modern, 'popular' music. From the 'windows down, stereo blasting, road trip' fun of the cathartic Runaround to the sweet soulful Ray Charles channeling in The Right Place, this is great music. Somehow it crosses genres from rock to ballads, to a throwback 70s\80s sound, to r&b, and yet flows beautifully...held together by Taylor Hicks' awesome vocals, original styling, and a tight, cohesive band. Remember brass with [...]? Remember great keyboards, recognizable lyrics (and lyrics you don't have to worry about your young children hearing)? Remember great melody? Well this reviewer is happy to welcome it's return.
Rarely have I purchased a cd that I have no desire to skip over this song or that one. My favorite song depends on my mood of the moment but so far I have not grown tired of ANY song on this album. There really IS something here for everyone (unless G Stefani yodeling 'The Lonely Goatherd' is your style of choice). ;-)
Part of the attraction of Taylor Hicks, to many, is the positive energy that he brings to every performance. That shows, in spades, on this cd. His life IS music, he performs it beautifully, and with the spirit of a decent, down to earth, hard working guy who refuses to give less than 110% to his craft or his fans.
So, if you grew up with classics like Blood Sweat & Tears or Ray Charles...if you find yourself drawn to an awesome grownup love-affirming ballad now & then...if you appreciate complex, layered music that gets in your head & won't leave, then give Taylor Hicks a chance. He's not your average American Idol and I think this is just the beginning of a great career for him and a musical gift to us.
Free Music Review: Better Than Expected Hit: 5 Stars
First, I truly feel sorry for those who would waste time spamming Taylor Hicks. Unless you've listened to the album and are prepared to write an honest review, then it's a useless exercise. And I would hope that people would be more mature than that. The show is over. But back to the subject....this is FAR better than I expected. This should have been a major disaster, but somehow Taylor Hicks makes it all believable and sells it with genuine flair and enthusiasm. I really had low expectations going into this, so perhaps it makes it easier to appreciate. But this is a great debut CD. I'm really impressed. Taylor did a fine job and should be commended for it. I love the fact that songs like "Wherever I Lay My Hat," and "Gonna Move" have such great emotional appeal. They're not disposable. In fact, I think the majority of the material on here is quite memorable. I'm also impressed with Taylor's songwriting skills on "Soul Thing" and "The Deal." It seems to me like he's got a good feel for song structure in general. If anything, Taylor's debut CD feels sincere and honest. It doesn't come across and him being manufactured into something that he's not. My favorite song is "Just to Feel That Way." Hearing the latter makes be genuinely think that he has a lot of untapped potential. It will be interesting to see where he goes from here on his second CD. I always thought his voice sounded good on American Idol, but wasn't entirely sold. I'm more convinced after hearing his debut CD that he's a true recording artist. Maybe some are turned off by his crazy dancing. But I think as time goes on and Taylor becomes more confident with himself and who he is that he'll have to rely on it less. For now it's somewhat of a security blanket. But hopefully once he gets out on the road he'll find a happy medium between showmanship/performance and allowing the material to really flourish on its own merits. I hope people give Taylor a chance. He deserves it. If you're looking for a good stocking stuffer for the holidays, then this is great for various ages.
Free Music Review: "About time...a new voice to reflect heart and soul" Hit: 5 Stars
Taylor Hicks is blessed with an incredible and special talent. He has a distinctive voice that is set apart from others. This CD reflects his unique voice-a blend of soul, R & B and jazz. There hasn't been a new performer who has caught my interest in many years until now. Along with talent, Taylor Hicks has charisma-also reflected in this CD.
Taylor Hicks has kept his integrity when it comes to his musical passion and the 12 tracks on this CD represent who Taylor is as an artist. There is a strong influence of great artists like Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and especially Ray Charles.
Matt Serletic, 2-time Grammy winner producer, with Hicks, put together a CD that includes something that appeals to every emotion. The CD begins with "Runaround", a "feel good", up tempo song that lifts you up and you never come down. I have listened to this CD many times and I enjoy it more each time.
My favorite track, "Heaven Knows", is a great mix of various instrumentals and vocals. It didn't surprise me when I found out that Ray Charles and Smokey Robinson both composed instrumental passages within the song. Taylor contributes his own sound when he plays the harmonica on both "Gonna Move" and "Whenever I Lay My Hat" (a song co-written by Marvin Gaye in 1963).
A special tribute to Ray Charles is the last track, "The Right Place", a song composed for Ray Charles to record before his death and never had the opportunity. Hicks does a great, soulful version that completes the CD.
A nice surprise was the addition of two re-recorded versions of Taylor Hicks' songs, "Soul Thing" and "The Deal". Taylor is a refreshing, new artist-who brings back the heart of soul, sorely lacking in current music. I recommend this CD for anyone who enjoys the R & B sound.
I look forward to what Taylor Hicks has in the future-and it will be worth the price of a concert ticket to see him perform in person.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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