Like many others, I first heard Taylor Hicks perform on the American Idol stage. I remember being charmed by his easy stage presence and was excited to be hearing something different in a competition that is criticized for churning out more and more of the same.
No one could argue there was something special about this guy who refused to dye his gray hair or compromise his preferred style of music, and I have to think it was that difference and commitment that saw him sail through to win that year. I impatiently waited for his debut release from the music-machine conglomerate, 19 Recordings Limited. They would put out his self-titled, post-Idol album on the Arista label, only it didn’t seem to stay true Hicks and soon fell out of my iPod's rotation. It didn't surprise me that they'd tried to mainstream his style or that the compromised sound didn't hit.
Soon after, it was announced that Hicks and Media 19 had mutually agreed to part ways. I thought this would be best in the long run for him. It would clear the path for him to exercise his creativity and I eagerly anticipated his next release.
Taylor Hicks' new album, The Distance, released this coming Tuesday, March 10 is said album. Though it does seem to ring a little more true to the Hicks I first fell in love with, I can't help but feel like there is still an attempt to mainstream his sound, to make him more pop or hot 100. The debut single, released in January of 2009, "What's Right is Right" peaked at number 25 on the adult contemporary charts and is a nice, easy listen. While I would say it was the right choice for a single — it does have the catchiest chorus of the collection — it falls a little short in the soul/R&B department.
Article comments
1 - susan11
I was lucky enough to get my hands on the album and I just love it. There are a couple of songs that are just okay but the rest of it I am loving.
I will be buying a couple more to get the extra tracks on the 10th. I have heard that HidenorHair is really good and I am especially interested in INdiscriminate act of Kindness. It seems the more I listen to it instead of getting tired of it, I keep hearing more things that I missed on first listen. The combo of him and Ellitt is great, love Elliot but I do prefer the tone of Taylors voice. Its a great song. I really, really love Maybe you Should. Most people have had that experience in their lives. Beautiful song.
2 - susan11
I don't really get what you are saying about Nineteen. I'm not sure that the timeing is right for that song but it just seems like a song about a young boy full of potential that went to war . I know a few very similar so it strikes a chord with me.
3 - KathyO
Maybe You Should would be my favorite, and I adore I Live on a Battlefield. I totally disagree with you on Nineteen. Taylor's vocals ring very sincere to me. He seems to have just the right phrasing and emotion for that song. I'll have to try harder with Once Upon a Lover of Mine. I do agree not crazy about Wedding Day Blues.
4 - JewelsRichardson
I agree with you Connie, this is not quite what I imagined Hicks coming out with now he's not under the Idol umbrella. You, like myself, followed him throughout his A.I. run.
The album gives a feel like he's experimenting with different genres. It's like giving some sort of international tour, listeners can hear Taylor Hicks do country, Taylor Hicks do Latin music. There's not an underlying fluidity or stamp that would make him stand apart, he had said he wanted to bring to the music world, aka new genre, Modern Whomp. (Remember that statement issued on Gray Charles?)
What kicked it for me was his Achy Breaky Heart moment with Keeping it Real. Initially I was horrified at how he copied Billy Ray's hit song. Seemed so sell out.
I do enjoy Seven Mile Breakdown, I Live on a Battlefield, and Woman's Got to Have It with Elliot Yamin.
His marketing plan is very clever, release three different additional tunes each one available on a different CD offered at different locations.
5 - Connie Phillips
Thanks for the comments, all.
I guess I just find the album a mixed bag, as Jewel elegantly states. I expected and wanted something more soulful and less 'all over the place.'
It's by no means bad, but just less than I'd hoped for, for the reasons explained above.
As far as the marketing, it's really nothing new. Many artists have employed this technique over the last year or more. While I'm sure it boosts those sales numbers, I have mixed feelings about it too, as it seems to milk those extra sales from the most loyal of fans.
I get the record industry is tough, and getting harder everyday. I certainly don't blame any paticular artist as it's a marketing ploy, plain and simple, But yeah, it does irk me to have to buy three copies of a given album to get all the new material released.
6 - Ian
I love Taylor, i want Taylor does what his like, but at the same time, i wish that he could wins some grammies, thats should shut alot of trolls mouth..
7 - Nancy
People just need to see a Taylor Hicks Live Performance...that is where he absolutely shines! I still can't wait for tomorrow's cd release even tho I've heard most of the songs already, a couple in a live concert the other night....so much better than just hearing a cd recording. When he tags songs inbetween...pure magic! His last song after set list was "My Sweet Lord". Amazing show all around!
8 - Closer
New Found Freedom sounds like Up With People.
Keeping It Real sounds like Achy Breaky Heart.
The best song is the Elliot Yamin song. Everything else is just fair.