"New Found Freedom" is closest to that sassy, blues feeling I expected. I can hear a Motown influence, with a tinge of gospel color in the song's harmonious background vocals. There is also sincerity to the lyrics. I feel as if the song is coming from the heart and that with this song he's being true to himself. "Keeping it Real" opens with promise, but as it progresses, the delivery just falls short. It's a cute song, with an infectious hook, but not even the infusion of the harmonica at the end can give this a true soul sound.
Then there are songs like "Nineteen," an attempt at a patriotic song of loss. It comes across as insincere and almost righteous. "Wedding Day Blues" lyrics are corny and can't be ignored despite the true, blues feel to this track. While these two are really only momentary disruptions to what is for the most part a solid album, the distraction is enough to downgrade the entire listening experience.
Other highlights include the surprising "Once Upon a Lover" with its Latin/swing feel and "Woman's Got to Have It" featuring fellow Idol contest Elliot Yamin. It seems disingenuous to give this nod to Hicks, however, since it's Yamin's smooth voice, a direct contrast to Hicks', that breathes life into the song. The track is the album closer, and definitely leaves the listener on a high note.
Taylor Hicks fans will enjoy this album, without a doubt, as will those who favor adult contemporary that is tinted with R&B, but if it's a soulful, blues experience you're looking for, you may want to pass on The Distance.
Check out that first single, "What's Right is Right" below:
![Chicago: Live in Concert [Blu-ray] Starring Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, et al. (Nov 1, 2011)](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5198vHFv5UL._AA115_.jpg)
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.