Taylor Hicks’ The Early Works is a compilation of two independent albums Hicks recorded before appearing on - and winning - American Idol in 2006. With a couple of exceptions, Hicks’ post-Idol debut Taylor Hicks (released in late '06) did not represent what kind of singer/songwriter/musician he really is. This album does.
Hicks has hinted that an album of new material should be coming out soon. It wouldn’t surprise me if he is using this compilation as a preview of the musical direction he is headed for. The Early Works contains twelve tracks, ten of them Hicks' originals: six songs each from 1997's In Your Time and 2005's Under The Radar. Both albums were recorded on a low budget - especially In Your Time, which was recorded live as a money saving tactic. This release has been remastered and the sound quality is very good.
Hicks fans may be somewhat disappointed that “Hell Of A Day” from Under The Radar was left off this album. It’s a great bluesy track, and its absence is a mystery to me. Also missing is his nice acoustic guitar version of “On Broadway,” from In Your Time. I’m assuming that omission might due to licensing issues. A new (and very different sounding) version of “Hell of a Day” was recorded for Taylor Hicks, and can be found as a Wal-Mart exclusive bonus track.
That said, there really isn’t anything to be disappointed about because there are some outstanding tracks on this album. Two of Hicks’ best song from Under The Radar, “Soul Thing” and “The Deal,” were also re-recorded for Taylor Hicks (and were two of the standout tracks on that album). The original versions found here have a rawer, less-produced sound. On this album, Hicks’ voice is the emphasis and the subtler arrangements suit him well.
The Early Works is sequenced almost like a live set-list. The album opens with his signature song, “Soul Thing.” “Soul Thing” is a nice, soulful take on life as a musician that serves as a good introduction to Hicks. In the liner notes to the album, Hicks states that he was going for an Al Stewart-type of sound with these early recordings. That jazz-soul style is what he achieves here. The next track, “The Fall,” comes from In Your Time and it is one of Hicks’ best songs. It's an introspective acoustic ballad about love, loss and disappointment. Hicks’ understated vocals give the song its power and meaning.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Dee
I bought mine yesterday and it is indeed everything you said and more. "Georgia" is wonderful it goes without saying but his own songs hold their own.
He is a talented song writer. It's hard for me to pick a favorite but If I had to it would be the "Somehow" or "Son of a Carpenter".
2 - Roxie
Thanks for the great review...I see this is a Target exclusive and I live in Canada...so no Target up here! I did some digging and found out you can order this CD from amazon.ca. Can't wait to get my copy! Here's the link for us Canadians.
3 - Sherry Hollis
Thanks for a great review, I'm so sick of all the negativity about Taylor.
My FAVORITE song is 'son of a carpenter'.
I already have all the songs but I can't wait to get this CD today!!
4 - Carolyn
I found this cd this week at Target, and have to say this is a fantastic cd, full of warmth and richness, beautiful vocals and good musicianship. The songs are all different and beautifully arranged and sung. It is gentle and soothing, soulful and bluesy, upbeat and singable. It's so delicious if you're really listening to the melody and lyrics or instrumentation or just great to have on in the background to soothe and keep you feeling good for whatever else you're doing, whether working, relaxing or traveling. I LOVE it, and I hope that Taylor will get the kudos for this that he deserves with this effort. I hope it gets good play and promotion so that lots of folks will have the opportunity to hear it. Thank you for the review.
5 - LuvTaylorMusic
Sherry,
Thank you for a very well written review of Taylor's Early Works CD. What I enjoy most about the inclusion of "Tighten Up" is that it shows Taylor as the great band leader that he is and who loves to showcase his band members. (even at age 21 when this was recorded) He STILL is a great band leader!! Also, the fact that he does enjoy "jammin" with his bandmates in general. This is indeed Taylor Hicks! My favorite is "In Your Time" and "Somehow" and "Georgia". Oh heck, I love them all!!!! I can't wait for the NEW CD to come out and the next tour! WTG Taylor! Your voice is being heard...
6 - CarMay7
Very nice review and well written. This cd is a very good listen from start to finish. I agree with the inclusion of "Tighten Up". It is my least favorite and just doesn't seem to fit with the flow. My favorites are "Somehow", "Heart and Soul" (an awesome song), "In Your Time", "The Fall", "The Deal", "Georgia", and "Soul Thing" in that order. Thanks for the review.
7 - Kim
I enjoyed reading your review of Early works. I agree that the next CD he produces should be more like his earlier sound. I love this music.
I think your assessment is right on...except that I do enjoy "Tighten Up". It's unusual for me to like a song that is mostly instrumental...but find it invigorating. I think that he probably included it to showcase the talented musicians in his band. And having seen him live...I agree with the comment above that he is a fabulous band leader. They are in tune to his very movement.
8 - Squirrel
Want to add my thanks for this great review. It is so nice for Taylor to FINALLY have these songs available for the general public to hear. I can't imagine being able to write such good stuff at only 19, but he surely did!
Taylor is, as others have said, the Leader of the Band, and he has ALWAYS found a way to give recognition to his bandmates, and I think that's why he wanted to include Tighten' Up on the CD.
His sophomore CD should be awesome, hoping for a fall or early spring release.
9 - Gabe
This is an outstanding album. It really shows just how legit this guy is. He's not just the wacky stage performer on American Idol. There's substance there. A whole decade of substance cutting his teeth down South playing wherever he could get a gig.
I really wish the original Hell of a Day was included. That song needs to be heard.
So now Early Works is out of the way and Grease is winding up. Time for some new Taylor Hicks music.
10 - Karen
I love this CD. Every track is good. Can't really pick a favorite cause they are all good, but I like West Texas Sky and Somehow is just beautiful.. I could go on and on.
11 - Buck
Good review of a good CD. I hope people pick this up, the music is so much better than his major label album. This is hopefully a good indication of the kind of music he has been recording for his CD of new material.
12 - susan11
I really feel that Hell of a Day not being included means he has other plans for it. We will see. Love the album. I really like Tighten Up myself, I think its a great arrangement. Love the way he sings it.
13 - JSchwartz
Just picked up this CD today and absolutely love it! What I like most about it is that you can actually hear real people playing real instruments and not some sound generated by a machine. It's more of the type of music I grew up with and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I love Taylor's voice and think it's an excellent songwriter. My favorite is Son of a Carpenter, Heart and Soul and The Fall. Georgia, tho, is the best interpretation I've ever heard. I can't wait to hear what Taylor has in store for his next new album!
14 - newfanshari
This is a good, fair review. I liked the Taylor Hicks that I saw on American Idol. I love the Taylor Hicks that I hear on this CD. What a beautiful, soothing voice. I love the song "SOMEHOW". I can feel his tiredness and his pain. "Hold On To Your Love" is a fun Latin type song. I love it, too. A friend gave me this CD. If I had known how good it was, I would have bought it myself. Is there a new Taylor Hicks CD coming out this fall?
15 - Sherry
He has said in couple of interviews that there should be a new album coming out this fall. Nothing has been announced yet though.
16 - juliegr
I agree with the above comments about the songs on the Early Works CD. My favorite has always been Son of A Carpenter which Taylor has refined into work of art.
When you hear the song with the addition of the harmonica, you'll be stunned.
Thanks for review.
17 - Debbie
This is Taylor music and he definitely should release something off it as a single. With the publicity of Grease, it would get air time and the album has some beautiful songs to choose from. I agree that Hell of A Day would have been a Number 1 hit if played on the Country charts. That song should be heard. And some others. Play the live versions off Whomp at the Warfield if you don't have money for a Video but for peats sake, please release a video and do some guests spots to promote this CD.
18 - Elizabeth
Some of these songs -- ANY ONE of these songs on EW should -- and need -- to be heard on the radio, but unfortunately, radio has not been kind to Taylor and I don't foresee them changing their ways for Early Works. I hope I am wrong. That, however, does not mean that these songs do not deserve to be heard by the masses. It just means that those of us who are fortunate enough to hear them are the lucky ones. Taylor is such a raw talent. I can't believe he wrote some of these songs at 19 years of age--and the others in his early 20s. My favorites are My Friend, Son of a Carpenter, Somehow, The Fall and Georgia--in no particular order.
19 - Penney/TaysLadybug
I have a copy a friend got me but she needs to mail it to me so I have yet to thear it. She tells me it's great as expected.She'll mail me my copy soon
20 - hickifino
Thanks for the interesting and well-written review. As you point out, this album shows Taylor's growth as a songwriter and arranger. 10 of the 12 songs were written by Taylor. All were arranged by Taylor. There's a "live" feel to some of the songs; you can hear the crowd noises during "Georgia."
21 - enny
Great review!!! Two thumbs up to you (and to Taylor Hicks)!
22 - Nancy Paonessa
I bought the cd as soon as it came out I couldn't wait! The CD is terrific! I can't wait until Taylor's other CD comes out, I will be listening to them for hours. You never get tired of his music, it is very good!
23 - bluzkat
I have said from the beginning that both "IYT" and "UTR" represent who Taylor Hicks really is both has a musician and as a songwriter. Each composition was drawn from his life experiences and although they are raw with emotion and sometimes painful, they also serve as a source of inspiration of hope and learning to find a true balance.
Taylor has indeed proven that it is ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC.
GREAT ARTICLE!
24 - mary ann
Thank you for the wonderful review of Taylor's EW CD. This CD represents and also presents the real Taylor...the wonderful songwriter, singer and musician that many have not heard before. He wrote and sang these songs with passion from within his heart and deep within his soul. It is nice to have almost all songs from his earlier two CD's on one.
You can feel the hurt and pain when he sings 'The Fall' and 'Somehow'...you are feeling those same emotions along with him. For me that is a true indicator of a very gifted artist, which Taylor is.
He is not only very gifted, but also talented and an inspiration to many to have discovered and will discover the real Taylor Hicks and his music.
Great Article.
25 - cleveland sandy
i didnt realize this was out, but you can bet i will be running to target tomorrow to get my copy, anything by taylor hicks is great to me, he is still my number one, no matter who in the past or future can win american idol, nobody can EVER compare to taylor!!! Cant wait to hear Georgia, its always been one of my favorites and i hear Taylor does it the best! Thank you!