Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Taylor Hicks delivers a collection of pleasant, derivative, and exceptionally well-performed songs with no objectionable content.
Families can talk about Taylor's real-life band experience before becoming an American Idol winner. Did his years playing for live audiences affect his sound? Can you hear the difference between Taylor's music and that of other winners who sing over slick karaoke-like tracks?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Any parent who has ever been in a band can use American Idol winner Taylor Hicks' major label debut to segue into stories about those crazy good old days as a rock star in college. Then, when your kids' eyes glaze over, you can sit back and enjoy this honest, listener-friendly contribution to the Idol alumni oeuvres.
Taylor Hicks distinguishes himself from other winners with a voice reminiscent of soul singer Michael McDonald mixed with a dash of Bob Seger and a musical sensibility that comes from years of real playing in real bands that can't be faked. Instead of acrobatic power-singing over slick, overproduced tracks, Taylor's understated presentation allows these well-crafted tunes some breathing room.
OK, so maybe he's not the most inventive songwriter in the world -- his originals sound a lot like the covers, paying generous tribute to Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles. Derivative, yes, but what better inspiration than classic soul for honing your songwriting skills? Lyrical themes stay mostly in the love and heartbreak realm, as this self-described world-weary songster falls, picks himself up, and dusts himself off with lyrics such as "We'll break it all open/Finding our way/We might end up broken and wounded/But baby it's worth it for even one day/Just to feel that way."
The end result is a collection of comfortable blue-eyed soul, performed by a guy who's clocked some real-life hours on stage. Taylor Hicks has been around the block a few times, and it shows.
Fans of Taylor Hicks will also like Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Michael McDonald, Bob Seger, Ruben Studdard, and American Idol: Season 5: Encores.
Rate It!
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Social BehaviorTaylor wants us to think of him as a nice guy who falls in love like a ton of bricks. |
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CommercialismAmerican Idol tie-in is unavoidable. |
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