Taylor Hicks

 Review

Common Sense Media says

American Idol with experience and soul.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Taylor Hicks delivers a collection of pleasant, derivative, and exceptionally well-performed songs with no objectionable content.

  • Taylor wants us to think of him as a nice guy who falls in love like a ton of bricks.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

Any parent who has ever been in a band can use American Idol winner Taylor Hicks' major label debut, TAYLOR HICKS, to segue into stories about those crazy good old days. Better yet, sit back with your kids and enjoy this honest, listener-friendly contribution to the Idol alumni oeuvres. The songs are a collection of comfortable blue-eyed soul performed by a guy who's clocked some real live hours on stage. Lyrical themes stay mostly in the love and heartbreak realm, as this self-described world-weary singer falls, but then picks himself up 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."


Is it any good?

 

Instead of overslick, overproduced tracks, Hicks' understated presentation allows these well-crafted tunes some breathing room. He's not the most inventive songwriter -- his originals sound a lot like the covers, paying generous tribute to Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles, but what better inspiration than classic soul? 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.


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What families can talk about

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?


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
he is really good.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Do Not Miss! Awesome Idol Music!!! Fun!
Excellent Music, fun, upbeat, and really awesome sound. Man is a role model! Manners and Music! Wow!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
The more I listen to the songs....
There is a lot of music out there that sounds really good at first but get old fast. One neat thing about this cd is that the more I listen to the songs, the more I like them. The first single Just To Feel That Way was released last month and getting a lot of attention. Give it a try - I bet the more you listen, the more you will love it too.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Finally! Real Music
At last, we have an artist who doesn't use sex, glorification of drugs/alcohol, and anti-social behavior to try to sell his music. Taylor is not perfect, but he does posess a sense of moral responsibility and a very strong work ethic. And the music is great!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
WOW music has returned!!!!
Taylor Hicks brings back "music" to music. Alot of the "music" on the radio today has no music. Taylor's CD is full of heart and soul. His original works are masterpieces and personify what "good" music is. Taylor is a great artist and you can tell by listening to his album that he feels the music in his soul.

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
American Idol? why?
Millions? of people try out for American Idol, and the winner is Taylor Hicks? I like the show, but I don't listen to Taylor at all. I think the problem we have with the show is that the winners don't make music that people listen too these days.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Easy to Listen, Easy to Share
There should be no problem with parents playing this CD with their kids. Very upbeat, danceable. Just fun music.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
A role model
Taylor Hicks is a good example of someone that works hard and never gives up on their dreams. He is a gentleman and a wonderful musician, singer and songwriter. His album is a mix of soulful blues and rocking good fun.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Awesome
Taylor Hicks provides a wholesome,fun CD that my son and I sing out loud to everytime we're in the car! I even had to buy my 9 year old his own copy. Money well spent!!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
My Twin Girls
My girls at the time he was on American Idol were 3 1/2 and they absolutely fell in love with him right away and they still love him. They have been to 4 of his concerts and we are going to see him on Broadway. We got to meet him once at the Warner Theater and he is absolutely an awesome guy he is very nice and has a great personality I would recommend his music to anyone he is very inspiring!!!!!!!!!

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Taylor Hicks
Release date:December 12, 2006
Label:Arista
Genre:Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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