Comments on: CD Review: Taylor Hicks: Self Titled Debut Nothing Worth Writing Home About

By: Wes Laurie

Wes Laurie — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:59:49 +0000

I didn’t think any of the season 5 people were “stand out” stars as far as singing talent went. I was rooting for Hicks merely because of his crappy dancing and underdog status, though I would have been just as pleased if that one Eddie Monster looking fellow with diabetes had won..Elliot Yasmin or something…last season of idol was terrible. This season has a little bit of promise, but thus far has bored me as well..one of those ladies could end up making things interesting though.

By: Sunny

Sunny — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 14:31:36 +0000

Taylor Hicks does have a good voice, and unlike some, I enjoyed his ‘dancing monkey’ antics just for the sheer ballsiness it took for him to work it on the Idol stage. “Taking It To the Streets” comes to mind. No other contestant has tried to romp the stage like Hicks did and I doubt anyone could follow him.

That said, my favorite performances of his on Idol, were “In the Ghetto”, “Levon” and “Trouble” where he just sang, within those type of songs, his vocals worked beautifully.

I have to agree with you in some aspects regarding the CD. I was disappointed in the overproduction feel of it – present throughout the CD. Absent any even semi-acoustic tunes. “Georgia”, one of his greatest sounding performances; nothing remotely like it on the CD. “The Right Place” one of the best on the CD, and I like “The Maze” for its different sound.

To sum it up, the CD wasn’t what I expected it might have been, regarding composition and musical design.

By: Idolicious

Idolicious — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 12:19:26 +0000

I can totally see where you’re coming from with your CD review. I happen to be one of the more unusual Taylor fans–I fell in love with a voice, hunted down his original music like there was no tomorrow, and eagerly awaited those nights when his performance would be nothing but his wonderful, raspy voice–no dancing, no spazzing, no antics. You note that he lacks the polish or finesse of a Timberlake or an Usher; to that I say “Thank God!” I personally have no interest in watching someone execute pre-choreographed moves to a synthetic backbeat. That’s not music to me or entertainment to me, although like you, I greatly respect the opinion of anyone who thinks otherwise.

As Mervin noted, Taylor has a decent (though I would say excellent) voice. Performances where he just sings really do bring out the colors and texture of his vocals. But, that’s just my opinion. Perhaps next time we’ll all get a better CD, one that can showcase Hicks’ true talents once his image as a “dancing monkey” has faded from the country’s collective memory.

By: Mervin Malone Jr.

Mervin Malone Jr. — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 06:57:31 +0000

Taylor Hicks is a decent singer – his best moment came when he auditioned on American Idol in 2006 to “A Change is Gonna Come”. He then proceeded to be silly on stage and….turn off people that like good music. I think he’s talented, but I don’t think people supported him because of his talent – they were entranced by his awkward stage presentation; I suspect this colors much of his CD as well.