It seems like a lifetime ago that Taylor Hicks was being crowned the champion of “American Idol” in its fifth season back in 2006. And while America clearly fell in love with this gray-haired wonder, Simon Cowell didn’t get it and neither did many critics, but Hicks’ debut album went platinum anyway. And while yours truly was a big fan of the material on that debut, the same can’t be said for Hicks’ latest, The Distance, released on his own Modern Whomp Records. There is no doubt this guy can sing with a trademark Joe Cocker-ish bluesy growl, but it’s pretty obvious that the recording budget was substantially less this time around, and the songs are mostly mediocre with performances at times reminiscent of cruise ship karaoke. Nevertheless, a few tracks do stand out, and Hicks is at his best when he tones things down for piano ballads – “What’s Right Is Right” and “Nineteen” are both heartfelt and destined for light rock radio repetition. And “Woman’s Got to Have It,” with fellow Idol alum Elliot Yamin, is a soulful and catchy closer. (LABEL: Modern Whomp)
Posted in: Adult Contemporary, American Idol, Blues, CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Pop, Rock
Tags: American Idol, Elliot Yamin, Joe Cocker, Modern Whomp, Season 5, Simon Cowell, Taylor Hicks
This is ridiculous. Lower budget? Are you kidding me. Simon Climie his producer. Produced for Eric Clapton, Faith Hill, Santana. Much of Eric Claptons band on the album. Some of the publicity or distribution might be less budget but nothing was spared for the record and the quality. You liked the debut album well so did I, but the music was nothing compared with this one. This one shows off Taylors voice much better.
Maybe you Should is a beautiful song. Seven Mile Breakdown perhaps the best on the record.
Much, much better cd than the AI owned one.
Maybe you should listen a few more times.
Maybe you need another listen.
Yes, I agree. If you don’t care for it that’s one thing BUT, it was not a cheap endeavor. I really love this CD.
This is the type of album that you can not just listened to it once and pass judgment. I agree that it is not as overly produced as his self titled but with an artist like Taylor actually having raw talent there is no reason to put the “Britney Spears spin” on it. I was unsure of “19″ I really hate war songs or songs about 911 leave that to Kenny Chesney or what ever his name is. And please do not respond to this starting a war about how unpatriotic I am, please lets keep our eyes on the prize. After listening to it a few times, I find myself singing it it to myself and sometimes even skipping to it. Another song on this album that at first I was weary about was “Keeping it Real”. Again maybe one of my favorite songs on the album. It’s so fun and makes me salivate thinking of how he will perform it live. Anyways.. Take another listen and let us know what cha think..