Taylor Hicks' Freshman Debut Album...Sort Of

Taylor may have sacrificed many a time before when he was on AI, but this time around, Clive Davis and 19 Entertainment , allowed Taylor to hang onto his signature southern soul and expand his Vocal Range and go for it. If there are new Listeners to this Album, he is sure to pick up new Fans. This Album allows Taylor to be just that, Taylor.

This album is a work of Labor and Obvious love for Harmony. He incorporated much of his Love for Soul and added some fast tracking Pop for good measure. I admit I was antsy about this album and I was gratefully satiated with its different takes on melody and hooks, and the Taylorized flavor that continues to capture the flavor of the south once again.

I was pleased with the Melodic sound of "Just To Feel That Way". It will become a great Radio Play song. It swings Taylor's vocals with great verses and sugary lyrics with wonderful instrumentation. I feel this may be his Signature song, along the same lines as "Do I Make You Proud". "Places I've Been", a song written by the Love Songstress Chart Topping Master, Diane Warren. Although it carries fine lyrics, it is rather slow and trudges along. I feel like it is probably filler music, (no offense Diane) and it allows Taylor to showcase his ability to acclimate to any song.

I want to categorize "Dream Myself Awake" as a Ballad, but it carries a pop/rock melody to it. It's a song that many a lovelorn will enjoy listening to. This is a song that is going to get serious radio play. A Ballad with a great Verse and Chorus that Taylor makes it work.

Taylor would not be who he is without his signature sound, Southern Soul. He does his sound justice by allowing for a variety that allows his vocals to sway to each song. "Soul Thing" starts with a quick drum intro and Bass line that give it strong texture. The Bass clearly engages you from the get go. I particularly enjoy the Muted Taylor background vocals. Add the Electric guitar solo after the initial refrain, and the Jazzed up Bridge with its Key changes and you have a refreshing sound.