Taylor Hicks' self-titled debut album suffered primarily from a lack of coherent musical focus. That problem has been cleared up here, and The Distance, while it may not gain a significant number of new fans, will definitely please his faithful fans. With a strong assist from veteran producer Simon Climie, the man behind Michael McDonald's Motown albums, these song have Taylor Hicks' musical signature all over them.
Soulful Charm
The Distance kicks off with songs such as the title song and "New Found Freedom" that rest comfortably in Taylor Hicks' musical ancestry of southern soul. They also practically bubble over with an optimism that has served him well since he first auditioned for American Idol. Unfortunately, when he veers into tearjerker territory with the ballad "Nineteen," he sounds somewhat less convincing. The soul man who tells us every cloud does indeed have a silver lining is the comfortable niche for Taylor Hicks.
A Special Moment
Those who are committed American Idol fans may purchase this album for one reason. Fellow AI alumnus Elliott Yamin joins Taylor Hicks for a cover of Bobby Womack's classic "A Woman's Got to Have It." Despite an intro that feels a bit comical, there are moments of vocal magic as the two contestants play comfortably off each other.
Top Tracks on The Distance
- "The Distance"
- "What's Right Is Right"
- "New Found Freedom"
- "Maybe You Should"
- "Woman's Got To Have It"
The Entertainer Has Returned
Taylor Hicks' biggest asset as an American Idol was his connection with the television viewers and sheer joyful attitude as an entertainer. With a more coherent focus to the music here, this quality of Hicks is allowed to truly shine. He may veer a bit off track with the Latin shuffle of "Once Upon a Lover" or sillinesss of "Keeping It Real," but the earnestness of Taylor Hick's efforts to please an audience never fade. The Distance is a solid effort.
