American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks Proves Why He Won

December 12 marked the day Taylor Hicks fans waited for: the release of his self-titled debut album. The American Idol winner has developed quite a following in such a short time. Seeing him perform live in NY showed me why.

Taylor Hicks possesses personality, charm, sense of humor, and a sometimes elusive quality: charisma. And even some shyness to boot. Elements of someone lasting, and not just a flash-in-the-pan, one-hit wonder.

The first thing that's clearly noticeable is Taylor's comfort behind the mic. Artists early in their careers can sound tentative. Not so Taylor Hicks. He sounds strong and confident on every song.

The Alabama native spent many years performing with a band, and making the club circuit. He also released locally produced CD's. Two of the songs on his debut CD are actually "re-makes" of two songs on an early CD of his: "It's A Soul Thing" and "The Deal." These songs sound much better the second time around. The earlier CD's are worth getting if they can be found.

The first two songs were already familiar to me: The Runaround and Dream Myself Awake. It was listening to the rest that would prove to be the test. Does he have what it takes? Are two decent songs all that we can expect?

In the media blitz taking place, Taylor has been explaining that he carefully chose these songs. Others who had heard him sing, specifically set aside songs for him to record. That's pretty impressive.

Writers of some of the songs are familiar names to music lovers. Diane Warren contributed a song: "Places I've Been".

Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, and who also sang with Santana, wrote the second song, another song in heavy rotation: "Dream Myself Awake."

Great lyrics on the first two songs. Interesting verse in "The Runaround": "And to think I sat there singing you a love song." Ouch.

"Dream Myself Awake" is about love lost with a realization that he has to keep moving forward.

"Heaven Knows" was written by several people, and portions of two other songs are compiled here. One of the songs was a Ray Charles song. This is the song that was set aside specifically for Taylor. A very big compliment for him. And what's even better is he does the song with enthusiasm and energy.

"Gonna Move" is a true musician's song. Things aren't going in favor of the career, then keep going. Sounds like something Taylor knows all about.

"Wherever I Lay My Hat" is co-written by Marvin Gaye, but Taylor makes this his own. Taylor moves smoothly from one type of song to another. Slower in tempo here, and very smoothly sung.

"Give Me Tonight" is much more upbeat. Quite a change between the two songs. This is definitely a rockin' song. With the versatility of Taylor's voice, he doesn't sound out of his element at all. There are female singers on this song as well, and it adds to the flavor of it.

"Just To Feel That Way" a wistful kind of song. Following dreams just up ahead. The song alternates between rock and ballad, and Taylor doesn't have any trouble keeping up.

"The Maze" is another catchy song. "I got in but I can't get out that way". A common dilemma of relationships. Feels like we're in a maze. Great harmonies here.

"Places I've Been" by famed songwriter Diane Warren, is a chance for Taylor to slow things down a bit. A reflective song about life's journeys, and the relationships that really matter.

"Soul Thing" is one of two songs that Taylor wrote himself. Sounds like he's trying to describe the music he plays. It's not this way, it's not that way, "It's a Soul Thing." Yup, that works.

"The Deal" is the second self-penned song. A rarity: a man communicating his feelings. Terrific sax solo in here as well. "The Deal" is referring to a commitment.

"The Right Place" written by the team of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. This is the kind of song that fans will be a bit more familiar with. Mostly piano in the beginning. A Blues/Soul sounding song. Taylor really shines here. This sound is Taylor's base, and everything he does comes from here.

All in all, an outstanding debut. Every song is strong. No faltering or unsure notes to be found. Taylor is a very confident singer, even getting the high notes. If his career is handled the right way, he is someone that can definitely go far and be an enduring presence in the music business.