New Video From Taylor Hicks - Seven Mile Breakdown - Review

BC Music Premium
Author: The Other Chad
Published: May 09, 2009 at 7:22 am

With his latest single "Seven Mile Breakdown," Taylor Hicks is reaching out to the country market. A highlight from his recent album The Distance, the bluesy rocker has been given a twangy makeover courtesy of award winning engineer/producer Chuck Ainlay. The single mix, one minute shorter than the album version, features a prominent piano part throughout as well as some strategically placed fiddling. Ainlay managed to keep the essence of the song the same, since there was already a distinctly country feel to the album version of the song. Hicks' powerhouse lead vocal remains front and center, while the new elements blend smoothly with the original track.

This isn't the first time Hicks has ventured into country territory. In his pre-fame days, he recorded a demo in Nashville consisting of a few early originals. His thick Alabama accent already lends itself well to the genre, but more importantly the songs translated effectively. The unreleased Nashville recording of "The Fall" could've been a smash on the country charts. In his autobiography, Heart Full of Soul, Hicks' expressed dissatisfaction with the results of those sessions. These days, considering all the undeserved brickbats being hurled his way, he needs to catch a break somewhere. "Seven Mile Breakdown" could prove to be a real breakthrough.

The first single from The Distance, "What's Right Is Right," performed fairly well on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, spending the last three months in the Top 30. It wasn't necessarily the best choice for lead-off single though. It's a somewhat formulaic pop/soul ballad with a restrained lead vocal. The first time I heard the entire album, "Seven Mile Breakdown" stood out as an ideal showcase for Hicks' strengths. Given the potential for a country crossover hit, it's a smart choice as follow-up single. When he delivered a rousing rendition of the song on American Idol's Top Five elimination week, it seemed like 2006 all over again. Hopefully many viewers were reminded of why they voted him winner that year.

The song's video debuted this week, and if there's any justice CMT is paying attention. The clip for "What's Right Is Right" was rather somber, with Hicks performing the song in a smokey club. While by no means poorly done, the argument could easily be made that it wasn't going to command the attention of a casual viewer. The "Seven Mile Breakdown" video seems geared toward winning some new fans. As simple as it is, with Hicks playing the song in an open field to a small gathering of fans, there is a sense of fun that compliments the song's mood.

Taylor Hicks is the greatest talent to come out of American Idol, but has struggled finding a wide audience. Plagued by ridiculously overwrought - and entirely unjustified - bad press, the more easily convinced sector of the public has bought into the bogus idea that his Idol victory was a "mistake." If releasing a country remix of "Seven Mile Breakdown" will help him gain wider exposure, ultimately leading to more quality music, then more power to him.

Taylor Hicks - Brand New Video for "Seven Mile Breakdown" Available Now!

Taylor - You needed to be IN DA BED with the girl! Enjoy!

Watch more AOL Music videos on AOL Video

Taylor Hicks Brings the American Idol House Down Once Again!

Taylor Hicks seized the moment and conquered the American Idol stage yet again - 3 years after he was crowned Season 5 Winner. He performed flawlessly - blowing some harp and earning a standing ovation from all 4 judges - yes, included Simon Cowell - I know, I was floored too! And as far as I can remember, the judges have NEVER given a returning Idol a standing ovation before tonight. Kudos, Taylor for getting them on their feet for you! He looked so stunning in a black sleeveless vest, form fitting jeans, and boots. Simon cames in his underwear. Nice, Simon. Taylor outshined all the other guests with his charisma, his stunning voice and his mere presence. Yes, he IS a STAR in every possible sense of the word. Enjoy the performance, fellow fans, and check out the pictures!

The SoulMan, Taylor Hicks, Hits The American Idol Stage Tonight!

Taylor Hicks comes home tonight to the stage that he completely dominated 3 years ago. Yes, the American Idol Season 5 winner takes the stage to sing his brand new single, the brilliant Seven Mile Breakdown, which will be released to country radio on May 5. It's one of the best songs on Taylor's newly released CD, The Distance. If you haven't picked up a copy yet, run and do so!

Things to watch out for tonight:

1. Taylor reminding America why they loved him and why he won in May of '06.
2. Taylor rumbling the studio, setting off a minor earthquake in Los Angeles.
3. Seeing Kara and Paula melting in their seats from his model-esque good looks.
4. Making sure that people realize Danny Gokey is no match and there is no comparison to Taylor. There is one and only one Taylor Hicks.

and last, but not least:

5. Simon looking pained and irritated as he watches Taylor show him what a real *star" looks like - not the pseudo stars that he manufactured, i.e., Leona Lewis, Daughtry and El Divo (who are they, anyway?)

It's payback time to all the naysayers, haters, chrolls and trolls that have infested the landscape these past 3 years. Blow it out your ass! Yes, it's time. Tear that 'ol place down, Mr. Hicks, and show those amateurs how a pro does it!

Seven Mile Breakdown at the Roxy Theater in Los Angeles

Taylor Hicks To Appear on American Idol Next Week 4/29/09!

Yes, the shit has hit the fan and pigs really do fly! I can't believe it. The Idol producers decide to the right thing - finally - after 3 friggin' years! After 3 years of snarking on their Season 5 Winner. Yes, Taylor Hicks is returning to where it all started for him - on the American Idol stage. No doubt, he will be satisfying the curiosity of millions of AI watchers who have no idea what he's been up to the last few years. Face it, Americans have their heads in the sand most of the time. They'll be able to see the real Taylor Hicks, the musician, singer and entertainer he has become since he left the Idol stage. He will be returning a new man with a new image - a self confident singer/songwriter/musical theater performer who just released his new album on his own label. No winner can say that. How satisfying, eh? What an accomplishment in my book. No doubt, Ryan will be asking him about his role in the Broadway production and his starring role in the touring company of Grease where he plays Teen Angel. I'm assuming he will get a proper introduction this time (as opposed to his non intro during the Season 6 finale when he sang "Heaven Knows").

He will be singing his new single, the rockin' Seven Mile Breakdown. No word whether Simon Cowell will be singing background vocals (I kid), but I can't wait to see him lay that scowl on his face watching his nemesis on stage. Oh joy joy joy!

Since contestant Danny Gokey's late wife was a big fan of Taylor's, I'm actually interested if they'll get a quick handshake on stage, since he and Taylor have gotten their fair share of comparisons this year (although I see little similarity).

Borrowing a line from his new song, "he's going to tear that old place down and be on his way"........ Alright!

Here's some mentions on the 'net:

Taylor Official Site
Taylor's Myspace Page
Taylor's Twitter Page
Taylor's FaceBook Page

Taylor Hicks Filming Video For New Single "Seven Mile Breakdown"

According to a tweet by director Spence Nicholson, he and Taylor and crew will be filming a video for his new single, Seven Mile Breakdown next Monday, April 27. I'm expecting that to be a 180 degree turn from the video for What's Right is Right in style and presentation. Check out some of Spence's other videos to get an idea of what he's like as a director.

Taylor Hicks - The Ultimate Musician's Musician on New Album

The brilliant reviews keep a-coming in for The Distance, the new Taylor Hicks album. This Blogscritic Review has some wonderful insights into the man and his music in the following piece. Enjoy and feel free to discuss your interpretation of the album, the music or the review.




Music Review: TAYLOR HICKS - THE DISTANCE

Written by The Other Chad
Published March 31, 2009

These days everyone seems all too eager to beat up on Taylor Hicks. Many people have forgotten the reasons why he won the ultra-competitive fifth season of American Idol. His victory has been written off as some kind of accident, as if he wasn't a great performer. To the naysayers, I say this: he was, and still is, a fantastically talented singer/songwriter. That much is in obvious evidence on The Distance, Hicks' newly released second album.

At its best, The Distance makes up for the shortcomings of 2006's Taylor Hicks, which was released shortly after his Idol win. The earlier album, though not without shining moments, was the result of a production team unsympathetic to Hicks' strengths.

Now, with producer Simon Climie on board, we can hear Hicks' as nature intended — no synths, drum programming, or ill-advised Ray Charles samples (all of which were heard on the debut). The Distance isn't as raw as it could've been, with some too-smooth production on a few tracks, but by and large this album should put to rest doubts about Hicks' skills. At least for those who give it a fair shot.

The first half of the album aims to cover as much stylistic ground as reasonably possible. The title track, the first of seven Hicks' songwriting credits, is a slice of heartland rock that wouldn't sound out of place on a John Mellencamp album. A non-partisan plea for setting aside political differences in favor of working towards a common goal, "The Distance" is a great opener and a highlight of the album.

From there on, the mood shifts frequently, touching on soul ("What's Right Is Right"), funky pop ("New Found Freedom"), country ("Nineteen"), and Latin rhythms ("Once Upon A Lover"). "Nineteen" would make an especially good choice as a future single, with its timely theme of paying tribute to a fallen soldier. Hicks' powerful reading of this song might help it find a home on the Country charts.

With "Seven Mile Breakdown," Hicks' is in his element. He tears through this bluesy number with passionate conviction. "Maybe You Should," a ballad co-written by Hicks and Mike Reid (who wrote the classic "I Can't Make You Love Me"), is even better. This somber ode to a failed relationship stands out as the single best track on the album. The vocal is absolutely restrained, yet it conveys his resigned heartbreak vividly. In a recent interview, Hicks said he considers this one of his best songs. He has every reason to be proud of it.

There are bonus tracks available on The Distance, depending on where it's purchased from. The iTunes version contains a cover of the funk classic "Yes We Can." This song, written by Allen Toussaint and first recorded by Lee Dorsey way back in 1970, is the weakest of the three available exclusives. Hicks offers up a strangely dispassionate interpretation that won't make anyone forget the Pointer Sister's definitive version from 1973.

Much better is the Wal-Mart bonus, a cover of a largely forgotten Ray Charles hit, "Hide Nor Hair." It's a fun song that allows Hicks to pay tribute to his hero. Best of all is the Target exclusive, a stellar reading of Foy Vance's "Indiscriminate Act Of Kindness." This seven minute, sparsely arranged tune displays the full range of Hicks' vocal skills.

Though the sales figures haven't been particularly strong so far, it should be noted that The Distance is an independent release. Without much promotion the album is struggling to gain attention. Keep in mind though that this time last year many were declaring Hicks' career dead in the water. He lost his record contract and was all but abandoned by Idol.

Yet since then, he's played to sold-out theaters on Broadway and all around the country in Grease, released an excellent compilation of pre-Idol recordings (Early Works), and now has a new album on Billboard's Top Ten Independent chart. As he sings in one of The Distance's best tracks, "I live on a battlefield."

Taylor Hicks is a survivor and is obviously bound and determined to continue earning a living doing what's in his blood: making music.

Taylor Hicks Supports Breast Cancer Awareness!

Taylor Hicks donated his time Sunday afternoon in support of the Susan G. Komen's "Race For the Cure" Breast Cancer Awareness Event at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. He sang his new single, What's Right Is Right, as well as Seven Mile Breakdown, both from his new album, "The Distance" which is now available wherever CDs are sold, as well as on ITunes. Pick up your copy today! He also performed the Star-Spangled Banner.


Poppy Montgomery, Judy Reyes, Emily Procter, and Taylor Hicks



Seven Mile Breakdown


What's Right Is Right

Taylor Hicks - Free Download From "The Distance" Available Now!

Amazon.com is offering a sample from Taylor Hick's new album, "The Distance" - a free download of "Seven Mile Breakdown" - a pure rockin' southern blues/rock ditty that will blow your socks off!! For those of you who haven't heard this song before, be prepared to pick your mouth up from the floor and then run to buy it! It's *that* good!

Don't forget, The Distance drops next Tuesday, March 10! There will be 3 versions of album with 3 different bonus tracks. One version, available at Walmart, will have the extra track, Hide Nor Hair, a Ray Charles cover. Another version containing a superior cover of Foy Vance's Indescriminate Act Of Kindness can be found at your local Target store and the last version of the album, available for download at ITunes will contain Yes We Can, a song made famous by The Pointer Sisters.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Taylor Hicks, "The Distance" - 6 Samples From Other Artists

I've tried to collect a few of the original versions of 6 of the songs that will be on Taylor's new album. I must say that this album has the makings, and potential, to be one of the greatest albums that I've ever heard (and I've heard a LOT of them over the years). The songs seem very adult in theme, all with a distinct message, a feeling, a raw emotion, a tenderness, and a determination. I'm especially touched by "Indiscriminate Act of Kindness" and "I Live On A Battlefield", both touched me deeply. I can only imagine the genius of the ones Taylor has penned himself. March 10th cannot come fast enough for me. Enjoy!

I Live On A Battlefield - Nick Lowe


Indescriminate Acts Of Kindness - Foy Vance


Woman's Got To Have It - Bobby Womack


Seven Mile Breakdown - Spoonful James w/Taylor Hicks


Nineteen - Tom Hambridge & Jeffrey Steele


Yes We Can - Maria Muldair & Bonnie Riatt