Winner of season six American Idol, Taylor Hicks was the silver haired underdog who captured America with his every man persona and slightly goofy stage presence. He released his self titled album in December of 2006 with Arista Records. His southern soul man vibe resonates from the first track bursting with all the influences he paid tribute to on the show. There is a lot of warmth and every guy sexiness going on in this album. It's a shame this album didn't get the attention it deserves because it really is a fun, upbeat listen.

1.The Runaround
Peppy percussion and boogie piano draws the audience in with this album opener. The piano rolls like thunder underneath the sunny horn arrangement and happily recalls eighties acts like Billy Joel or Billy Vera and The Beaters. The song instantly will put you in a good mood with its frolicking blend of pop, blue-eyed soul and rock influences. Another band that comes to mind almost immediately is Matchbox Twenty when I hear this song. The lyrics are pretty simplistic and by themselves are nothing special but the music more than makes up for it.

2. Dream Myself Awake
"I Dream Myself Awake" was co-written by Rob Thomas and I like the results of their collaboration together. There is a sincerity in Hicks voice against the blend of subtle horns, rock flavored guitars and standard percussion really makes the song. I think that is Hick's gift as a performer. He can communicate a lot of emotion with his voice which is certainly decent but not jaw-droppingly so.

3. Heaven Knows
Sampling the classic "What I'd Say" by Ray Charles, Hicks turns it into a more modern but equally soul stirring, hip shaking song. The song is vibrant and fun with its elements of rock playing with the soul elements. Hicks is convincing as the guy who feels unjustly left behind by a girl he feels he did everything for.

4. Gonna Move
It was never a secret on American Idol show that Hicks was heavily influenced by Bob Seger and this influence shines brightly on this track. The gospel organ, the soaring vocals about getting out into the world and moving on instantly calls comparisons to songs like "Like A Rock". These comparisons are not unfavorable either. The song isn't my favorite on the album but I rarely skip it when it's on.

5. Where Ever I Lay My Hat
Originally performed by Marvin Gaye this is a very distinctive cover. I think it's cool how he makes it his own and avoids the comparisons to a soul icon. He inhabits

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