Amazon.com
This is going to sting, Soul Patrol, but if American Idol Season 5 Encores proves anything, it's that nearly everybody who busted into the top 12 of this year's installment of American Idol carries a tune more convincingly than your man Taylor Hicks. Which is what makes this disc so useful: When you can't see your favorite contestant stumbling around stage aping Michael McDonald or Joe Cocker (or, in the case of Ace Young, George Michael), you really can pay attention to the vocals, some of which--sorry, music snobs--are not at all bad. Paris Bennett's "Midnight Train to Georgia" single-handedly snaps preconceived notions about the show's talent caliber even if you're not familiar with the spunky 17-year-old singing it, and Chris Daughtry's "Wanted Dead or Alive" may not have a lot on Bon Jovi's version, but it showcases his rock-god pipes to maximum benefit (if he hasn't already signed on to lead an up-and-coming modern rock outfit, this should do it). By far the most flagrant example of America messing up what should have been a sure thing arrives on track nine, though: Elliott Yamin's "Moody's Mood For Love" outshines everything around it. Voters who contributed to his dismissal before the finals in favor of takin'-it-to-the-streets Taylor or--worse--mediocre Katharine McPhee will listen with their heads hung in shame. --Tammy La Gorce

I really like what she has to say about track 9. not sure if you've already seen this, just thought I would post it anyways! :D

That's a very good review. If you've never actully seen Taylor perform and you listen to his song, you probably won't think it's good.

And to add to that, if you haven't seen what Kat looks like and you listen to her song, you probably wouldn't like her's either.

I'm surprised about the Paris praise, I really think she sounds off on her lower register. And I loved Taylor's song on the album. But I agree with what they said about E's track :D

I'm with you, Julie. While Paris was my absolute favorite during the auditions (I really thought she would win), I didn't care for her on the CD, or during her on-stage performances. Maybe she was nervous, or maybe it was just that the songs weren't the best for her, but she sounded like the young girl she is when she hit those lower notes. I still think she has a wonderful voice for her age, but in a few years when her voice matures, she will be incredible!

I also liked Taylor's Taking it to the Streets. That was the only song he sang through the entire competition that I thought was great.

Elliott's MMFL is in a class all its own. :yes:

You're right. It is in a class all its own.

I have listened to taylor without visual aid and he's excellent........the OP has her opinions and I have mine. I have his CD Under the Radar and play it a lot.
Elliott's voice is different from Taylor's. Each has their own style and that's a good thing. Elliott's voice is like sweet butter and I could listen to him sing all day and never tire of it. He's one of a very few I could Listen to for hours and enjoy every moment of it.

Awesome! :D Elliott blows em all away! :)

Where can I listen to Taylor's old CDs?

I actually left a review on the Amazon site... a lot of Taylor fans are on there threatening to protest Amazon or take their money elsewhere unless the review is taken down.

IMO... Elliott's song is the best on the album, hands down. He's in a class of his own. Chris was the next best for me... then Taylor. Next came Melissa. Ace definitely sounds better than when he sang Father Figure on the show (although it was a good performance) but... it pales when you compare it to George Michael.

I prefer Paris and Mandisa's live versions. No comment on Pickler and Covais :( I hated Bucky's rendition of superstition... and I'm a bucky fan. I wish he had done Simple Man. Signed Sealed Delivered and Think are underwhelming... both women are stronger singers and should have had songs that represented that on the album.

Overall the album came off very Kareoke esque... with the exception of Elliott, Chris, Taylor and possibly Melissa...