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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2006 > December > 11 > Entry
12/12: Taylor and Fantasia release day!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s the day Fantasia and Taylor square off with releases on the same day. My first-week predictions: 300K for Taylor and 200K for Fantasia. Our music critic Nick Marino gave a thumbs up for Fantasia’s self-titled CD. We didn’t get Taylor’s in time for review (though I guess they could have listened in advance on Yahoo if the music folks had asked me!)
I’ve tried to get interviews with Taylor and Fantasia but no luck yet. I’m too low on the totem pole. But AP did talk to Taylor here.
*When the concert wrapped in September, Hicks began his tutelage with legendary music mogul Clive Davis to craft an album that would be a fitting follow to his star-making “Idol” turn.
It was an “intimidating” experience, Hicks said, describing himself as “stubborn about my artistry and my creative integrity.” But he’s happy with the result. The album’s 12 tracks “a great representation of me as an artist,” he said.
Davis said he helped Hicks “define who he is.”
The album sounds like “modern whomp music,” Hicks said.
“He’s a modern soul man,” Davis said. “But we have stretched him a little. He’s getting in touch with other aspects of music and his versatility.”*
MTV news also got some time with Taylor. In it, he noted he plans to write a memoir, too.
“It’s the life experiences of a struggling musician on the road for 10 years,” he said. “What I’ve learned and what I can apply to everyday life that could possibly help other people in the same situation.”
Fantasia spoke with USA Today. You can sample her CD on AOL Music before you buy it..
An excerpt from the USA Today story:
*For Fantasia, she wanted more live music and up-tempo tunes.
“I remember going into the studio early on, and it just wasn’t right,” she says. “I wanted a modern-day Aretha Franklin meets Tina Turner. They finally got it. I told them to give me something that makes you feel good.” *
She also has cut ties with American Idol as Clay and Kelly did. She is no longer managed by 19 Management in favor of R&B/hip-hop powerhouse Violator Management.
A Newsday reviewer splits opinions about Taylor and Fantasia. Glenn Gamboa gave a so-so review to Taylor (“Taylor Hicks” (RCA) doesn’t give him much of a chance to show off his strong voice or his unique soul-patrol personality. It’s choked with bland leftovers and ill-fitting covers that make it the latest in a line of “American Idol” alumni debut albums that are almost always disappointing.) But he gave a solid one for Fantasia. He notes that “Fantasia takes a bit of Beyoncé flash, a bit of Mary J. Blige soul and her own keeping-it-real growl, laying the foundation for a leap from singer to budding superstar diva.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By jex
December 12, 2006 8:25 AM | Link to this
I didn’t think Taylor’s first CD would blow us away, because he’s still under certain constraints. But I’m buying it anyway. Unirregardlessful.
And, surprisingly, I think I’ll pick up Tasia’s album as well. I’ve heard a few songs and like them all. She’s really grown as an artist and she’s not so screechy anymore.
And Mary J’s new CD is out today, and will of course join my collection ASAP.
Good Morning Everyone!
By Shay
December 12, 2006 8:33 AM | Link to this
I will shoot on over to the store to get Taylor & Fantasia’s CD today at lunch (two of my favorite winners thus far)!! Not real big on the other three winners, even though I still like Kelly, Reuben and Carrie. I am proud of all five of them and their many accomplishments.
By Shay
December 12, 2006 8:39 AM | Link to this
Jex, Mary has a new CD out. Is it a compilation of songs? I didn’t know she had a new CD out.
By jex
December 12, 2006 8:44 AM | Link to this
I heard about it this morning. It’s a complilation plus 4 new songs - Reflections: A Retrospective Available in Stores Now!!
By Carla
December 12, 2006 8:45 AM | Link to this
Carrie has a new fan. She was on Oprah yesterday. That’s just free marketing. I’ll pick up Fantasia’s cd sometime this week when I get a chance. It seems to be getting good reviews. Frank Ski just said that Fantasia was on Regis & Kelly yesterday and was looking a bit busted. Did anyone see?
By Shay
December 12, 2006 8:48 AM | Link to this
oh, then I need to pick that up.
By Shay
December 12, 2006 8:52 AM | Link to this
Carla, when I heard her on the radio the other day, she sounded like the industry was taking it’s toll on her. She sounded tired and worn out.
By mystique
December 12, 2006 9:06 AM | Link to this
Good Morning! Wow, it crossed my mind to call in on this somewhat auspicious occasion of Taylor’s release day!!! You know I will be hitting the store as soon as that lunch bell rings today to grab me some Taylor…I will have my review in by this afternoon, Rodney ;-)
I don’t think I will be picking up Tasia’s album, but good luck to her. Hope it does well (…just not better than Taylor!)
Has anyone heard Taylor’s single played on the radio yet (if it has even been released to radio)? I checked Q this morning and even subjected my ears to a little star, didn’t hear it on either. Of course, they all talk so much in the morning hearing a song is rare! I think Tasia’s single has already been in roatation, that is great for her! I haven’t heard it but heard it has gotten great reviews.
By Rodney Ho
December 12, 2006 9:06 AM | Link to this
I finally got a few minutes with Kellie Pickler yesterday evening. I will post the Q&A later this morning. I wanted to give Tasia and Taylor their due first. Kellie, if you want to see her live, will be at Arbor Place Mall in Douglasville at 6 p.m. today for free and I’ll be there. Just bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. If any regulars on the board here plan to be there, I’d love to meet you. Just email me at rho@ajc.com.
By jex
December 12, 2006 9:17 AM | Link to this
Thanks Rodney, but I think I’ll prudishly pass on the pending Pickler performance.
By mystique
December 12, 2006 9:20 AM | Link to this
Wish I could have caught a little of Oprah yesterday, I would have liked to seen how Carrie handled herself on that show. Being in the presence of Ms. Oprah would be a little intimidating! Carrie is a really sweet girl. I am sure this is taking a toll on her. I mean, to go from being a nobody in Oklahoma to swept up in all the AI hoopla, touring, recording, winning awards. Its overwhelming but gratifying.
By jex
December 12, 2006 9:24 AM | Link to this
Frank Ski just said that Fantasia was on Regis & Kelly yesterday and was looking a bit busted.
Uh…doesn’t she always look busted? I don’t understand.
By Shay
December 12, 2006 9:31 AM | Link to this
LOL at Jex!!!
By mystique
December 12, 2006 9:35 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the info, Rodney! But I too will be a little presumptuously picky and pass on pickles performance ;-)
By jex
December 12, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
Pity that people don’t appreciate Pickles’ prowess.
By mystique
December 12, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
LOL!!! I know, Pettyness abounds in people to presume that pickles can’t possibly produce a powerful pop tune…but that presumption is probably pretty on point :-)
By jex
December 12, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
LOL!! Stop it mysti!! I can’t take it.
By mystique
December 12, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
Alrighty, I am out of ‘p’ words anyways!!
By Shay
December 12, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
You two princesses are pretty much pre-judging Pickles/Pickler and assuming she is just a pretty princess in a picture who is probably not passionate about the pop tunes she pick, but she *probably practice every p.m. to get those high pitches just right for the people who love her. Can I get my props for painting a different picture of Pickles??
By mystique
December 12, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
LMAO! Yes, shay, you get your props..we are going to pile on more than partial props posthaste!
By Shay
December 12, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
o.k. so I left the office and I am back with Tasia’s new CD so she just made her first $9.99 from me. It’s quite good!
By jex
December 12, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
What about Taylor’s CD Shay? Huh? What about helpin out the brotha…uh, cousin.
By Shay
December 12, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
LOL!!! I will pick Taylor’s up later in the week. I have already heard all of his songs so I know what it sounds like. I hadn’t heard Fantasia so I had to get hers first.
By David
December 12, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
good luck with those cds you guys…I bet they’re “jammin”.
By mystique
December 12, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
Uhhhhh, but shay, how is Taylor gonna feel when he knows he is only second best with you?!? ~¿@
I was just reading that Taylor plans to start a tour in February. Hope he hits the ATL!
By Shay
December 12, 2006 1:56 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t say he’s second best to me. But I only brought $20 bucks to work with me today. $10 for a CD and $10 for lunch. So somebody had to wait until tomorrow or Thursday and that person turned out to be Taylor :>)
By Rodney Ho
December 12, 2006 2:10 PM | Link to this
I just posted my Q&A with Kellie. She was amazingly open about her mom.
By mystique
December 12, 2006 3:08 PM | Link to this
I see, shay…thats fair :-)
I bought my Taylor CD at lunch and have given several tracks a listen. Its pretty good so far!
By Mimi
December 12, 2006 3:15 PM | Link to this
Picked up Taylor’s new CD this morning. I really liked 7 or 8 of the tracks. But having listened all the way through several times, I’m liking more and more tracks. I’m really surpised how good it is given he recorded it in six weeks.
Also bought a Fantasia CD and tomorrow it will be all I play. Will try to post again.
By Shay
December 12, 2006 3:16 PM | Link to this
So the blog is equal. Mystique bought Taylor and I bought Fantasia.
By jex
December 12, 2006 3:30 PM | Link to this
2 to 1 for Taylor.
By mystique
December 12, 2006 3:32 PM | Link to this
Yes ma’am, equal fan support for the idols on this blog!!!
MiMi, glad to hear how much you like the CD. I have only given it a half-hearted listen up to track #10. Wasn’t thrilled with every single track, but they may need to grow on me too. Yes, it is wonderful that he could put something actually good out so quickly.