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Idol’s soul overpowers bland lyrics, pop beats
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Former "American Idol" contestant Elliott Yamin worked the crowd, soulfully singing a mixture of pop, rock and jazz Saturday night at the Majestic Theatre. A surprisingly older crowd attended the show, including many mother-daughter pairs excited to see their favorite American Idol in a concert atmosphere instead of from their couch. During an hour-long set, Yamin proved his strength as a vocalist and showed the audience that there is life beyond "Idol."
Opening acts included Josh Hoge and boy-band-with-instruments The Last Goodnight, whose music has been featured on MTV's "The Hills." These mediocre musicians with trendy haircuts played their singles "Pictures of You" and "Poison Kiss," and their entire set included only one guitar solo. Consequently, Yamin's performance far exceeded expectations set by his opening acts.
Elliott Yamin became a household name after becoming the third-place finalist during Season 5 of "American Idol," where he received the highest praise from the judges but lost to the gray-haired Taylor Hicks. However, this fluke did not put a damper on Yamin's success. Shortly after his stint on "American Idol," he signed a contract with Hickory Records, and his eponymously titled first album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts.
On Saturday, however, Yamin attempted to shake his reputation as simply another American Idol. Small in stature, his presence was magnified by his enormous voice. He opened his set with the jazzy rock song "Alright," which used mostly percussion and synthesizer, but immediately showcased his vocal talent. Following this tune were several less interesting songs, including "Find A Way," which he dedicated to the military.
The more upbeat "In Love With You Forever," was the first in a series of songs with cocky, overconfident lyrics, including the unoriginally titled "I'm The Man." He seems like a nice enough guy, so it's safe to assume that his songwriters' lyrics are to blame for the fact that his lyrics make him sound like a frat boy.
One of the best songs of the set was the autobiographical "Free," which seems to be about his experiences as an up-and-comer in the music business and has a more positive and universal message (Hold fast to your dreams/ and don't be afraid to fly). Another highlight was the first song Yamin wrote himself, a slow, soulful ballad called "Trainwreck."
Yamin took a short break from the set to announce that 100 percent of the proceeds from several of his merchandise items would go to charity. He has recently done charity work for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, since he was diagnosed with diabetes as a teenager.
After several cries of, "Elliott Rocks!" Yamin conceeded to the crowd and played the first single from his album, "Wait For You." A catchy ballad with a hip-hop beat, this song is an obvious radio hit, but overly masculine lyrics again detracted from the strength of the song. His radio-friendly new single "One Word" followed. Overall, the heavier, jazzier songs were the better ones of the set.
For an encore, Yamin showed his incredible vocal talent with his performance of his "American Idol" audition song, a cover of Leon Russell's "A Song For You."
Clichéd lyrics aside, it is quite apparent that Elliott Yamin is an extremely talented vocalist. He often stopped to scat during songs, and his voice oscillated between notes with ease. Yamin's dexterous vocal ability and its rich quality are overwhelmingly impressive.
In last week's interview with The Badger Herald, Yamin promised to deliver "raw, gritty soul." Unfortunately, his most gritty song of the set was his radio hit, "Wait For You." Yet, there is no denying the fact that he's got soul. From the first note, Elliott Yamin's tremendous tenor makes one wonder why America voted for Taylor Hicks.
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Apparently you’ve never been to one of Taylors sold out shows! Oh and they are all sold out shows!
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Too bad Taylor’s sold out shows aren’t translating to music sales. I like Taylor but he is set to become the biggest American Idol bust.
Elliott’s got soul coming out of his pores and he is finally being rightfully recognized for his talent. Go Elliott!
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Eliott is Hot and has an amazing voice. Loooove the long curly hair!
I wish he and Taylor would tour or record together.
They are both remarkably talented and passionate and their styles really complement each other.
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Thanks for attending and taking the time to write a review, but I’m really confused about your reference to the lyrics of “Wait for You” as being overly masculine. To the contrary, I thought they were rather sensitive, sweet, and sentimental. Elliott’s amazing voice will overcome a LOT of songwriting flaws. Matched with a great song, he is a legend in the making!
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Elliott does have a good voice, but even if his music has an R@B sound doesn’t make one a soul singer.I guess I don’t understand how soul can be used to describe Elliott.By the way,as I do believe Elliott should have been in the final that year,hands down, Taylor had the whole package.No wonderment here.
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I was lucky enough to see Elliott perform live this summer. I expected him to be very good, but he just blew me away. I had also seen Taylor live this summer, and while he was entertaining, he just doesn’t come close to Elliott in his vocal ability. By the way, the song, “I’m the Man” doesn’t strike me as overly masculine either. Some of the lyrics are, ” I’m the man who holds you tight, I’m the man in love with you.” I think as he gains more experience in songwriting, we’ll hear more complex lyrics. But for right now, I’m just glad to get to hear his voice.
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Thanks for the impressive review, I saw the show in Chicago Friday Night….and yes, without a doubt Elliott’s performance was brilliant….I also wasnt very impressed with the two opening acts….Josh was tolerable…but I didnt care much for the second act The Last Goodnight, I found them to cliche and typical. Elliott rocked the Park West, connected with the audience amazingly and his voice is in top form. Lets wish him a successful tour.
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Glad to hear Elliott being recognized for the amazingly talented and soulful singer he is, love his new look, and the voice, unbelievable,
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Elliott rocks! Best of the best and a real vocal masterclass. I happen to agree with you, though Elliott did not win season 5, he certainly should have. Nothing personal against Taylor, just a matter of personal taste and opinion. Elliotts vocal ability is so far beyond Taylors reach there is just no comparison. One is a performer the other is a masterclass vocalist.
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america voted for taylor because, from the first audition, they were wowed by the voice, the charisma, the looks, the soul, the energy, the MUSIC MAGIC.
just curious. is it possible for any fan of elliott’s to praise him without damming taylor?
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I’m going to see Elliott in concert in Virginia next month. I can’t wait!! LOVE his CD (every song)and loved him on Idol. First time I’ve ever voted on that show and he’s only improved in the year since.
BTW, I have no grudge against Taylor (as one poster suggested), nor do I personally know any E fans who do. I saw Hicks at the Beacon theater in NYC and he ROCKED! I mingled with a lot of the Soul Patrol and they all praised Elliott. There’s certainly room for both in the music industry and I wish them both luck.
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NOT going to bash Elliott, while Taylor is my favorite, I think Elliott is very good too. It is just Taylor had the whole package. (dancing, singing, and the experience of a musician). That is why he won IMO. Conclusion; They both are talented and deserve everything.
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Them’s “soul-speaking” words, they are!!! Just like the word, “sick” is used alot nowadays to mean cool or something like that, I’d say, “Elliott, that’s gritty man!!!” He surely KNOWS what he’s saying!!! He’s a soul digger!!! And I’m so looking forward to more of Elliott to come!!!
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Taylor has a much more soulful voice that Elliott.
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Considering that before Paula talked about his hearing and health problems he wasn’t doing very well at all. It’s true, watch the shows. In my opinion that’s because he’s not very good, not even average. Sorry, I call them as I hear’em - he was boring, sounds like anyone. Nothing special.
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Dear whomever is screening these messages: (SERIOUSLY!) Don’t be tricked into providing a forum for repeat posts from the same person, provoking a pseudo conflict by making insulting comments about various people. ITS A SOGGY TRAP. Allow valid and respectful comments and feedback that are on topic that are not tangentally insulting to anyone, or this awesome comment page will be hijacked by one tragically obsessed person posing as a fan of a Am. Idol contestant.
JUST PLEASE, keep the conversation about Elliot’s amazing gig or anything not stragetically hostile and artificially emotional.
THANKS.
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I’m trying to figure out why it’s necessary to bring Taylor Hicks into a review about Elliott Yamin. Why can’t reviewers let go of the Idol stuff after these singers head out on their own. Oh yeah, because they love all the hits they get on when the fanbases get into war mode. Just let Elliott have his review and Taylor have his own. Same for all the others.
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I love Elliott, I have always said that if Taylor couldn’t have won it should have been Elliott, Please don’t try turning the tides on Elliott and Taylor, They are friends and just leave it alone,these sites did this with Taylor and Chris and it’s the fued is still being fought.. As far as Taylor he is a FANTASTIC performer and if you would take the time to go to one of his concerts you’d see just WHY he won American Idol Season 5. There is no one better. Elliott is great and as I said I do love him, but for me, Taylor is better…
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Why must almost every music review I read on the American Idols always make a comparison of the subject matter and Taylor Hicks. Taylor is making a good name for himself, and is having great success at all the venues he has performed. If one will only spend a few bucks to go to one of his concerts, it is totally obvious why he won American Idol. He has the entire package, the charisma of Elvis and Tom Jones, the energy, the soulful voice, and great songs to keep him in the music business for years to come. In addition to the continuing criticism of his record sales, I give little credibility to record sales when most can be downloaded or copied from other fans.
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Let this post represent the bewilderment of all fans of non-shitty music who until now were not aware of the great schism between the fans of these two absurdly deified karaoke singers.
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I hate snide reviewers.
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I was lucky enough to be at the WorkPlay Theatre in Birmingham Alabama the night that Taylor and Elliot performed with Taylor’s pre-Idol band, The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra. Elliot and Taylor together are awesome. One of the best live performances I have ever seen. Although I enjoy Taylor and his style better I became a fan of Elliot’s that night. If one enjoys Taylor and Elliot together the cd The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra Live at the Workplay Theatre Birmingham Al. August 7,2006 can be purchased at Amazon and other retailers.
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Please Taylors shows aren’t all sold out,in fact some of them are not even half sold
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In defense of this reviewier and countless others, I think it should be said that the reason writers bring Taylor Hicks into their articles about other contestants from season 5 of American Idol is quite obvious. Several of them are receiving radio plays, strong sales, and good reviews and the winner isn’t. Unfortunately that makes Taylor an easy target for the jabs and sneers.
It will only get worse now that he has basically dropped out of site completely. Until the voting procedures are changed on that show, this will continue to be a problem. Getting the most votes does NOT automatically translate into most talented or longevity in the music industry.
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the reason talor hicks was voted in as the American Idol is simple—HE MADE US ALL WANT TO DANCE.America needed Taylor.yes Elliot is fantastic as is Chris—but so is Taylor.There is room for all!!!They are no longer in a competition.
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SOOOOOOOOOOO he made u want to dance so you voted for him? Maybe he should have been on So You Think You Can Dance then, cause his win on AI didn’t go very well. LOL Seriously, AI is a reality show. This reviewer was commenting on events SINCE that season ended. They don’t deserve the snarky comments seen here. Taylor fans should spend more time trying to revive his career and less time blasting journalists who say something negative about him. This behavior is NOT doing him any good.
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Maybe it’s just me, but i don’t really think this article is trying to create an American Idol show-down. The two artists can exist in the music world simultaneously. There is a fairly good balance between compliment and critique. Reviews are essentially opinions. I saw Elliot’s show and agree with most of what was said in the article.
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Maybe it’s just me, but i don’t really think this article is trying to create an American Idol show-down. The two artists can exist in the music world simultaneously. There is a fairly good balance between compliment and critique. Reviews are essentially opinions. I saw Elliot’s show and agree with most of what was said in the article.
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well I’m not much of a Elliot fan but I know that Carolyn girl and she’s definately the hottest coastie I know
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You know why Elliott is so good on stage now…During their AI tour, Taylors band (Little Memphis Blues Orchestra) booked themselves at clubs in those cities. Elliott went on stage in those clubs with Taylor to get more stage experience. Bucky joined them also. Elliott was very good when he was on AI but he didn’t have the experience on stage. Now he does and I’m sure he will do great. His music’s not my cup of coffee but I did like him on AI. If you read Taylors book you’ll know why Elliott, Chris, Bucky, Katherine and Kelly are all being promoted to radio and Taylor isn’t.