Apparently my post about Elliott Yamin caused a bit of controversy with Taylor Hicks fans. Let me take this opportunity to delve a little deeper into the subject. I get that some people are Taylor Hicks fans and may enjoy his music. That is the great thing about music. It comes in so many different flavors and there’s something out there for everyone. He’s just not my cup of tea. Preferences aside, Elliott Yamin can sing better than Taylor Hicks. That’s just a fact. I’m sure even Taylor would agree. I said Taylor didn’t deserve to win because he was not the best singer that season. Up until then the best singers won. Kelly, Reuben, Fantasia and Carrie were the best singers of their seasons. They did not necessarily have the best personality or great stage presence. (Reuben always stood still looking confused about where he was with his eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. But dude could sing so he won.) I feel that around the fifth season the competition changed. All these other factors came into play and it was no longer about who was the best singer. People voted for Taylor because they enjoyed his personality, his energy, those spastic convulsions that he passed off as dancing and that God awful never-ending Soul Patrol chant. After that season it wasn’t just about the singing, it was about the personality, the stage presence and how cute somebody was. They even started letting contestants play instruments, use props and elaborate lighting displays. There were the dramatic entrances down the spiral staircase and I think someone even dropped down from the ceiling one time. My point is, if the best singer is supposed to win, it should not have been Taylor Hicks. I’ll admit Elliott leaves a little to be desired when it comes to his stage performance, but he gets a pass. His voice is good enough for him to just stand there and sing. One of the comments from the last post suggested that I check out a song on Taylor’s CD featuring Elliott. I decided to give it a chance and see if maybe I was mistaken and should reconsider what I said. Nope. I was right. Elliott is definitely a much better singer than Taylor. I’ll admit Taylor is good on the guitar and has the personality and energy to front a band, but he doesn’t have the vocals. When I listened to the studio recording of the song, Taylor didn’t even sound good on that. He was missing a bunch of notes and usually everyone sounds good on the computer enhanced studio version. I repeat…Elliott is a better singer than Taylor and should have won. I think the real votes, which are cast with the consumer’s dollars, speak for themselves. Billboard recently named the top 24 Idols based on record sales and Elliott came in at #15. Katherine McPhee was #16. Taylor Hicks was down at #19. Why don’t you guys cast your vote over on the right side of the screen so we can settle this? Click on the links below to listen to them both singing together and tell me who sounds the best.
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TIED TO THE WHIPPING POST
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Elliott's voice is more pleasing and soulful. He has rich deep tones, and his tenor soars. I'm taken to a happy place whenever I hear Elliott sing. Sorry Taylor fans, but when I hear Taylor sing, I want someone to take my ears away.
ReplyDeleteMarlene
I've seen Elliott perform live a few times -- both with a full band and just with a guitar player -- and he has come such a long way since his time on Idol. He is so relaxed and INTO the music, the soul just pours out of him. His is a a rare and wonderful talent!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with Taylor, he was fun to watch and I liked him well enough. But when it comes down to who is the better singer, well there is no contest. Elliott Yamin has the most chill inducing voice EVAH! He is amazing; if you've never seen him live, put it on the list of things you need to do in this lifetime. Just saw him perform Saturday night in LA - He did a cover of Jealous Guy that melted every chick in that place.
ReplyDeleteElliott is a better singer than Taylor any time, anywhere. And to make the distance between them even bigger, Elliott's performance skills are improving(his stage presence in his shows is way better than it was on AI5), while Taylor's vocals are still as mediocre as thye were on the show.
ReplyDeleteEven Taylor knows Elliott is a better singer.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marlene, Cathy, Jorge PR and Anonymous #1 & #2. Finally some people who know what they are talking about.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I heard Elliott's voice on AI.....I was hooked. His sultry soul filled smokey voice is totally awesome. I have yet to hear anyone any better. If I were trapped on an island with only 1 cd it would be Elliott Yamin, hands down!
ReplyDeleteElliott Yamin , His voice is the best singer of all the singers I have heard on American Idol. One of a kind with an extraordinary soulful sound.
ReplyDeleteElliott Yamin is by far the better singer. I saw him live several times in the last couple of years and he just keeps getting better. He captivates his audience of ALL AGES and puts on a great show with an awesome band. He has come a long way and I will continue to buy his CD's and go to see him whenever and wherever I can. I thought Taylor was entertaining on AI but his vocals just didn't do it for me, sorry!
ReplyDeleteCan someone tell me how Elliott is making money these days? I mean, he has no album to push, he has no concerts coming up, he's not doing any TV, film or Broadway stuff, he's not writing for anyone. Is he working for Ralph's or something?
ReplyDeleteI'm serious. What is doing for money these days?
I think this whole blog is stupid Elliot & Taylor are friends.....why continue this crap Season 5 is over and Taylor was the winner...so just get a life!!! Sorry to be so blunt but what year are you living in???
ReplyDeleteI am rather embarrassed to write that I voted for Taylor that year, because I got caught up in the Soul Patrol thingy. Now I would not walk across the street to see Taylor. I have hated his CDs. Elliot was the best singer that year, but with the Soul Patrol, no one other than Taylor had a chance.
ReplyDeleteIf you've never seen Taylor perform live, then you have missed a wonderful performer...and he CAN SING! I've seen him perform numerous times, and he just keeps getting better and better.
ReplyDeleteElliott is ok, but Taylor is GREAT!
I like who I like. You like who you like. I'm not going to come here and run down either of these guys. They are both very talented. It's a matter of preference. There's no right or wrong. Why waste your time writing a blog to try convince people that your choice is great and theirs is awful? Enough negativity already!
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to comment on Elliott vs. Taylor as far as singing. I will say this. Taylor, Daughtry and to some extent Ace, took Elliott under their wings, and they performed in clubs well into the wee hours after their AI concerts were over. I give Taylor, Daughtry and Ace props for showing Elliott the ropes and really helping him turn into one of the best live performers you'll ever have the pleasure of hearing.
ReplyDeleteI love Elliott and I love Taylor. They are very different but sound Hot singing together. You said Taylor misses notes but he doesn't he is a highly skilled Jazz influenced singer. He rearranges notes and melodies very much as a Jazz instrumentalist does. Not everyone gets it when he does that. He has a wide range to his voice and has a very distinctive sound. I always know it's Taylor. It can't be all about comparing voices, you have to compare delivery, stage presence and the IT factor. As much as I loved Elliott's voice he didn't have those other things during Idol. I didn't like Elliott's first CD at all but bought the second and enjoy it. I have Four of Taylor's and equally enjoy them. If they would ever tour together that would be a dream come true for me.
ReplyDeleteI love 'em both. But as far as singing talent, I'd have to give Taylor the edge. I saw him in "Grease," and he put the Broadway kids to shame. His voice was magnificent. He can really belt it out. It's as if his voice filled the theater and bounced off the walls. I've been to a lot of musicals, but have never experienced anything quite like it. The audience went nuts. I had to run out and buy every recording he ever made. I think he's underrated. People forget he's not just the goofy gray-haired guy with the crazy dancing, but he's actually got a great voice.
ReplyDeleteElliott vs. Taylor - NO comparison...Taylor, hands down!
ReplyDeleteCan you say CHARISMA???
I don't understand why fans of either singer seem compelled to continue some sort of bogus competition , especially between these two men, who happen to be great friends. The contest is long over, we all know who won. Other than that, you like who you like period. They are both fine singers, who is "better" is totally a matter of personal preference. Wish them both well in their respective careers, enjoy whoever you prefer and get over Idol Season Five...its been over a long time now.
ReplyDeleteOk, let's all just calm down for a minute. For those of you who are unaware,this is not a blog about Elliott and Taylor. This is a blog about music in general. This debate just happened to start because of one post about Elliott Yamin that I was inspired to write after seeing him in the audience of this season's Idol. I believe he has the better voice and if the competition was based on voice alone, Elliott should have won. The response I got from that comment moved me to pose the question to others to see what their opinion was. I get that they are friends. That's wonderful. I'm just asking who do you think has the better voice. Not who has more charisma or who has more stage presence. The point of this blog is to discuss music and hear all opinions, thoughts and suggestions...not just mine. Mission accomplished. On to the next topic. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI love both Taylor and Elliott Yamin and if I had to choose singing voices I chose Elliott...he has blossomed since his Idol days with all the opportunities he has had to perform. I've seen him twice and each time was a treat. Taylor came into Idol a seasoned performer. It's cool to know they are pals, and probably laugh at the comparison, doncha think?
ReplyDeleteWell L.A.H. you want a new topic how about who's the better singer, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Elton John. LOL. Sorry couldn't resist. LOL
ReplyDeleteMusic is subjective. One person's favorite isn't another person's favorite. While I like Eliot, and I think he has a good tone to his voice, I always thought he had too much vibrato in his voice. I much prefer Taylor.
ReplyDeleteL.A.H. If your were given a chance to mentor or mold a gifted singer who was rough around the edges, what would your approach be?
ReplyDeleteFrom a purely vocal perspective, Elliott is among the top five singers from any season of AI. There is no denying his vocal gifts. He is underrated in today's music business and is sadly losing much of the steam he had immmediately after season five. This, I believe, can change with better management, the perfect song, or more exposure. That being said, Michael Lynche had the best overall voice quality of all contestants on AI this season, but AI is no longer a singing competition. It is all about marketability--a talent show that no longer recognizes pure talent. Taylor was and is a gifted entertainer. He would probably be the first to admit that he does not possess an incredible voice, but he compensates for this with his charisma and showmanship, much like Elvis and Sinatra did. Neither of these gentleman had unbelievable voices, for there were others in their field who could outsing them on any given day. These men had the ability to "put a song over", and engage their audience. Vic Damone, the most polished, technically perfect singer of his era, did not receive anywhere near the attention as Sinatra, due in part to his lack of charisma onstage and possibly bad luck. Sarah Vaughan had perhaps the most incredible vocal instrument of any artist, but was overshadowed by Ella, Billie, and Aretha. As long as Taylor and Elliott are working in the music industry and making money doing what they love to do, who cares which one is technically superior. I'm sure both of them would agree.
ReplyDeleteLord knows I don’t want to start a war, but I must admit that Yamin is a better singer. I do really like Taylor. But the plain truth is voice quality and consistency has to go to Yamin. LAH is right. American Idol has not stayed true to it’s mission which is to find the “best” singer who deserves a chance at a career without having to go to the school of hard knocks. Now they have gone to picking contestants with sad stories, babies on the way, kid sisters and brothers who want them to win, and anything else they thing will tug at your heart strings. And don’t get me started on the contestants that play an instrument better than they sing. The producers need to go back to basics. It’s all about putting through the best singers/performers – nothing else.
ReplyDeleteElliott has the best voice of all idols and one of the best in the industry. A couple of notes in, and you know it's Elliott. No one else sounds like him, sings like him, its authentic, it's unique. I don't know how to explain it....but his voice is addictive.....I seriously listen to it daily. I know I'm not alone in saying so. Sorry Taylor, I enjoyed you as a contestant, you have a nice voice, but it really is very ordinary.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you said you just wanted to know who the better singer is Elliot or Taylor. But in your comments you just had to mention GOD AWFUL - SPASTIC AND DIDN'T DESERVE TO WIN. I love Elliot and Taylor they are the only two that I took the time to vote for. I like Taylor's voice better and with saying that I don't have to down grade Elliot.
ReplyDeleteElliott is 2x better singer then taylor ... i liked elliott and taylor the same on AI but after the show where WTF did taylor go? i have both of Eliott's CD'S .... Elliott rocks
ReplyDeleteWere did Taylor go? Well, he's been on the road, literally for the past 4 years. First with the AI tour, then a full year on his own headlining tour - which grossed 4 million, then on Broadway and the national tour of Grease for the past 2 years. Comprende?
ReplyDeleteNow I got a question for you, "anon". What's Elliott up to? He's got no record to promote, he doesn't do Broadway, TV or Film, he's not writing or touring for himself or anyone else. WTF did HE go?
So, thankfully this poll is closed. I think we can all safely say that AI5 had the most talented group of men singers ever to appear together on AI. Both Taylor and Elliott are out there pursuing their dreams, and I wish them both continued success.
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