The Distance
Taylor Hicks · 2009
42 min · 11 tracks · soul
A blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt storytelling, underpinned by rich instrumentation and Hicks' powerful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Distance — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of perseverance and longing, showcasing Hicks' vocal prowess alongside stirring instrumentation that builds throughout.
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New Found Freedom — This track stands out with its upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics about embracing new beginnings, reflecting Hicks' own journey after American Idol.
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I Live on a Battlefield — With poignant lyrics that explore personal struggle and resilience, this song highlights Hicks' ability to convey deep emotion through his soulful delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow tempo and builds gradually, while the following tracks alternate between mid-tempo and slower ballads.
- Several songs feature prominent brass sections, adding a classic soul feel to the arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Distance
The chorus elevates as it repeatedly emphasizes overcoming obstacles, creating an anthem-like quality.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Distance 4:06
- 2 What's Right Is Right 3:48
- 3 New Found Freedom 4:25
- 4 Nineteen 3:10
- 5 Once Upon a Lover 4:09
- 6 Seven Mile Breakdown 4:18
- 7 Maybe You Should 3:45
- 8 Keeping It Real 3:46
- 9 I Live on a Battlefield 4:08
- 10 Wedding Day Blues 2:45
- 11 Woman's Got to Have It 3:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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