If I’ve learned anything recently about American Idol champion Taylor Hicks, it's that he has a devoted fanbase--the kind that is enamored with him, passionate about him, and strongly opinionated about his music. I can respect and even admire that.

I recently heard “The Runaround” and “Dream Myself Awake,” which weren’t particularly appealing. But maybe there is hope for Hicks’ record. Just today, Billboard divulged the track list for the album and it would appear there are some notable tunes to look out for.

He will add his own flavor to the Smokey Robinson classic “Aint That Peculiar,” originally performed by Marvin Gaye (which is a song I like; we’ll see if Taylor does it justice). He will take on “Where I Lay My Hat,” written by Gaye, and he will perform “The Right Place” written by The Adams and Jim Vallance, intended for the late, great Ray Charles to perform before he died. Don’t make Ray spin in the grave, Taylor.

In addition, Hicks will lay down a couple of tracks he wrote himself with “Soul Thing” and “The Deal,” which were previously released on his independent record before appearing on Idol.

His self-titled debut hits record shelves on Dec. 12 via Arista/19 Recordings and is produced by Grammy winner Matt Serletic. I don’t know if I’ll like the other tunes, but I’m sure the album will make many Christmas lists, selling a whopping amount of copies. However, keep in mind that Santa will only give the album to nice boys and girls. For those who were naughty, he may opt to drop Twisted Sister’s A Twisted Christmas in your stocking. Repent!

Here are the tracks for Taylor Hicks:
Runaround
Dream Myself Awake
Heaven Knows
Gonna Move
Wherever I Lay My Hat
Give Me Tonight
Just To Feel That Way
The Maze
Places I’ve Been
Soul Thing
The Deal
The Right Place