Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks
(Arista)
3 out of 4 stars

Unlike most of the "American Idol" pack, Taylor Hicks arrived fully formed. That works to his advantage on his recording debut. The silver-haired soulster doesn't have to try on 10 different styles. He jumps right into a funky Muscle Shoals pocket and stays there.

Kicked off with a dirty Southern beat, "The Runaround" sounds like a vintage version of the Radiators. "Heaven Knows" cleverly grafts a Ray Charles riff onto a Marvin Gaye melody. And Hicks more than acquits himself on the oft-covered Motown ballad "Wherever I Lay My Hat."

Matt Serletic's excellent production is spiced with deft use of brass (a rarity these days). And Hicks himself plays a pretty mean harp on "Gonna Move."

OK, there are some duds here, for instance the second half of the CD.

But it's a pleasant and accomplished virgin voyage. Of course, Hicks already knew how to sing. Let's hope he gets some dance lessons.