have you listened to his Ala npr review? He talked about the old style soul singers that he models himself upon.
my husband who is sort of a music critic and does know about music, has only heard taylor on the show and has not been impressed. I think if he were to listen to those two songs that are linked "Hell of a Day" and "Under the Radar" he would change his mind. I did not hear too much Joe Cocker.
No, didn't get a chance. Music is quite possibly the most personal of the arts. I think Taylor's voice is an acquired taste, and your husband's point of view is as valid as anyone else's. What I like best about Taylor above all else is that he is a true entertainer in -- as you said -- the old style. He really puts his heart and soul into letting his audience feel what he feels about the music.
So many of today's music "artists" are plastic and empty. They go through the motions and let all sorts of pyrotechnics do the entertaining for them. Taylor so cuts against the grain of that plastic trend, that I can't help but love him. (So does Kelly Clarkson, BTW, which is why she's been my favorite Idol so far. Taylor and Elliott are rapidly joining Kelly among my personal favorites.)