// ARTICLES
Hilton quickly making a name for himselfBy Chrissie Balding
ihigh.com
Sep 20, 2004
Tyler Hilton isn?t related to tabloid favorite sisters Paris and Nicky, but from the sounds of his debut album, he will grabbing headlines of his own in no time.
The singer-songwriter?s self-titled debut, The Tracks Of (Maverick, September 28), is at times raw, refreshing and soulful, and will change the way you look at alternative rock. Unfortunately, it is also at times tired, tedious and clich?d, and will reinforce every stereotype that has ever surrounded alternative rock.
Although billed as an alternative rocker, Hilton?s rugged sound lends itself to a variety of musical styles, and it is evident that the 20-year-old Palm Springs native has been touched by a wide range of musical influences. The first track, "When It Comes" has shades of the vocal stylings of Edwin McCain and Train, while fast-paced "Kiss On Me" is reminiscent of John Cougar Mellencamp.
"Rollin' Home", a rollicky, bluesy number, is by far the can't-miss song of the album. The deliberate pace showcases Hilton's captivatingly craggy voice, and will no doubt draw comparisons to another raw voice, that of Bob Dylan.
While Hilton clearly has the vocal chords to keep him from being just another moody alt-rocker, the tone of his first major label release isn't doing much to keep him from falling into that trap. He sings about "miss[ing] the girl and the cigarettes" on "Insomnia" and laments that "love is never in the same place that you left it" on "Pink and Black". Whatever the reason for the repetition, it feels put upon and leaves the listener yearning for more of the distinctive sounds that Hilton captured on the infectious "Glad".
All in all, The Tracks Of is an impressive freshman effort from Tyler Hilton. With his sultry voice and songwriting talent, here?s betting that this newcomer will be making headlines for years to come
