Mr. Big
Ten
Frontiers Music Srl
Released: 7/12/2024
10/10
Spanning over three decades, the music of Mr. BIG is stronger than ever and even more soulful than before. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out the self titled debut from 1989.) But we're not here to talk about (1), we're here to talk about TEN, the new digs from the Big boys.
Virtuoso duo, guitarist Paul Gilbert (Racer X) and bassist Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai/Sons Of Apollo) head the theatrics in the band with their style, flair, and precision on their respective instruments. Eric Martin fronts, as usual, and never leaves the soul behind. At 63, his voice is just as magical as it was at 33. Then there's Pat Torpey (The Knack) doing what he does best, keeping time and smashing brass!
Church service begins with the hard rockin', ultra soulful song, "Good Luck Trying". The groove is tight and the mood is right. From Soul to straight forward rock n' roll is the only way to describe "I Am You" and "Right Outta Here". Next is "Sunday Morning Kinda Girl", which sounds as if Deep Purple got together with The Monkeys to write a song for Geddy Lee"s solo project; and I mean all that in a good way. "Who We Are", "As Good As It Gets ", and "What Were You Thinking", again are as smooth as it gets. Easy on the ears and much to hear.
Moving right along to the last trio of songs. "Courageous" gets you up and out of your seat, "Up On You" brings some funk into the mix, and "The Frame" tops things off with a mellow vibe to leave you with a sense of Selah,(a Hebrew word meaning to, "pause and reflect" or meditate on words or in this case, songs that were sung).
It was a joy to listen to this record. I could listen to it ten times in a row! It's a good time. Highlights for me are "Right Outta Here", and "Sunday Morning Kinda Girl". Two very different songs with positive vibes and attitude .
Mr. BIG gets a big 10 for "TEN".
Tim Duran, HMS