So here we are with potentially Mr. Big’s final record and it’s an interesting one. Anyone who has over the years followed the solo careers of Sheehan, Martin and Gilbert will know that as musicians they have covered a lot of ground and their individual or ‘other band’ releases have been eclectic and great fun. Mr. Big however has always had that signature sound and here it sounds both mature and assured whilst retaining a few surprises for the faithful.
Opener ‘Good Luck trying is an interesting opener and choice of single that sees a very precise Blues that kinda eschews soul for slickness except in Martin’s vocal which adds a nice dirty edge to the very precise backing. The musicianship of course is excellent but that loses a bit of feel striving for perfection. It’s certainly and interesting way to open.
There’s no time to wait though so let’s get stuck in: ‘I am You’ is a cool a breezy foot tapper, all nicely melodic and feelgood. And that is followed by ‘Right Outta Here’ which is one of the most interesting songs here mixing an ‘eastern’ flavored guitar line against a Bluesy flavoured, strutting verse. Throw in a Bluesy solo and you have something that sits wonderfully, hypnotically uncomfortably yet sounds wonderful. It’s typically atypical Mr. Big and one of my first play favourites.
‘Sunday Morning Kinda Girl’ settles into a straight rocking groove with a feelgood sixties sound. It’s easy on the ear and uber catchy and in a parallel universe a Top Ten hit for sure! It’s swifty followed by the first slow number: ‘Who We Are’ a barroom ballad that is nice and gritty making the most of both Martin’s voice and Gilbert’s guitar. It’s another keeper!
‘As Good As It Gets’ has a real vintage ‘singer-songwriter’ vibe, and a jangly guitar that allows Eric to do his work, there’s a breezy feeling of unadorned 70’s rock that just works. That is followed by the ‘hit the highway’ feel of ‘What Were You Thinking’ that rides a great riff and features some lovely ‘blue sky’ guitar work from Paul. To me this is the coolest part of the album.
‘Courageous’ adds some swagger and a great chorus, and is the sort of song you can imagine second era Tina Turner belting out! ‘Up On You’ then ups the ante with a trademark Mr. Big rocker, that just shouts “Party!” That just leaves it to ‘The Frame’ to close things, and it takes us out with a gentle reminiscence. It’ a poetic and gentle way to close what is another fine album.
Bonus track ‘8 Days On The Road’ that comes with European versions is a wonderfully bluesy crawl that is almost a more languid take on Steve Marriott’s ’30 Days in the Hole’ – it’s a very cool song and worthy of being more than just a bonus. Mr. Big may not be going out with a bang, but they are going out at the top of their game!
7.5 /10
TRACKLIST:
1. Good Luck Trying
2. I Am You
3. Right Outta Here
4. Sunday Morning Kinda Girl
5. Who We Are
6. As Good As It Gets
7. What Were You Thinking
8. Courageous
9. Up On You
10. The Frame
11. 8 Days On The Road (Bonus Track)