Multi-platinum hard rock band, MR. BIG, are gearing up to release their tenth studio album, aptly titled, “Ten“, next July 12 via Frontiers Music. In the midst of their final tour ‘THE BIG FINISH’, MR. BIG, inspired by the legions of fans that shared in their goodbye over the past year, wanted to say a final farewell with the undertaking of a brand-new studio album.
Culminating over three decades of musical partnership, Martin, Gilbert, and Sheehan, with the help of newcomer Nick D’Virgilio, ignite their spark once more and take a new form with the forthcoming ”Ten”.
The entirety of the album, recorded both live in the studio and on the tour bus (!), showcases the band’s unique ability to compose homegrown hard rock ‘n’ roll and their consistent success in climbing new musical heights.
Opening the album, Good Luck Trying is a Paul Gilbert composed hard rocker that barrels along with a blues-tinged groove. Conveying the pressures of life, feelings of lack of direction and occasionally a sense of desperation, Good Luck Trying also aims, despite the chaos of society, to show defiant resilience in a world devoid of warmth and clarity. As if to counteract the expectations of listeners with a limited knowledge of the band or those who only know them for mega-hit To Be With You, there is seemingly a deliberate choice across the album for Mr Big to revisit their earliest influences and Good Luck Trying certainly succeeds in this.
Second track I Am You, although based around acoustic guitars, has a more straight-ahead feel and earthy catchiness. Right Outta Here, at least in places, changes musical tack once again with oriental influenced embellishments blending with traditional rock tropes. It is in these more incisive moments that ”Ten” is at its most successful.
Feel-good track Sunday Morning Kinda Girl harks back to the harmonies, handclaps and infectious rhythms of the Sixties and As Good As It Gets would be perfect with the roof down in the summer – both tracks providing the most upbeat moments of the album.
In contrast, Who We Are is a relaxed bluesy ballad. Although the musical tone is somber, lyrically, it celebrates the enduring strength and transformative power of love and faith. Eric Martin delivers his vocal effortlessly, displaying just what a versatile singer he still is.
Billy Sheenan’s bass work shines brightly on rock ‘n’ roller What Were You Thinking. Rattling with pulsating agility and exuding the aura of a band having great fun, it is one of the best tracks on “Ten”.
Following the melodic Courageous, and the fiery swagger of Up On You, final track of the album – in this Japanese edition the instrumental See No Okapi – is a great display for all members’ impressive virtuosity.
Final album “Ten” sees Mr. Big embrace a range of musical from 70s bluesy hard rock to ballads to catchy rockers that made ’em famous. The tracks that adopt a grittier approach endure as the most distinctive and memorable but fans need – and love – the melodic side of Mr. Big, and there’s aplenty.
It’s a gift to hear the band produce something new one more time, and they should be commended for making on ”Ten” the album they wanted – both in terms of timing and style.
HIGHLY Recommended
01. Good Luck Trying
02. I Am You
03. Right Outta Here
04. Sunday Morning Kinda Girl
05. Who We Are
06. As Good As It Gets
07. What Were You Thinking
08. Courageous
09. Up on You
10. The Frame
11. See No Okapi (instrumental – Japan bonus track)
Eric Martin – Vocals
Billy Sheehan – Bass
Paul Gilbert – Guitar
Nick D’Virgilio – Drums
Mr. Big – Ten 2024 Japan Edition +FLAC
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