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MR. BIG
Ten
Frontiers Music Srl
http://www.mrbigsite.com

A reunited MR. BIG is a good year or so into their final tour around the globe, appropriately titled The BIG Finish. Although vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, and bassist Billy Sheehan resisted the idea of new music without founding drummer Pat Torpey, who passed away in 2018, the band mates developed such a spark and camaraderie with live drummer Nick D'Virgillo (SPOCK'S BEARD) that they decided to at least give it a try.

There's a lot going on in the opening track "Good Luck Trying". The entire band is getting an opportunity to shine, from D'Virgillo's snapping toms, to Sheehan's thumping bass, to Martin's soulful delivery, to Gilbert's bluesy riffs and licks. Eric Martin takes on the internal struggles of flying right and/or screwing up on the vigorous track "I Am You".

Gilbert's string bending notes kick off "Right Outta Here", while his steel guitar-like strums take you the rest of the way. The song's vibe is a throwback to early MR. BIG and their '60s and '70s influences. Gilbert is back at the break to throw in some '80s style shredding. "Sunday Morning Kinda Girl" sounds like a lost Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart composition, with the amps and distortion kicked up.

MR. BIG slows things down for the inspirational ballad "Who We Are". Eric Martin reminds us that we all have the ability to bounce back from dark times. There are some great multi-part harmonies during the chorus sections. Gilbert tears through his solo like this is an up-tempo affair, but it works. "As Good As It Gets" is a touching ode to an amazing and loving relationship.

Fiery guitar licks and a driving Blues shuffle lead the charge on "What Were You Thinking". Martin maintains a Rock and Roll swagger with his vocals. D'Virgillio and Sheehan bounce off each other well on the low end of things. "Courageous" is another uplifting song about believing in yourself and conquering your fears.

Someone else is singing on the bonus track "8 Days On The Road", a cover of the FOGHAT classic. The notes I have don't mention whom, but the Internet is split between Sheehan and Gilbert.

On their way out the door, MR. BIG have delivered an unscrupulous Blues-tinged Rock record with Ten. Sure, it doesn't have the polish that some of their earlier releases have, but it has all of the drive, heart, and soul of an up-and-coming band. Ten is a fitting curtain call, but fans are likely to want an encore.

4.0 Out Of 5.0