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Mr. Big: Ten
Mr. Big - Ten Album Art

Mr. Big: Ten

Melodic Hard Rock
4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 10.07.2024 | Released: 12.07.2024

With a career that spans over three decades, American band Mr. Big returns with their tenth studio album, aptly titled Ten. The album arrives in the midst of their current The Big Finish Tour, and features veteran drummer Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard, Big big Train, et al) who replaces founding drummer Pat Torpey who died of Parkinson's Disease in 2018. The original members remain: Eric Martin (lead vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), and Billy Sheehan (bass). Questions remain whether this will be indeed their last album and tour.

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Mr. Big

There is no question about Mr. Big consistent and signature sound. With broad strokes, their songs are a mixture of classic hard rock, AOR, boogie, and blues. Led at the mic by Eric Martin, vocal harmony remains strong with gang backing vocals. Sheehan and D'Virgilio have a natural, seamless chemistry in the rhythm section. Ever creative, Gilbert delivers with fine riff harmony and vigorous, bluesy solos.


Turning to the tunes, I found myself somewhat skeptical on the first spin, mostly because I haven't listened to a Mr. Big studio album in many years. But a second spin got me hooked because of the creativity and variety in the arrangements. This came mostly from the depth and different patterns in the rhythm section where a energetic rock beat meets funk and blues. This notable in As Good As It Gets, Right Outta Here, Good Luck Trying, and Sunday Morning Kinda Girl, an AOR arena ready tune. That last song was my favorite, and should have been dropped as a single. Another song that impressed was Up On You where the groove, vocal harmony, and Gilbert' slide guitar are so solid to be profound. Mr. Big is well known to cover other bands songs: Humble Pie's 30 Days In The Hole comes to mind. They cover Jerry Ragovoy's Eight Days On The Road, made famous by Foghat. It's fine, and different, but I'll take Foghat's version. Essentially, Ten is one of those album that is diverse enough to satisfy any rock n roll fans' palate.

All said, Ten finds veteran band Mr. Big in consistent and fine form, delivering their signature mixture of rock, boogie, funk and blues tunes. If this is to be their swan song, they have finished well. Recommended.



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The Take Away

All said, Ten finds veteran band Mr. Big in consistent and fine form, delivering their signature mixture of rock, boogie, funk and blues tunes. If this is to be their swan song, they have finished well. Recommended.

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