Stephen
I remember reading somewhere on the net few years back that there ain't no chance the original line-up of Mr.Big will be back together after all those disputes between members, but here we are, fast forward to 2011, they licked up what they spitted and presented us with a record full of 90s rockin' hooks that made them famous, not to mention the additional acoustic live album and worldwide shows, and even though the songs aren't as strong as what it used to be, this is still a pretty damn fine album.
Eric Martin still sounds spectacular, his youthful age-defying vocal is one of the highlights, but Mr.Big is a balance band, each member provided an above-average performance that's very much enjoyable. 'Undertow' and 'All The Way Up', these two singles are definitely the best tracks here. They seem to always know how to expertly pick songs that are casual-fans-friendly, catchy, and has potential to become concert regulars, but never underestimate the other brilliant songs such as 'Stranger In My Life', 'I Won't Get In My Way', and 'Around The World'.
Too bad on some songs, they focus mainly on the technical display and not the songs, and 'Nobody Left To Blame' and 'Once Upon A Time' are the perfect examples. 'American Beauty' and 'I Get The Feeling', also the bonus track, 'Unforgiven', also sounds average to me. However, I need to mention that 'Still Ain't Enough For Me' and 'As Far As I Can See' are growing better and love these two, even though it's not really an immediate songs. The production is also acceptable but don't know if it's only me, it sounds like they're playing inside an empty dusty barn, a bit drowny on the vocal part, but wasn't a problem at all, it just gives me a different listening atmosphere.
'What If' is a nice comeback and to see the band in a great shape together is a relief, at least in the few years to come, we still have high hopes for two or three more albums with a usual compilation and live albums throw in the middle, followed by some concerts. My single complain is that irritating flying pig on the front cover, don't know what were they thinking, but remember : never judge a book by its crappy cover!