For over 35 years, American hard rockers Mr. Big have delivered their own special sound fusing ‘70s blues-rock and ‘80s melodic hard rock with some six-string shredding courtesy of Paul Gilbert. They are best known for the acoustic ballad “To Be With You” (No. 1 in America and 11 other countries) and their semi-acoustic cover of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World,” but they are truly a dynamic, high-energy rock band with chops to spare.
Mr. Big’s latest and reportedly final album Ten features three quarters of the classic lineup – soulful frontman Eric Martin, guitar maestro Paul Gilbert, and stellar bassist Billy Sheehan – along with skilled drummer Nick D’Virgilio. The latter capably fills in for original skinsman Pat Torpey, who died from complications due to Parkinson’s disease in 2018. While the band were originally unsure of continuing on after Torpey’s passing, they decided to do one more album and their Big Finish farewell tour, which they are currently on. (And which doesn’t include songs from this album.)
Although quite not as raucous as their earlier albums, Ten offers plenty of amped up tracks in classic Mr. Big style like the rambunctious opening cut “Good Luck Trying.” However, our top three picks for the best tracks on the album deviate from that sonic blueprint. Part of what has kept Mr. Big in the long game is they have tried different musical approaches, as exemplified by the following three songs.
“Right Outta Here”
This spirited stomper makes one think of Led Zeppelin and features an instrumental chorus with a dark Eastern vibe thanks to its slide-guitar work. It almost gives the song a mystical feeling. The contrast between the chorus and the more upbeat verses makes it one of the most memorable tracks on the album as Martin sings about life lessons that should have been learned.
Two looks in the eye, all I needed to confront you / Two truths and a lie, I’m always fallin’ for your voodoo / Bad juju And now I’m sitting on the fence / My home address is a pretty mess / I can smell the fire still burnin’ / The old lesson I keep learnin’ .
“As Good as It Gets”
Gilbert’s jangly chords and vibrant six-string harmonies invoke a ‘70s vibe that mesh with the positive lyrics about a euphoric romantic rendezvous with a lover who could be The One. One of the advantages of being an older rock band is having a different perspective than the younger guns, and many of the lyrics on this album reflect that enlightenment. Even a simple declaration of love feels more reflective.
I must be dreaming ’cause angels can’t be real / There’s something sacred between us, that’s how I’m supposed to feel / Let your hair down, baby, let it spill all over me / You’re everything I need / I realize I’m alive in every kiss / I fantasize in your smile and lose my breath / And maybe forever begins tonight, it’s as good as it gets.
“The Frame”
The lone tender ballad on Ten focuses on an aging person who feels like they are slipping into invisibility. One could view it as a metaphysical musing about leaving the spotlight after so many years in it, or perhaps one could interpret it as representing the end of an era for someone’s life, perhaps a relationship. Martin delivers the somber words with poignancy, and the band plays with tasteful restraint.
Time slips right through my fingers / Like a light switch turns on to off / Cut right out of the picture / I’ve become some man with no name / I once was an indelible figure / Now I don’t even fit in the frame.
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