Phil Vassar

Amazon.com
Songwriters who make the jump to recording artist often have a tough time--either their personalities are too introverted or their voices better suited for demos than major-label debuts. But the piano-playing Vassar, who's penned hits for Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson, should be able to take the leap in stride. Stylistically, he's gleefully reminiscent of other favorites: "Joe and Rosalita" is dead-on Billy Joel, "Like I Never Loved Before" seems straight out of Michael Peterson, and doesn't that piano line on "Lucky as Me" remind you of Bruce Hornsby? But whether he's a talented imitator or a marketer with an eye for the Billboard charts, Vassar's regular-guy vocals and upbeat persona--undeniably infectious and feel-good, despite several forays into mawkish ballads--seems just the ticket as country meanders through its current identity crisis. --Alanna Nash

Phil Vassar,Phil Vassar,Arista,Contemporary Country,Contemporary Singer/Songwriter,Country,Country & Western,Pop

Average customer rating: Good, but different Phil Vasser Greatest Hits 1 I love this CD! Great! Catchy and Fun

Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 Phil Vassar Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Me and My Gang White Trash with Money Shaken Not Stirred ASIN: B000F2CC04 Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

1. Bye Bye
2. In A Real Love
3. Carlene
4. I'm Alright
5. Last Day Of My Life
6. My Next Thirty Years
7. Little Red Rodeo
8. American Child
9. Twenty One
10. Just Another Day In Paradise
11. For A Little While
12. The Woman In My Life
13. Six-Pack Summer
14. That's When I Love You
15. I'll Take That As A Yes (The Hot Tub Song)

Customer Reviews:

Good, but different.......2007-03-10

It's got all my favorite Phil Vassar songs that I never knew he sung. Its great. The only disappointment is that the arrangements are a little different than what you hear on the radio.

Phil Vasser Greatest Hits 1.......2007-02-07

Wow what can i say about this Hunk of a man . This is a great cd of all his best hits, ones he wrote and sang. Some of ones he did not sing like Little Red Rodeo, Real Good Man, and others. The best of the best of Phil. After being right by the Stage Dec 2006 seeing Phil in person im a Philfan for life. Buy this Cd you wont be disapointed.

I love this CD!.......2007-01-30

This is the first Phil Vassar CD that I have and I really like it. I always like his songs that are played on the radio. This is the perfect CD to have because it includes all of the popular songs.

Great!.......2007-01-12

I loved this CD. I listen to it all the time in the car...even my kids have started to sing along with it!

Catchy and Fun.......2007-01-10

Phil is a fun guy, and his music is fun. This CD is a great pick-me-up. There are no super-deep songs, but Phil's never claimed to want to write one. This is a great choice to get a feel for Vassar's style and personality.

Average customer rating: Makes me feel closer to everyone... Nashville hacks singing for faux-patriotism Great CD To to a kids review A Message For A Kid's Rewiew Comment

Patriotic Country Various Artists Manufacturer: Bmg Marketing ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Patriotic Country, Vol. 2 American Patriot Have You Forgotten? America Will Always Stand God Bless America ASIN: B00025L42G Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

1. Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A.
2. Montgomery Gentry - My Town
3. Brooks And Dunn - Til My Dyin Day
4. Martina Mcbride - God Bless America (Previously Unreleased)
5. Aaron Tippin - Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly
6. Lones tar- Im Already There
7. Randy Travis - America Will Always Stand
8. Phil Vassar - American Child
9. Kenny Chesney - Back Where I Come From
10. Alabama - Born Country
11. Neil McCoy - Im Your Biggest Fan (Previously Unreleased)
12. Hank Williams, Jr - America Will Survive
13. Blackhawk - Days Of America
14. The Charlie Daniels Band - This Aint No Rag, Its A Flag
15. The Warren Brothers - Hey Mr. President
16. David Ball - Riding With Private Malone
17. Dusty Drake - One Last Time
18. Kenny Rogers - Homeland

Album Description

A portion of the proceeds from each CD sold will be donated to the USO, our active-duty troops, and the families of fallen soldiers.

This collection includes a previously unreleased "God Bless America" by Martina McBride (performed only once at the Rose Bowl Parade Jan 2002).

Customer Reviews:

Makes me feel closer to everyone... .......2007-05-30

When my husband deploys, I feel alone, scared and yes worried.. As a military wife you usually aren't allowed to admit that.. :) This cd is amazing... I love it and it makes him being gone a lot easier.. I don't care what anyone says... We are in the right fight.. at the right time with the right President. I don't like him being gone.. But its worth it.. This CD makes me feel patriotic.. it tugs at my heartstrings.. makes me smile.. I can imagine driving with Private Andrew Malone.. I can feel proud to be an American... I can cry over "I'm already there.." All the songs make me smile... So yes.. worth every penny and more!!!
God Bless America!!!

Nashville hacks singing for faux-patriotism.......2005-12-23

Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, Aaron Tippin, Lee Greenwood, Neal McCoy, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Phil Vassar, The Warren Brothers, Dusty Drake, Hank Williams Jr., Alabama, The Charlie Daniels Band, David Ball, and Blackhawk.

What do these artists have in common? Cutting edge musical geniuses? Gifted songwriters able to speak to a wide range of audiences? Innovators in their genre?

Err, no.

Actually what they all have in common is that they all appear on this package, created to commercially exploit the war on terrorism, one which contains songs like Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly, This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag, and Back Where I Come From. In other words, maudlin, xenophobic, cliche filled, black/white dichotomous sentiments, and the lack of any attempt at rational or questioning political analysis, all set to fiddles and pedal steel guitars, and to be marketed and sold at Wal-Mart. I should add that I am not against patriotism, when it is intelligent and well informed; this, however, is dumb, reactionary faux-patriotism. Nothing is more so than the song God Bless the USA. As an American who loves his country, I can say that this song, with its syrupy sound and its naive lyrics, does not speak for me.

I listened to a bit of this schlock on a plane ride a while back just to see how much of it I could take. The answer was - not very much. What little I could take made me want to drink, and heavily.

Some of these performers, specifically Brooks and Dunn, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, and perhaps Kenny Chesney and even (I hate to admit) Toby Keith are actually fairly talented; others, like former lounge singer Lee Greenwood, Alabama, Montgomery Gentry, etc, are 3rd rate musical hacks.

Ultimately, listening to this nonsense, I'm reminded that some of the greats of the genre, like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, George Jones, and Willie Nelson were neither knee-jerk
reactionaries nor apologists for a ruling political party. Then again, Dusty Drake, Montgomery Gentry, and Blackhawk are no Johnny Cashes. Just Nashville hacks, soon to be forgotten.

Great CD.......2005-08-21

It is a great CD. If you like country music, this is a great buy. Not all the songs are about America, but make you feel good and proud of where you come from.

NOTE: Most of the bad reviews below have to more with politics than music. These folks probably have never listened to all the songs let alone actually buying the CD.

To to a kids review.......2005-07-31

"would like to say that this is a great cd and I love it when people write reviews like the one written on Dec. 21, 2004 titled (One of the worst cds ever). People like you make me sick, first you don't use your real name (like your a terrorist wearing a hood), next you play it off like a kid wrote that review, very cowardly. "

I'll tell you I'm a kid (age 16) and some don't want to use their real name because this is the internet, not real life. If you knew my name or the original reviewer's real name, would that make any difference? Anywa, you say since a reviewer doesn't use their real name, they are a terrorist? Very intelligent.



"If your home is destroyed by someone, you are not going to look for the people or person involved. No you are going to the proper authorities and they will handle it.

That is what happened here. We were attacked and the proper authorities are handling the situation."

We were not attacked by Iraq and the proper authorities are not handling the situation. We attacked Afghanistan, but Iraq has nothing to do with this.

"Look I am all for freedom for imagrant's but they took it to far with the attacks. Living in our country, working here, becoming friendly with the neighborhoods and gaining the trust of everyone around just to destroy part of the country you love (so you say) is just something that cannot be tolerated. At least we had the guts to tell them we were coming. You should be thankful that you have a country who is willing to protect you and your family. "

So you think it's immigrants fault that we were attacked? And you call yourself an American? You should be blind to race and country of origin, we are all Americans here. The country of Afghanistan attacked us and we went after them, that has nothing to do with immigrants.

"Right after 9/11 happened EVERYONE was togther as a whole to make sure the people behind this act of cowardly violence (kind of like the way you wrote your rewiew) and any kind of terroristic threats on U.S.A. would never happen again. But I guess for some of you people that was just like hopping on the band wagon for a short period of time."

It was not cowardly violence. In a war you strive to kill the most enemies you can. I would only Hope the US would strive to kill or detain as many terrorists as they can just as their target was civilians. Whatever you say, suicide bombings are not cowardly, they are actually pretty effective. Find me a US citizen willing to fly a plane into a building full of terrorists to kill our enemies.


"It's not a matter of what song's are good to listen to and what songs aren't. It's about a bunch of people who support the country (they love) so they can feel safe to go shopping, go to work or just go for a walk and not have to worry about some idiot flying a couple of planes into some building's or into the ground and never see their loved ones or the light of day ever again."

Ah, back to the actual review of the CD, which you have made a minor detail. I don't care about what these singers support, I care about their music. I care about what politicians support, and how singers sing. I happen to like many of the songs on the CD, but I didn't buy it because I own many of the songs already.


"How can you say you love something if you are going to let it get hurt and not try to justify the situation. I feel sorry for the people in your life."

Well more people are in car crashes every year than were in the WTC during 9/11, so you should be pushing for safety in cars. How can you say you love something if you are going to let it get hurt and not try to justify the situation? Of course you are a very effective tool of the terrorists, the typical American scared out of his pants when a building goes down, scared to shop, when you are in more danger driving your car. We have killed over 10 times the ammount of CIVILIANS in Iraq (nothing to do with 9/11) than the 9/11 attacks killed. Of course I'm sure they aren't people to you.


But back to the CD, I am really thinking about buying it mainly just for "Hey Mr. President" and I'm dissapointed they didn't put it on another CD, I love the song and the Warren Brothers.

Most of the songs are really great, although "God Bless The USA" was overplayed and I used to love it, but now I'm just tired of it. All of these songs are great, although some don't even seem to be patriotic. But that doesn't matter to me, because great music is great music, which is worth buying.

A Message For A Kid's Rewiew Comment.......2005-03-10

I would like to say that this is a great cd and I love it when people write reviews like the one written on Dec. 21, 2004 titled (One of the worst cds ever). People like you make me sick, first you don't use your real name (like your a terrorist wearing a hood), next you play it off like a kid wrote that review, very cowardly.

If your home is destroyed by someone, you are not going to look for the people or person involved. No you are going to the proper authorities and they will handle it.

That is what happened here. We were attacked and the proper authorities are handling the situation.

Look I am all for freedom for imagrant's but they took it to far with the attacks. Living in our country, working here, becoming friendly with the neighborhoods and gaining the trust of everyone around just to destroy part of the country you love (so you say) is just something that cannot be tolerated. At least we had the guts to tell them we were coming. You should be thankful that you have a country who is willing to protect you and your family.

Right after 9/11 happened EVERYONE was togther as a whole to make sure the people behind this act of cowardly violence (kind of like the way you wrote your rewiew) and any kind of terroristic threats on U.S.A. would never happen again. But I guess for some of you people that was just like hopping on the band wagon for a short period of time.

It's not a matter of what song's are good to listen to and what songs aren't. It's about a bunch of people who support the country (they love) so they can feel safe to go shopping, go to work or just go for a walk and not have to worry about some idiot flying a couple of planes into some building's or into the ground and never see their loved ones or the light of day ever again.

How can you say you love something if you are going to let it get hurt and not try to justify the situation. I feel sorry for the people in your life.

Average customer rating: A sophisticated record that puts many contemporary country debuts to shame! One of my standard favorites WOW Phil Vassar... Brought Me Back to Country! HOLY COW!!

Phil Vassar Phil Vassar Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shaken Not Stirred American Child American Child Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 This Is God ASIN: B00004KH7A Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

1. Carlene
2. Just Another Day In Paradise
3. That's When I Love You
4. Rose Bouquet
5. Joe & Rosalita
6. Six-Pack Summer
7. Lucky As Me
8. Like I Never Loved Before
9. Didn't You Know She's Gone
10. Somewhere In Between
11. Drive Away

Amazon.com

Songwriters who make the jump to recording artist often have a tough time--either their personalities are too introverted or their voices better suited for demos than major-label debuts. But the piano-playing Vassar, who's penned hits for Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson, should be able to take the leap in stride. Stylistically, he's gleefully reminiscent of other favorites: "Joe and Rosalita" is dead-on Billy Joel, "Like I Never Loved Before" seems straight out of Michael Peterson, and doesn't that piano line on "Lucky as Me" remind you of Bruce Hornsby? But whether he's a talented imitator or a marketer with an eye for the Billboard charts, Vassar's regular-guy vocals and upbeat persona--undeniably infectious and feel-good, despite several forays into mawkish ballads--seems just the ticket as country meanders through its current identity crisis. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews:

A sophisticated record that puts many contemporary country debuts to shame!.......2006-07-23

I know that it is 2006 and Vassar's debut was released in 2000 (I'm a little slow :-)). Nevertheless, I still look back on this as one of Vassar's greatest records, which not many musicians (country music or otherwise can say).

This country debut by Vassar, in my opinion, is still one of the best debut records of a country musician (and, possibly, music in general) for the following reasons...

1. The maturity. Vassar is not some green, 18/19/20 year-old with a voice that sounds as if he's still on the tail-end of puberty. In his mid/late 20s, Vassar had worked various jobs, married, and had a child. THEN, he became a professional songwriter. THEN, AFTER THAT he was signed on as a musician in his own right. Thus, his life experiences show in his vocals, which are crisp and energetic, but not too-youthful. This IS NOT the voice of a country musician just out of high school and forced into the spotlight like there's no tomorrow.

2. He plays the piano. Sure, other country musicians can play other instruments in addition to the guitar (the piano is often one of them). But, in regards to country music of the 21st-century, very few country muscians use the piano as their main instrument. This makes him stand out from the acoustic-guitar crowd as well as the rockin'-electric-guitar crowd. And he doesn't just pound out a few chords here and there, relying mostly on studio musicians; he PLAYS (listen to "Carlene", "Rose Bouquet", or "Joe & Rosalita", and you'll know what I mean).

3. He is a GOOD songwriter. By good, I do not merely mean he knows how to rhyme every two lines or every-other-line. By being a good songwriter, he writes lyrics that are catchy and easy to put music to, yet they are not songs for the "lyrically impaired". In other words, if you're looking for country music lyrics a la Britney Spears or Avril Lavigne, you best look somewhere else.

In short, of all Phil Vassar's records are superb, but his debut stands out not just in Vassar's catalog, but in the catalog of country music as a whole.

One of my standard favorites.......2004-10-31

I've owned this CD for quite awhile and it's in that set of CDs that I play regularly. The songs are upbeat, easy to sing along to, and good for the soul. I find myself smiling even if I was blue to begin with. Love it and Phil.

WOW.......2003-07-26

I have well over 300 CDs and this is my favorite. I first got a taste of Phil Vassar's music when I heard "Little Red Rodeo" by Collin Raye, and JoDee Messina's "Bye Bye" and "I'm Alright". When I bought this CD, I was blown away. I love how he tells stories in songs. His lyrics are catchy at times, while other times, the song breaks your heart. "Rose Bouquet" tells of perfect love gone sour, "Six Pack Summer" is just about kicking it, and my favorite "That's When I Love You" is upbeat and is what any girl would want her boyfriend/husband to say. The rest of the tracks are well worth a listen, as well.
I've also seen him in concert and he is AMAZING! What a talent--singer/songwriter/performer. I love his everyday sounding voice and love the CD.

Phil Vassar... Brought Me Back to Country!.......2003-05-09

I first saw Phil Vassar as a guest on the televison show Nashville Star. He was providing advice and inspiration for the budding singer songwriters on the show.
I had no idea who he was and was sure he was just a songwriter and not a performer... boy was I wrong. Phil didn't necessarily look the part or fit the bill in a traditional sort of way. And that is more than okay!
I think that is the reason why I am drawn to him as a country artist. He seems very humble and a real "everyman". That really appeals to me.
This self titled album is full of honest, straightforward yet very creative songs. He has an upbeat approach and also is so deeply invested in his ballads that every word he sings rings so true.
The happy in everyday life song, "just another day in paradise" is an anthem for all of those average Joe's and working men and women. Phil embraces the life of a family man and portrays that convincingly in this awesome tune!
I enjoy his ballads. I especially liked the 4th track, "Rose bouquet." This song is filled with such whistfulness and longing. You surely can feel the pain in the lyrics.
Phil just comes across so honestly in everything he sings. I really like the fact that he knows who he is, and makes that apparent in all he writes and puts out there. Purchase this CD now and you will be won over to country music too!

HOLY COW!!.......2002-12-19

I have never been much of a country music fan until recently. This CD ROCKS!!! I'm not a very patient CD listener. Usually I'll constantly skip through songs, but not this one. I have listened to this CD all the way through several times. I love it!! I would recommend this to anyone....country fan or not!

Average customer rating: Excellent Songwriter/Singer!! Best Country Performer Ever Best Yet [...] I'm a Phil phan!

Shaken Not Stirred Phil Vassar Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Phil Vassar American Child Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 American Child Songs About Me ASIN: B0002X7C2Y Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

1. Good Ole Days
2. In A Real Love
3. What Happens In Vegas
4. I'll Take That As A Yes (The Hot Tub Song)
5. Erase
6. Here To Forget
7. I Miss The Innocence
8. Amazing Grace
9. Nobody Knows Me Like You
10. Dancin' With Dreams
11. Gone By Dawn
12. Black And Whites

Amazon.com

On his third album, singer-piano thumper Phil Vassar has made a couple of wise choices. He brought his own band into the studio while spending more of his own studio time tickling the ivories. With entertaining and insightful piano ballads like "Gone by Dawn," "Amazing Grace," and the stirring personal anthem "Black and Whites," Vassar emerges as something of a contemporary country-pop answer to Billy Joel. He's a little less convincing on evanescent chart fodder like "What Happens in Vegas" and the lusty "I'll Take That as a Yes," but when he lets his obvious pop-rock influences roam free on the keyboard he sounds masterful and built to last. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Songwriter/Singer!!.......2006-05-14

This is a must for any music collection. Phil Vassar's talent is one you have to hear, you will become a fan in no time after one listen!!

Best Country Performer Ever.......2006-02-27

Buy the CD, and go see this performer in concert. He will out-do any showman, captivate you with his stage presence, and sing his heart out with show stoppers like "I'll take that as a Yes!" and many, many other songs that take you back to simpler times in life. Get this CD first, then, as soon as you are Vassarized and a Phan Phor Liphe,(the PH's are for PHil) check out the other CD's....

Best Yet.......2005-11-28

All of Phil's cd's are wonderful, but this is his best by far. It really shows his range. From the rocked up Hot Tub song to the slow Billy Joelesque Black and Whites and everything in between. I'm now waiting for him to make a CD of all of his song's that other people have done.

[...].......2005-11-05

By: Maxine Macpherson

Phil Vassar's country is different. Maybe it's the piano instead of the typical guitar. Maybe is the extraordinary energy of this performer coming out in his music or maybe it's the lovely, simple stories he tells with the songs he co-writes. Actually, it's all of these things, at least that's the case with Vassar's newest CD, Shaken Not Stirred.

At a CD release party in Lowell, MA in September, Vassar thrilled his audience with several cuts from the new album, including the first single and recent #1, "In a Real Love." This song is a great example of Vassar's rocking piano style and lyrics that create a visual picture for the listener:

"Well, I was 18 makin' minimum wage
With a letterman jacket and a Chevrolet
I thought I was cool, yeah, I ruled the school."

There are several songs that continue or build on the theme of a young man's dreams that have to give way to growing up. "I Miss the Innocence" is the best example of this loss:

"A crazy boy and a pretty girl
Man, life was simple then
Nothin' that we had to do
And no one to answer to
`Til reality stepped in
We're growing up
We've changed so much."

Vassar told the audience he spent six-months creating and recording the new CD. He co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs included on the CD. He also broke with Nashville tradition, using his own band members instead of studio musicians and writing with a variety of people including his bus driver. He talked about his early work experience as a bartender and that's the subject of the song "Here To Forget." Vassar loves to return to youthful themes, found love ("I'll Take That As a Yes"), getting over lost love ("Gone By Dawn") and shared plans that never seem to workout ("Dancin With Dreams").

The piano, always present in a Vassar song, is even more pronounced on this CD. Especially good is the country and jazz love song "Nobody Knows Me Like You" and, what Vassar claims is an "ode to my piano," the very blues-like "Black and White." This last is a real change in style and it works beautifully. It is obvious that the piano is more than an instrument for this singer - it's a second voice.

[...]

I'm a Phil phan!.......2005-08-28

Okay, Phil Vassar sure ain't your "traditional country" artist, but he's a GREAT performer all the same! This CD does a great job of showcasing his piano skills and unique vocal abilities, and has some really catchy, stick-in-your-head songs. A couple tracks are more "light and jazzy" than country, but they're great all the same. Besides the singles released to radio (like "In a Real Love" and "I'll Take That as a Yes"), there are other great songs on this album. My fave is probably "Nobody Knows Me Like You," one of those love songs that makes you go, "Aww..."

Average customer rating: A stunning combo of country acts doing zztop Pretty cool! I wonder if any of these artists were really fans? Ignore All The Other Reviews "Hank Sr, Patsy Cline,Conway Twitty...It Aint"

Sharp Dressed Men: Tribute to ZZ Top Various Artists Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: I've Always Been Crazy: A Tribute to Waylon Jennings Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles Come Together: America Salutes the Beatles Timeless: Hank Williams Tribute Touch My Heart: A Tribute to Johnny Paycheck ASIN: B0000645J0 Release Date: 2002-04-30

Tracks:

1. Gimme All Your Lovin' - Lonestar
2. Sharp Dressed Man - Brad Paisley
3. Jesus Just Left Chicago/Waitin' For The Bus - Hank Williams Jr.
4. La Grange - Tracy Byrd
5. Rough Boy - Brooks & Dunn
6. I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide - Dwight Yoakam
7. She Loves My Automobile - Willie Nelson
8. I Need You Tonight - Andy Griggs
9. Cheap Sunglasses - The Warren Brothers
10. Legs - Trace Adkins
11. Tush - Kenny Chesney
12. Just Got Paid - Montgomery Gentry
13. I Thank You - Phil Vassar
14. Fearless Boogie - Hank Williams III
15. Sure Got Cold After The Rain Fell - Alan Jackson

Amazon.com

ZZ Top's twangy, hyper-charged Texas-style blues-rock has always been superficially irresistible. The blazing guitar riffs and driving rhythms of hits like "Legs" and "Tush" have made them anthems in topless bars the world over. Yet on this 15-cut tribute, country artists like Lonestar, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., and his son, Hank III, not only manage to match the blistering, guitar-driven abandon of ZZ's original hit versions, but also imbue them with a measure of bluesy soulfulness. Some listeners will probably be surprised to discover that these familiar songs do actually have lyrics, since the ZZ boys tend to bury them under a ton of metal. While some of these covers are less than memorable, quite a few are outstanding. Along with the aforementioned artists, Brooks & Dunn (on "Rough Boy"), Alan Jackson ("Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell"), and Andy Griggs ("I Need You Tonight") also evoke a tough tenderness that's often obscured when the Topsters slip their sleek hit-making formula into hard-rockin' overdrive. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews:

A stunning combo of country acts doing zztop.......2005-05-01

Anybody dissing this record just don't get it. I have downloaded and bought a lot music over the years and this is one of the most entertaining listens i can remember in a long time. All the songs are well done and sound super. There is nothing weird on here just great covers of zz top originals. This record kicks off with a bang and just never stops, soulful blues and smoking rock with a little country twang thrown in on occassion. Not one bad song on this disc, how many of your others discs can you say that about!

Pretty cool!.......2003-11-21

I was amazed to find this in an outer Sydney 2nd hand record store! flabbergasted. I couldn't wait to hear it. It's a great fusion of blues and country. If you're a ZZ TOP fan waiting for another release like some of their earlier stuff, this is good, the version of Sharp-dressed man is very true to their roots acutally, and it's sort of though songs like Legs and Rough Boy have been made to sound more like their roots. Good stuff, wish I lived in Texas. Pity no one did Leila, a great country love song.

I wonder if any of these artists were really fans?.......2003-03-22

Well, after listening to this tribute cd my opinion is: stick to the original. Several of the covers are OK, and I have to agree that the only person that "got it" was Willie Nelson. This is coming from someone that is NOT a Willie Nelson fan, but he actually did what the album is about: Making a country version of a rock song, and making it hold up as a country song. Kinda like Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt" (a Nine Inch Nails song). Those two versions will never be confused, but they both stand up in their respective categories.
My biggest problem with this cd is that hardly any of the songs have soul. It sounds generic. I think the main problem is that most country singers today use studio musicians, and they play what they are told. So if you tell them to play a country version of a rock song, that's what they do. But they don't make it personal, and that is what is missing.
What are some of the pluses on the album? Well, I have to say that the Warren Brothers did a good job on "Cheap Sunglasses", and I really enjoyed Hank III's version of "Fearless Boogie". "Just Got Paid" by Montgomery Gentry just ROCKS. I was glad of that, because "Just Got Paid" has one of the best guitar riffs ever. Period.
For the most part, this tribute album lacks soul, and in spots the singing is laughable. If you're looking for an album like the Eagles' tribute "Common Thread", you're not gonna find it here. Too bad Travis Tritt coundn't have added a song to this album.

Ignore All The Other Reviews.......2002-06-23

If you are a ZZ-TOP fan SECOND and a country fan FIRST, this is one of the greatest albums ever. If you are not a country fan, you likely won't enjoy this album, as many other reviewers can attest. The problem is you get ZZ-TOP fans who are expecting some sort of a Rythmeen concoction (Which happens to be my favorite ZZ-TOP album). It's nothing of the sort. It's pure country. Lonestar SOUNDS like Lonestar. Brad Paisley is 100% Paisley. As are Willie, Kenny Chesney, Tracy Bird et al. They ALL sound great on this album, and all manage to make the songs their own.
Buy it because you like Dwight Yoakam, Phil Vassar, Bocephus, but not because you want to hear ZZ-TOP. ZZ-TOP already has their OWN albums out. ;) Leave bluesy, humbucking, grungy goodness to the TOPs. That's what they do best. Country needs to be played by Country.
Y'all take care, now,

WYK
Austin, TX

"Hank Sr, Patsy Cline,Conway Twitty...It Aint".......2002-06-23

If you like most of what Nashville has been putting out over the last decade or two and grew-up on country and rock, this will be a nice addition to your collection. If you like traditional country and only traditional classic country and are somewhat close-minded about various musical genres and believe that covers of other peoples music is supposed to sound exactly like the famous or popular version, this would be a waste of your money. I am 42 and have been into the "modern" era of country since about 1978. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the classic country of days gone by , and truely like a lot of the "old stuff" from the 50s and 60s. While I like nice soulful ballads, I really prefer the harder-edged stuff, the Johnny Cash, Hank Jr, Waylon, Willie, the Derailers, Swingin' Steaks, the "Outlaw" thing, Rock-a-billy, as well as most of the "modern pop" brand of country. I was raised on rock, top-40 AM radio, some hard some pop, I even tapped my foot and would have liked to dance in the (thank God) short-lived Disco era, but give my ears some hard fiddle playin' and some serious guitar work, and I can hear things in my neck and back go crack. Each of the artists on this CD were obviously ZZ fans back in the day. I own most of what ZZ ever did. I own at least one CD from every artist on this tribute CD. These country sangers did ZZ justice. Boo hoo...don't buy this because it doesn't sound like the original? Bee Ess to that! Even a Hank Sr (may God bless him) concert or a Hank Jr concert didn't sound like a Hank Sr record or a Hank Jr record. "Country" people will like it. "Rock"ers will like it. Even toothless old Grandma in her porch chair would turn off her Conway and say "Crank them ZZ wannbes, boy!" Buy it. Turn it up. You will move...and if old enough, might even hear things go crack in your spine and back.

Average customer rating: Radio misses again Nice Country-Pop Simply put: Great Music! Recently re-released with additional tracks A let-down for his second outing ...

American Child Phil Vassar Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Phil Vassar Shaken Not Stirred Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 This Is God On a Mission ASIN: B00006BXJR Release Date: 2002-08-06

Tracks:

1. American Child
2. Forgettin's So Long
3. Time's Wastin'
4. I'm Already Gone
5. Athens Grease
6. Baby, You're Right
7. Ultimate Love
8. Stand Still
9. Someone You Love
10. Houston
11. I Thought I Never Would Forget
12. I'll Be the One

Amazon.com

Former Nashville club owner and celebrated songwriter Phil Vassar took country's mainstream by storm with his self-titled 2000 debut. On American Child, his follow-up, Vassar's accomplished performances, along with his intense romanticism and best-of-all-worlds optimism, once again shine through boldly on smooth yet impassioned originals like "Baby, You're Right," "Stand Still," "Ultimate Love," and the wistfully patriotic title tune. Even on soul searchers and potential downers like "I Thought I Would Never Forget" and "Someone You Love," Vassar never sounds like his angst is much more than skin deep or his romantic confusion more than a fleeting glint of gray in life's unflaggingly sunny skies. Thus his sophomore song collection, with its robust mixture of artistry, confidence, and earnest hopefulness, will likely expand the robust middle-of-the-road audience he cultivated with his celebrated debut. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews:

Radio misses again.......2006-01-11

How this guy is not getting major play time on the radio is a mystery. He is one of the most talented singer song writers in music today.

This CD is a five 1-12.

Nice Country-Pop.......2005-01-09

Phil Vassar has proven his songwriting abilities countless times, and this album is no exception. A great follow-up to his s/t debut, although it falls short in places.

The title track is the megahit and the reason people are looking into the album, which is no problem, but there a few other grest tracks. "Forgettin's So Long" is the oddly-titled second track, which has a great drive to it, and a great soaring chorus. The surprise after the laid-back intro to "Athens Grease" it that the song has some nifty AC/DC-styled rock guitar to back up a great country tune about a master mechanic. "Baby, You're Right" is a great variation on the title track melody, and turns it into a beautiful ballad. "Ultimate Love" is another poppy up-tempo track. And any Texan/astronaut should love "Houston" and its witty chorus.

However, the album's pop sensibilities are its downfall rather than its strengths. Too many tracks sound like Rascal Flatts or something off adult contemporary radio. There's too much pop sheen, too mnay overwrought synth strings, not enough grit and gristle. Some tracks are decidedly country, but a lot of the album has evidence that Vassar's sold his soul a little south of Nashville, if you get my drift...

So, for those few songs, the album's worth it, but it's hardly a classic, probably only to be remembered for its patriotic title anthem.

Simply put: Great Music!.......2003-03-15

The decade of the 90's has seen many talented songwriters come out of the woodwork on Nashville, and a rare few have attempted to segue into the realm on singing. Phil Vassar did just that, and he certainly suceeded.

Following his Gold self-titled debut album, Phil delivers another dose of fresh pop-country, written and performed in true Vassar-like style, writing slice-of-life tunes, while still sounding sincere in his ballads of love and heartache. What immediately impressed me was the catchy choruses and verses found in nearly every track. You'll find yourself singing right along the first time you hear these songs.

The variety is impeccable, and there is not one weak track on the album, as Phil uses his piano playing skills numerous times and shows he truly is a master of his craft. Song highlights include: Athens Grease, This Is God, Forgettin's So Long, American Child, and the clever Houston (We Have a Problem).

For both country and non-country fans, I recommend this cd without hesitation. Great job Phil!

Recently re-released with additional tracks.......2003-03-04

This former songwriter to the country stars (Tim, Alan, Jo Dee) may list Merle and Willie as influences in his bio, but it's Bruce Hornsby who comes to mind when one listens to the prominently-placed piano and mandolin on Vassar's first two releases. He earns his spot in country music, however, with his impressive ability to consistently merge life experiences with strong melodies.

Unsurprisingly, Vassar had a hand in writing all twelve tracks on this second outing. He takes his stab at post-9/11 patriotism with the "anything is possible in America" sentiments of the title track. Humor also figures strongly in the mix with the witty wordplay of "Athens, Grease" (think early Clint Black) and the commitment phobic "Houston (We Got A Problem)." Relationships are a dominant theme throughout, running the gamut from the rollicking remembrance of a high school flame "Forgettin's So Long" to the poignantly lovestruck ballad "Already Gone."

Recently, this album was re-released with two additional tracks which strengthen the cd considerably. One is the timely single "This Is God," which finds Vassar taking on the role of our heavenly father in order to question the chaos going on in the world. The other is a remake of the Huey Lewis & The News hit "Workin' For A Living" as a duet with Lewis himself. It's long been a highlight of Vassar's stage show and its frenetic tempo adds some much needed balance to the serious far.

A let-down for his second outing ..........2002-11-18

Phil Vassar never writes a bad song.

"Phil Vassar" contained a number of GREAT compositions, but "American Child" is, by and large, filled with songs NOT QUITE good enough to have made it on #1.

A technical note: This CD was mixed and mastered in L.A. - not Nashville. Of the four songs I liked, I had to EQ (brighten) all of them and add a (very slight) touch of echo to match the energy of his debut outing. "Phil Vassar", his first CD, sounded absolutely fantastic "flat." It was a masterpiece of taste, style, and technique (singing, songwriting and engineering).

I sincerely hope this isn't a repeat of the Anita Baker Syndrome - you know, where the artist is PRODUCED on CD #1, is CO-PRODUCING by CD #2 and then SOLO PRODUCING HIMSELF on #3 ... as the superior quality of the original slips away in measurable increments.

Average customer rating:

This Is My Life Phil Vassar Manufacturer: Universal Music Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B000TGGJSW Release Date: 2007-09-19

Average customer rating: This is the revised version of the album Pretty good album-worth owning but not as good as the first Great Song Writing! Crazy Attempt Extra tracks, more Phil!

American Child Phil Vassar Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Phil Vassar Shaken Not Stirred Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 This Is God The Road and the Radio ASIN: B000086ERL Release Date: 2003-01-14

Tracks:

1. American Child
2. Forgettin's So Long
3. Time's Wastin'
4. I'm Already Gone
5. Athens Grease
6. Baby, Your Right
7. Ultimate Love
8. Stand still
9. Someone You Love
10. Houston
11. I Thought I Would Never Forget
12. Working For A Living
13. I'll Be The One
14. This Is God

Customer Reviews:

This is the revised version of the album.......2003-05-22

This former songwriter to the country stars (Tim, Alan, Jo Dee) may list Merle and Willie as influences in his bio, but it's Bruce Hornsby who comes to mind when one listens to the prominently-placed piano and mandolin on Vassar's first two releases. He earns his spot in country music, however, with his impressive ability to consistently merge life experiences with strong melodies.

Unsurprisingly, Vassar had a hand in writing all twelve tracks on this second outing. He takes his stab at post-9/11 patriotism with the "anything is possible in America" sentiments of the title track. Humor also figures strongly in the mix with the witty wordplay of "Athens, Grease" (think early Clint Black) and the commitment phobic "Houston (We Got A Problem)." Relationships are a dominant theme throughout, running the gamut from the rollicking remembrance of a high school flame "Forgettin's So Long" to the poignantly lovestruck ballad "Already Gone."

Recently, this album was re-released with two additional tracks which strengthen the cd considerably. One is the timely single "This Is God," which finds Vassar taking on the role of our heavenly father in order to question the chaos going on in the world. The other is a remake of the Huey Lewis & The News hit "Workin' For A Living" as a duet with Lewis himself. It's long been a highlight of Vassar's stage show and its frenetic tempo adds some much needed balance to the serious fare.

Pretty good album-worth owning but not as good as the first.......2003-05-16

I love this guy's voice and I love American Child and especially THIS IS GOD!!! Wow - this album is worth owning if only for that song (I do feel bad for those who bought it before the bonus tracks). However, it is not a future classic after future classic compilation like the first Phil Vassar album. If you don't have that one and you can only afford one, buy that! If you have that one or you can afford 2, go for Amazon's 2-fer deal and get them both. This one is worth owning and quite enjoyable in its own right. I'm not panning it, but just saying I was expecting FABULOUS and got simply really good instead!

Great Song Writing!.......2003-04-27

I am here to say I am a believer in Phil Vassar's talent! I recently caught his video for the song, "This is God" on CMT. What a stirring song!
This particular track is dripping with grace. It's all about how, in our humaness, we have twisted the truth of who God is and what he expects from us in our lives. I was blown away when I saw the video... and bought this album immediately!
The title track, "American Child" is also a phenomenal piece of song writing. Phil Vassar isn't your traditional country artist. He is all country but more than that. He is a thoughtful writer with strong heart rending vocal ability.
If you love heart-felt song writing and soul filled singing you will love this album.

Crazy Attempt.......2003-02-06

Take a good look at the country charts for Phil Vassars American Child the original album bombed on the charts after about a month and dissapeared from the top 40 album charts a major disspointment obviously for Arista Recrords because they probably have high hopes for Phil Vassar. I have never seen this before on an album now the person has got to buy this album again if they bought it before January that is the case with me because there a few new tracks here to make the album shine a little better with a power ballad called This is God a song kind of similar to American Child but in different context and a few other tracks were added. The rest of the album is kind of shuffled and I guess they could not pick another single off the album for the radio that is why they had to rerelease the record.

Extra tracks, more Phil!.......2003-02-05

This CD has all of the awesome songs from Phil's American Child CD, plus the powerful "This is God" and a rockin' version of Huey Lewis and the News' "Working for a Livin'" - featuring Huey Lewis. Both songs were completed too late for American Child's release last August and rather than make the fans wait, Arista has 'repressed' the American Child CD.

Average customer rating:

Words Are Your Wheels et al Phil Vassar (Author) Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Phil Vassar ASIN: B000A3I5VI Release Date: 2002-01-01

Product Description

A Song To Promote Literacy

Average customer rating:

Karaoke: Phil Vassar Karaoke Manufacturer: Chartbuster Karaoke ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Karaoke | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music ASIN: B000HCO8RC Release Date: 2006-06-27

Product Description

Title: Just Another Day In Paradise w/vocal; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 1| Title: Ultimate Love Song w/vocal; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 2| Title: Rose Bouquet w/vocal; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 3| Title: Last Day Of My Life w/vocal; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 4| Title: Good Ole Days w/vocal; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 5| Title: That's When I Love You w/vocal; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 6| Title: Just Another Day In Paradise; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 7| Title: Ultimate Love Song; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 8| Title: Rose Bouquet; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 9| Title: Last Day Of My Life; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 10| Title: Good Ole Days; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 11| Title: That's When I Love You; Artist: Phil Vassar; Track: 12|

Music Album:

1. Places in Time
2. Right Or Wrong
3. Ring Of Fire [Box set]
4. Rocky Mountain High [Import] [Original recording remastered]
5. Settin' the Woods on Fire [Box set]
6. Slant 6 Cowboys
7. Somewhere Between Right & Wrong
8. Sonny Rocks
9. Southern Lines [Enhanced]
10. Spirit Moves Me/Burning Bridges [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Music Album