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Greatest Entertainer on the Stage! Jan 29, 2008 It's easy....listen to a song by Phil, become instantly addicted to his music. This talented singer/songwriter blends real life lyrics with catchy, toe-tapping music that everyone can relate to...American Child will bring a tear to your eye, as well as Last Day Of My Life; while songs like I'll Take That As A Yes and Real Love make you want to get up and dance. All Phil's fans are anxiously awaiting his new CD, Prayer Of A Common Man, on which his Top 20 hit Love Is A Beautiful Thing describes simply, what all of us want in life. Love. Thanks for some of the best music I've ever heard, Phil!
If you get a chance to see Phil Vassar in concert, don't miss the opportunity. You can hear Phil's energy in his music, but seeing him on stage is something to savor. He immediately relates to the crowd and gets you on your feet, never to sit again throughout an entire concert. Incredibly, the crowd sings along with Phil, knowing every lyric. True fans, and many of them. Concerts are packed, standing room only, and fans are energized time after time with Vassar's unique style and infectious smile. Without a doubt, 2008's entertainer of the year.Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
A sophisticated record that puts many contemporary country debuts to shame! Jul 23, 2006 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.
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
One of my standard favorites Oct 31, 2004 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.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
WOW Jul 26, 2003 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.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Phil Vassar... Brought Me Back to Country! May 09, 2003 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!
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