That’s right fellow hard rock lovers and metal heads, I fucking love Mr. Big! They really kick ass. All you have to do is pick up their debut album to get one of the biggest doses of fucking guitar and bassitude ever.
We’re talking about Paul (your face is gone from my playing) Gilbert and Billy (did you know a bass could actually be played this way?) Sheehan. Their chemistry is unique and their musicianship is truly a spectacle live, to be seen or heard. Their riffs are well placed, big and addictive. Pat Torpey may be one of the most underrated drummer of all time, a crisp, clean groove master who can thrash and tear it up when called upon to do so.
Ok yes, some of their ballads are sappy, but most are very well written. Ballads are certainly not the dominant song form on any of their albums, yet they’re labeled as a “ballad” band. Obviously this is because their most successful song which went all the way to #1 is a ballad. Honestly, I enjoy “To Be With You”. I think it’s a well written ballad and it has a catchy sing along chorus that does it’s job. That would be to get the chorus stuck in the listeners head (for better or worse).
This is what Mr. Big does, they write catchy, strong material that’s well produced. Not only that, but they can play anyone’s material out there sleeping with their hands tied behind their backs. Their technical abilities are unmatched. There is very little jamming competition out there. Their live shows are flawless.
If you really what to hear the truth of how talented this band is, get your hands on one of their many live albums. The real Mr. Big is experienced in a live setting and they fucking bring it. I hear them and don’t understand why they get ripped so much. They certainly aren’t “pussies” like a lot of metal heads who only listen to very heavy metal will say.
Mr. Big is one of the great American bands and they have a big American sound. Unfortunately their stride was during a time when the “Big American” rock sound was shunned, and their stride didn’t last like it should have. In 2008, they got back together and released a sold out night in Budokan on a deliciously indulgent double dish live album. They haven’t lost any edge at all.
Since then they’ve released two excellent studio albums that are both two of their strongest records. How many bands from their era can make that claim? Very few, although there are some. This deserves recognition and merit.
If Mr. Big isn’t up your alley that’s fine. But don’t go around scoffing a band that deserves to be respected. Even if you don’t like them, you just have to give it up to them.
