Phil Vassar - Prayer of a Common Man
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 18:24
“You know the country’s in trouble when a guy like Phil Vassar—who gets songwriting royalties for penning hits for Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina and others—declares that “They can kiss my price of gas/It’s time to speak my mind.” Country music’s not in trouble for having a new Vassar album, though. The Virginia native and Nashville veteran’s delayed fourth studio set was well worth the wait, with some of his most evocative songs brought to life by even richer arrangements and production. A piano man in a twangy guitar world, Vassar’s instrument of choice gives each of these dozen songs a full-bodied foundation. There are rowdy rockers (”Around Here Somewhere,” “Baby Rocks”) and more reflective pieces (”My Chevrolet,” “Crazy Life”), but the bulk of the songs muse about relationships, cars, late fathers and rockin’ girlfriends (or wives).—Gary Graff”
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