Album Review: Mr. Big's Intriguing New Album "Ten"

Album Review: Mr. Big’s Intriguing New Album Ten Mr. Big’s latest release, Ten, showcases the band’s undeniable talent and musicality. From the opening track to the closing notes, each song on this album is a testament to their skill and creativity. With Ten, Mr. Big proves once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock music. US rockers, Mr. Big have officially released their new album, “Ten” on Friday, July 12 on all streaming platforms and music stores. The band’s latest record consists of 11 tracks and is also their first without the involvement of their drummer, Pat Torpey, who passed away back in 2018.

Mr. Big Release New Album "Ten"

Mr. Big Unleash New Album “Ten” After Pat Torpey’s Passing

Experiencing a difficult moment after the passing of their original drummer, Pat Torpey in February 2018 that somewhat halted the band’s plan, things seemingly changed last year. Aside from heading into World Tour, the Rockers also revealed a massive surprise stating that they are releasing a new album earlier this year.

As the band and its label revealed, their upcoming record is titled “Ten” and fans can already pre-order ahead of the official release on July 12. In support of the new album, the band have now released two singles, with ‘Up On You’ being their most recent as the music video premiered on YouTube last month while their first single ‘Good Luck Trying’ was unveiled in May.

Those two songs brought back that rock and roll vibe the band crafted since their first album. Both tracks have an upbeat feel that will get you pumped up and potentially slightly head-banging in a moderate rock fashion. Other exciting tracks from “Ten” that music lovers can check out to get themselves hyped up are ‘Right Outta Here’ and ‘Sunday Morning Kinda Girl’. Meanwhile, a more classic rock and roll vibe can be heard from ‘What Were You Thinking’.

Mr. Big’s “Ten” Still Offers Captivating Ballads and Exciting Guitar Solos

Aside from taking fans to reminisce about their hard rock feel, the veteran rockers still put out their iconic ballad songs plus exciting solo guitars from the maestro, Paul Gilbert. ‘I Am You’ is the first rock ballad track on Mr. Big’s “Ten” that can captivate music lovers right from the get-go. Another song that will get you to experience that special tingling feel would be ‘Who We Are’ and the melancholic ‘The Frame’.

Those who were hooked by Mr. Big through their majestic rock ballad won’t feel disappointed as they can still experience it on the new album. As for guitar heads, although Paul Gilbert is not playing as crazy as he was back in the early 90s and 2000s, the maestro still puts in exciting solos on “Ten”. A specific track where one can witness PG’s exquisite playing is ‘As Good As It Gets’, in which he played his classic shredding phrases. ‘Right Outta Here’ with its Mediterranean feel is also a nice track to check out Gilbert’s exciting playing.

Overall, Paul Gilbert is still showcasing his guitar-playing prowess although he also put on his current slide-based playing style as well. One might feel there are some changes in the ferocity of Paul and Billy’s playing but it’s actually an exciting element to experience as seeing how Mr. Big seems musically more ‘rich’ in vocabulary on their new album.

Will “Ten” be Mr. Big’s Last Studio Album?

Seeing that the US-based rockers have previously planned their farewell from long and winding tours right after their current road trip. There have been questions on whether they completely disbanded or retired as a band, which would make “Ten” become their final studio album. However, there’s still no final decision apparently on whether Mr. Big will officially call it a day in creating music as their lead singer, Eric Martin is not closing the door just yet.

In several interviews to promote “Ten”, Eric admitted that he doesn’t know what the future will be but there’s still no final decision on whether they will completely stop making music again as Mr. Big or not. The vocalist only confirmed that they are not keen on doing long tours anymore considering their age, family reasons, and other personal schedules. Nevertheless, the singer is still open to doing one-off shows if there are opportunities in the near future. However, it will certainly depends on how the other members feel about it.

Regardless what will happen with Mr. Big’s future, their current album “Ten” is certainly an exciting musical repertoire that is worth checking, especially for rock lovers who have followed them for years. Those who are keen on getting a copy of the new record can get it via the Evo XS label. There are several bonuses that you can get when buying the album which is available in several formats such as CD, Vinyl and Cassette. Music lovers can also stream the band’s new album on all digital platforms.

Mr. Big’s “Ten” Track List:

1 Good Luck Trying

2 I Am You

3 Right Outta Here

4 Sunday Morning Kinda Girl

5 Who We Are

6 As Good As It Gets

7 What Were You Thinking

8 Courageous

9 Up On You

10 The Frame

11 See No Okapi (Instrumental – Japan Bonus Track)