Play
by Brad Paisley
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Nov 4, 2008
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Los Angeles Times
    88
    Despite the fret board fireworks, this is an honest love letter to the art of making music.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Brad Paisley's mostly instrumental new set, which chronicles his self-described "love affair with the guitar," is both outstanding and diverse.
  3. Hartford Courant
    80
    He gives indulges that portion of his muse on the instrumental-centric Play while also managing to deliver a collection that is consistently lively and fun.
  5. Village Voice
    80
    Its darkness relative to the other stuff here (blues shuffle, surf pastiche, Les Paul tribute, B.B. King duet) is startling, even if the tune turns out to be about his wife.
  6. AllMusic
    70
    These ventures into pure '80s shred go a long way to illustrating just how versatile a guitarist Brad Paisley is, and they wind up as accidental autobiography, revealing a side he's previously camouflaged--but now that it's surfaced, it's easy to see why his albums are always among the most adventurous and best country music of this decade.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    The guitar whiz cashes in his superstar chits for this largely instrumental album, an indulgence he's earned but doesn't quite pull off.
  8. Mojo
    60
    Play sees Nashville superstar Paisley jam with an array of equally adroit pickers. [Dec 2008, p.111]
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  9. Blender
    60
    It's delightfully wacky and right in character. [Dec 08/Jan 09, p.80]
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  10. Uncut
    40
    It's nimble stuff, but the most moving contribution comes from the late Buck Ownes. [Jan 2008, p.104]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. JakeF.
    Jan 28, 2009
    9
    Outstanding instrumental album. I've never been a big fan of the regular songs they put on the radio: they've always seemed to me Outstanding instrumental album. I've never been a big fan of the regular songs they put on the radio: they've always seemed to me to be not much more than contrived pop-country, but his instrumentals on this album blew me away. He tweaks his country twang with distinctively jazzy progressions, and adds a tint of the blues to create a sound that is both unique, and entertaining. Furthermore, unlike a lot of the instrumentalists out there nowadays, his instrumentals carry a sort of melody that keeps them interesting. I also liked the way in which he distinctively shared the spotlight with the other instrumentalists in the band (despite what others may have said). All in all, very diverse, very entertaining, and a refreshing departure from what we're used to expecting from him.… Full Review »
  2. JoshW.
    Dec 14, 2008
    10
    This album is most likely Brad Paisley's best yet! The music is great and the vocals are better. get this album now! it would also make This album is most likely Brad Paisley's best yet! The music is great and the vocals are better. get this album now! it would also make a good present for christmas or birthdays… Full Review »
  3. AngusS.
    Dec 9, 2008
    9
    Brad never wanted to be a lead singer for a band, but was coerced into doing so by his managers and labels, for marketing purposes. The whole Brad never wanted to be a lead singer for a band, but was coerced into doing so by his managers and labels, for marketing purposes. The whole point of this album is to highlight what he wanted to do all along, which is play guitar. If you have ever been to one of his shows then you would know that he does give credit and time for his bandmates to showcase their talents as well. He has more than earned the right to put out an album like this. I applaud Brad for breaking the standard Coutnry/Pop mold.… Full Review »
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