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

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  1. CoreyS
    Nov 7, 2008
    8
    Another strong album from the always consistent Brad Paisley. A few really great songs but a bit too much instrumental stuff for me. If you like amazing guitar playing this album is for you.
  2. 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 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 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.… Expand
  3. 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 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. 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.… Expand
  4. EricB.
    Nov 22, 2008
    9
    Paisley might be the best guitar player country music has ever seen. This is another great album by him.
  5. 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 a good present for christmas or birthdays
  6. TonyS.
    Nov 16, 2008
    2
    This album was done before by Steve Wariner in the 90's it was called "no more Mr. Nice guy". It was an origianl idea when he did it and because of that he won a Grammy for it. We'll see if Paisley gets a grammy. Brad is a great guitar player, but not much of a singer. I'm not a fan anyone who has an entire band behind and chooses to literally sing and play lead guitar at This album was done before by Steve Wariner in the 90's it was called "no more Mr. Nice guy". It was an origianl idea when he did it and because of that he won a Grammy for it. We'll see if Paisley gets a grammy. Brad is a great guitar player, but not much of a singer. I'm not a fan anyone who has an entire band behind and chooses to literally sing and play lead guitar at the same time (playing his own fill in licks) We GET IT...you can play guitar. MY GODDDD! How about some balance.... Why dont you use your band...your paying them. When he does give a solo to the Fiddle or Steele plyr... he's playing on top of them. Brad should be on tour with a Drum Machine..not band.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. 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.
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  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.
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  3. 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.
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