Customer Reviews

American Child

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD has all of the awesome songs from Phil's American Child CD, plus the powerful "This is God" and a rockin' version of Huey Lewis and the News' "Working for a Livin'" - featuring Huey Lewis. Both songs were completed too late for American Child's release last August and rather than make the fans wait, Arista has 'repressed' the American Child CD.

This former songwriter to the country stars (Tim, Alan, Jo Dee) may list Merle and Willie as influences in his bio, but it's Bruce Hornsby who comes to mind when one listens to the prominently-placed piano and mandolin on Vassar's first two releases. He earns his spot in country music, however, with his impressive ability to consistently merge life experiences with strong melodies.

Unsurprisingly, Vassar had a hand in writing all twelve tracks on this second outing. He takes his stab at post-9/11 patriotism with the "anything is possible in America" sentiments of the title track. Humor also figures strongly in the mix with the witty wordplay of "Athens, Grease" (think early Clint Black) and the commitment phobic "Houston (We Got A Problem)." Relationships are a dominant theme throughout, running the gamut from the rollicking remembrance of a high school flame "Forgettin's So Long" to the poignantly lovestruck ballad "Already Gone."

Recently, this album was re-released with two additional tracks which strengthen the cd considerably. One is the timely single "This Is God," which finds Vassar taking on the role of our heavenly father in order to question the chaos going on in the world. The other is a remake of the Huey Lewis & The News hit "Workin' For A Living" as a duet with Lewis himself. It's long been a highlight of Vassar's stage show and its frenetic tempo adds some much needed balance to the serious fare.

This CD has all the great songs included on the original American Child CD, plus two new songs - the powerful "This is God" and a rockin' cover of Huey Lewis and the News' "Working for a Living" - featuring Lewis!

This former songwriter to the country stars (Tim, Alan, Jo Dee) may list Merle and Willie as influences in his bio, but it's Bruce Hornsby who comes to mind when one listens to the prominently-placed piano and mandolin on Vassar's first two releases. He earns his spot in country music, however, with his impressive ability to consistently merge life experiences with strong melodies.

Unsurprisingly, Vassar had a hand in writing all twelve tracks on this second outing. He takes his stab at post-9/11 patriotism with the "anything is possible in America" sentiments of the title track. Humor also figures strongly in the mix with the witty wordplay of "Athens, Grease" (think early Clint Black) and the commitment phobic "Houston (We Got A Problem)." Relationships are a dominant theme throughout, running the gamut from the rollicking remembrance of a high school flame "Forgettin's So Long" to the poignantly lovestruck ballad "Already Gone."

Recently, this album was re-released with two additional tracks which strengthen the cd considerably. One is the timely single "This Is God," which finds Vassar taking on the role of our heavenly father in order to question the chaos going on in the world. The other is a remake of the Huey Lewis & The News hit "Workin' For A Living" as a duet with Lewis himself. It's long been a highlight of Vassar's stage show and its frenetic tempo adds some much needed balance to the serious far.

Phil Vassar is truly one of the most talented artists out there in the country genre. His latest CD only screams that fact more loudly. His clever lyrics and balanced melodies make this a sure-fire hit with any country fan. He has been a talented songwriter for years, with hits like Alan Jackson's "Right On the Money", Jo Dee Messina's "I'm Alright" and "Bye Bye", and Tim McGraw's "In My Next Thirty Years". Now he's singing his own songs and making quite a splash in the music world. Phil Vassar is by far my favorite artist, and this CD was in no way a disappointment. There are a variety of songs on this CD, including up-tempo-drive-with-the-windows-down pieces like "Forgettin's So Long" and "Athens Grease", love songs that you have to sing along with, including "Baby You're Right" and "Ultimate Love", and the slower ballads like "Stand Still" and "I'm Already Gone" (previously recorded by Diamond Rio, but written by Phil). Of course, it also includes the hit single "American Child".

I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone that loves country music - you cannot help but smile when you hear this talented artist.

Phil Vassar's new CD is even better than I first expected. I knew the title track from the radio and his live show. I loved it from the get-go because of it's timeliness and heart.

Phil once again shows his songwriting chops, the songs range from the upbeat ("Forgettin's So Long") to the touching ("I'm Already Gone" - with some incredible work by the Nashville String Machine). My favorite song, besides "American Child" is the kind of silly "Athens Grease" - it is great to crank up and sing along with in the car! The AC/DC type guitar intro is very different and cool!! "Ultimate Love" is a great song about not having a lot of money, but being rich in another way. The awesome ballad "Stand Still" gives me a chill when I hear Phil velvety voice beg for time to stop! Another awesome toe-tapping song is "Someone You Love" - it is kind of like a continuation of "That's When I Love You" from his first CD.

There is NOT a bad song on this CD, you can listen to it from beginning to end. Phil Vassar is a savior of country music - his songs are timeless and honest, the hallmarks of country music. I look forward to hearing from him for a long, long, long time!

Phil Vassar returns with a second solo album, which is all top-notch material throughout. I purchased this cd right when it came out on August. 6,2002. His first album released in 2000, was about as good as a debut album could be. It lived up to its expectations and went gold. This new cd, "American Child", will follow the same path, and may as well approach platinum status as well. Phil co-wrote every track, including 2 with a member of rockbands, Matchbox 20, and Fastball. I can see a lot of hits from this album coming. Potential singles such as, "I'm already gone", and, "Standing still", "Ultimate Love", and even, "Forgettings so long", making the rounds on the charts. What makes Phil Vassar such a valuable asset to country music is his songwriting skills which are so incredible! His songwriting perfection, and he can sing great too give him more star-status, than a lot of older artists had after only 2 released albums. Kenny Chesney is finally having lots of success, and that was a long time in the making. Phil Vassar has a head-start and he's already bursting as an artist, more and more people are recognizing. I find that newcomer Steve Azar is a very good writer too. But their influences in their songs vary differently too.

All I can say is I gave this 5 stars because I really am enjoying this album a lot, the album is another step up from Phil's previous release. If you loved his first release you'll love this one as well. I could't really compare this album and his self-titled release accurately. That is because their 2 different music ventures, and are from a different perspective and time in the life of Phil Vassar.

Is there a more talented singer/songwriter in Nashville? I doubt it. Nashville ought to thank its lucky stars for Phil Vassar. A second incredible album from an incredible artist who has so much to give. We'll be hearing from Phil for a long time, and I suspect soon he'll be the biggest country star around (although his music crosses over the line into other genres -- one of the reasons for his appeal. A very broad talent, this guy is.) Plus, he is very, very sexy. I am so happy for his success, and grateful for his talent. Song #3 on this CD is my favorite, but all are fantastic.

I am here to say I am a believer in Phil Vassar's talent! I recently caught his video for the song, "This is God" on CMT. What a stirring song!
This particular track is dripping with grace. It's all about how, in our humaness, we have twisted the truth of who God is and what he expects from us in our lives. I was blown away when I saw the video... and bought this album immediately!
The title track, "American Child" is also a phenomenal piece of song writing. Phil Vassar isn't your traditional country artist. He is all country but more than that. He is a thoughtful writer with strong heart rending vocal ability.
If you love heart-felt song writing and soul filled singing you will love this album.

The decade of the 90's has seen many talented songwriters come out of the woodwork on Nashville, and a rare few have attempted to segue into the realm on singing. Phil Vassar did just that, and he certainly suceeded.

Following his Gold self-titled debut album, Phil delivers another dose of fresh pop-country, written and performed in true Vassar-like style, writing slice-of-life tunes, while still sounding sincere in his ballads of love and heartache. What immediately impressed me was the catchy choruses and verses found in nearly every track. You'll find yourself singing right along the first time you hear these songs.

The variety is impeccable, and there is not one weak track on the album, as Phil uses his piano playing skills numerous times and shows he truly is a master of his craft. Song highlights include: Athens Grease, This Is God, Forgettin's So Long, American Child, and the clever Houston (We Have a Problem).

For both country and non-country fans, I recommend this cd without hesitation. Great job Phil!