Customer Reviews

Shaken Not Stirred

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ok, so I am a HUGE Phil fan, so my review may be biased. He is probably the most talented singer/songwriter today, who writes such prolific songs that remind you of yesterdays. This album is full of amazing talent, and doesn't have a bad song on it. You can tell Phil is really focusing on vocals here, as his voice seems more fine tuned than his previous works. "Amazing Grace" is by far the best song on the album; nostalgic, poignant, sweet. Most of the songs here are like that, which makes it so easy to listen to. Just pop the CD in and drive down a country road as the sun is setting...it will blow your mind. And if you've never seen Phil live, you are missing a completely amazing performance!

Phil Vassar has a baritone that contains a rare mixture of grit and sensitivity. His first two studio albums, however, didn't display that voice well-enough; their highly-polished sound made listeners wince at times. And while SHAKEN NOT STIRRED doesn't quite escape that popish sound, it does have more grit and heart than Vassar's previous albums--making it his career best so far, and one of 2004's better releases.

Ballads such as "Amazing Grace," "Erase," "What Happens In Vegas," the stone-cold-country "Nobody Knows Me Like You," and especially the autobiographical "Black and Whites" all display Vassar's rich voice singing from the heart. And yet, such upbeat romps like "Good Ol Days," "In a Real Love," the gritty "I'll Take That As a Yes," "Here to Forget," and "Gone By Dawn" are irrisistable. What that leaves you is this: Phil Vassar's SHAKEN NOT STIRRED, a contemporary country album that has its highs and lows (mostly highs, though), by a singer/songwriter who has few peers on radio today.

I think this cd is Phil's best yet. He really explores his sensitive side. I like the maturity that he demonstrates in his writing too. I noticed the sweet whistful tone to his lyrics and voice. You can almost picture the fun memories that he sings about. I'm so glad that he went back to bringing the piano to the forefront too. That is what makes Phil unique in the genre. Great cd!

Vassar's among a select set of Nashville hit songwriters who has successfully transitioned to chart-climbing performer. His previous album provided the commercial breakout, and this latest parlays that success with ever more radiant performances. Impressively, Vassar's ride to stardom (and the incessant touring it involves) hasn't cooled his pen, as he co-wrote all but two of the tracks here. Even more impressive is that Vassar recorded with his road band, rather than the typical line-up of studio-hounds, lending this disc a more collegial feeling than the usual Nashville production.

Though marketed as a Nashville artist, Vassar's soulful vocals lend many of these songs - like "Erase" and "Nobody Knows Me Like You" - a 70's-era style reminiscent of Chicago. Other tunes, like "What Happens in Vegas," venture to the California soft-country-rock sound of The Eagles, and "Here to Forget" follows provides lyrical shades of Jimmy Buffett's bar tales, though without the tropical musical influences.

There are country touches here and there in a passing line of steel, but this is really piano-heavy pop-rock ala Billy Joel. Good pop-rock, but pop-rock nonetheless. Additional highlights include the stark vocal-piano-and-steel "Dancin' With Dreams" and the bluesy Doobie Brothers-esque "Black and Whites." Sure to please fans and attract a few more.

3-3/4 stars, if allowed fractional ratings.

Phil Vassar has what it takes.....what a truly remarkable talent! I recently saw him in concert.....just him & his piano...you can't fake it when it's just you & trust me - he is the real deal! The new CD is one fantastic song after the next. My favorite is Erase.....very powerful. The Hot Tub song is just fun....how can you not enjoy that one, Black & whites another great one. Trust me....buy this CD, you'll be an instant phan. Keep working on your craft Phil.....I look forward to future hits! What can I say....Phenomenal!

Shaken Not Stirred finds Phil Vassar flexing his creative muscles as a songwriter, vocalist, and musician. Deciding to record this CD using his touring band instead of a host of session musicians in order to give the album more of a "live performance" feel, Phil effectively and passionately conveys music that runs the gamut from rockers to tender ballads to smoky blues. His electric piano-playing is given a more prominent (and impressive) role and vocally he's never sounded better on an album. Standouts include the poignant "Erase", the joyous (and in some ways bittersweet) "Amazing Graze", the soulful "Nobody Knows Me Like You", and the extraordinary "Black and Whites" - just Phil and the piano, singing his heart out about how a melody can move us all. Phil moves us and then some.

Wow, what heart and soul this album has! If you are looking for a CD that rocks, makes you feel tingly all over, and has a love song or 2; then this is Deffinately the CD you need to by!
Trust me you will not be dissappointed at all with this country album! Phil you rock!

Phil Vassar knows how to get your attention! and keeps it, with this CD! Great job, Phil!

Every song was out of this world. I absolutely love 'Black and Whites'! And boy, oh boy, 'I'll Take That As A Yes' is about the sexiest song I've ever heard!!!!

Excellent!

I love this CD from start to finish! The funny thing is I've been listening to it online for a week now and my favorites keep changing. At 1st my favorites were Good Ole Days-a totally fun song, I'll Take That As a Yes-sexy,sexy song, Amazing Grace and Gone By Dawn-both well written beautiful songs. As I listen for a few days I know I can't leave off Here to forget, What happens in Vegas, or Dancin' with Dreams-Billy Joel mixed with Don McClean. Can forget What Happens in Vegas and I Miss the Innocence-my latest favorite! Black and Whites is Phil's pianoman song-bluesy, with great piano, his story. So now a week later it's impossible to pick.I like every song on here, it's a great mix of story songs, ballads,fun uptempo songs with great piano and guitar. He used his own band and they did a fabulous job.
Thanks Phil!! It was worth waiting for!! Can't wait to hear all the songs live at a concert! 'Cause you haven't lived till you see Phil Vassar live!

Well, the only songs I don't like on this CD are "I Miss the Innocence" and "Nobody Knows Me Like You". Call me crazy, but I just thought Phil was a little weak on those particular songs. But, since the theme of this review should be "man, this CD was so great that I gave it 4 stars out of 5", let's not dwell on that. I have to say that the reason I bought "Shaken Not Stirred" was the song "In a Real Love", which I've heard on the CD 100 times and on the radio 1,000 times, and I still like it. However, that's far from the only good song on this album. I have to say, I'm a sucker for instrumentals, which is probably why my favorite track would have to be "Black and Whites", a soulful song that's just Phil and his piano. I like "Gone by Dawn" solely for its instrumentals. A song that isn't as strong on the piano and what not, but still good, is "Erase", which I can relate to. "What Happens in Vegas", along with the millions of other songs about girls ditching their mean boyfriends, is fun to listen to. Overall, this is one kick-ass release by Phil, and I couldn't ask for much more.