Customer Reviews

What If...

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Prior to the release of What If..., I must've read 3 or 4 glowing reviews on different sites extolling this as a top-notch effort, a "return to form" for one of the best (if somewhat unsung) bands of the '80s. In truth, I agonized over whether I should just download the album (which was available online 2/8) or wait an extra week to get the actual cd/dvd package (solely to see the "Making of What If..." part of the dvd).

I opted for the cd/dvd package. Honestly, the documentary is only about 10 minutes long, so it's hardly worth twice the asking price of the MP3 album...but I don't even care. Why? Because the glowing reviews I'd read were spot-on. This album is solid, from beginning to end.

Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert are about as good as it gets in the bass/guitar categories for rock bands, and they do not disappoint here at all. Being a drummer myself, I was also impressed with Pat Torpey's playing. And Eric Martin sounds EXACTLY the same as always...something that can't be said for very many (if any) other frontmen of his era.

Congrats to the guys in Mr. Big for putting together an excellent album.

I not gonna make this a long review..I'm just gonna say that this is the best Mr. Big cd IMO Paul's and Billy's playing are GREAT on this new cd..The band sounds great and I gotta say that every song on hear is AMAZING..The Japan release has a different song than the Europe version both are very cool tunes..Make sure to add this to your collection for 2011..Great job guys on the new cd.

Much to my (incredibly happy) surprise I happened to notice this title and, yes, Mr Big is (surprisingly) back, after disbanding several years ago, and with the original line up of Martin, Gilbert, Sheehan & Torpey.

Is it a good surprise? Well, (mostly) yes and no.

Anyone who knows the band knows that they are arguably the most talented rock act currently producing albums (there is no need to bore you with their individual technical prowess) and, on average, they probably get to flex their considerable musical muscle more on this release than any other....but this does not mean it's their best work to date. In terms of recent releases I would rate this as a significant improvement over the last Paul Gilbert album (Hey Man) but, regrettably, not as good as either of the Ritchie Kotzen albums.

Thankfully, although a Frontiers production, the (sound) quality appears to be above average albeit still shy of previous titles. In terms of song selection, there is not a (complete) dud on display, and as always for me, I'll like it the more times its played; top tracks are 3, 9, 10 and in particular, 1 & 7.

Glad to see the boys back together, and on this showing hope that it sells enough units to get them doing more; nice to see Paul Gilbert back and, comparatively, he does shred a little more here than usual (perhaps the reason he left in the first place?) but my favourite Mr Big guitar solo is still 'The whole world's gonna know' (from Bump Ahead).

If you like their previous albums then this should have something you'll enjoy.....and when the talent/ability is this good then it should have some merit for anyone with an interest in rock; executed by 4 guys who really know how to play.

Happy listening!

"What If" is the incredible new studio album from one of the most underrated rock bands of all time: Mr. Big. This album marks the return of Paul Gilbert, the band's original guitar player, and it feels and sounds like a logical follow-up to 1996's Hey Man, which was Gilbert's last album with the band. "What If" delivers all that fans have come to expect from Mr. Big: Eric Martin's soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Pat Torpey's masterful and rock-solid drumming, and the incredibly tasteful and often reserved guitar and bass pyrotechnics of Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan. I've been disappointed by a few reunion albums in the past, but this isn't one of them. I couldn't be more pleased with "What If", and I hope this is just the beginning of a long string of new material to come from Mr. Big.

I have been a fan of Mr. Big since their first album, and was saddened when the group broke up and went their separate ways. This new album reunites the original members of the band - Eric Martin, Billy Sheehan, Paul Gilbert, and Pat Torpey - with a new album featuring the same epic guitar work and poetic vocals that made me love them way back in the late eighties. I only hope this will be the beginning of a new run, and not a final flash in the pan. Either way, this album is not one to miss.

Mr. Big is an appropriate name for the group and BIG marks the sound. Big vocals, big guitar, big bass, big drums. The match of Paul Gilbert's guitar with Billy Sheehan's bass is unparalleled. Eric Martin's voice stands out and sound as good as ever, and Pat Torpey's drumming ties it all together. Once or twice through the album and I was hooked. Mr. Big doesn't sound like any other band. Their sound is unique. Stellar musicians all, but with the ability to play together as a band combining strong melodies with great riffs and hooks. A pleasant surprise and refreshing surprise in an overly packaged market.

What If is the brilliant new album from the original Mr Big lineup that ticks all the essential boxes including virtuoso performances, memorable songs, and a really good vibe and energy from the band. The sound of the album is very live and Eric Martin's vocals are still as strong as ever. Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, and Pat Torpey are still monster players and they all get to shine throughout these songs. Highlights include the amazing opener "Undertow", the Van Halen inspired rock of "American Beauty", the intense musical shred of "Still Ain't Enough For Me", the odd meter groove of "Once Upon A Time", the high quality ballad "All The Way Up", the massive chorus of "Around The World", and the party vibe of "I Get The Feeling". The deluxe edition includes a bonus DVD that contains a 20 minute behind the scenes look at the making of the album and two cool film clips with nice dance moves from Eric on "Undertow"! The packaging is really good with lots of cool photos and a nice lyric booklet. Mr Big is a supergroup worthy of the title and What If is a brilliant return from one of the best bands of the past 20 years.

Being the 80's / 90's cheeser that I am, I have most of Mr. Big's CDs, with the exception of Live at the Budoken and their last studio CD.

I downloaded this from amazon on an impulse buy, and I have to say, this may be their most solid CD to date. Sure, their first offering with songs like "addicted to that rush" were awesome, but I think they gel here musically better than ever. Great job guys!!!

Ok, it's been a long time since the original members of Mr.Big made a record. Most bands reunite and try to fit into whats going on now and turn off their loyal fans, usually do a half a#% reunion tour never to be heard from again........... Not Mr. Big....if you are a Mr. Big fan do not hesitate to get this one (What If) They have managed to do what I haven't ever heard a band do before. They sound just as they did in the late 80's and early 90's...I mean exactly...and after all isn't that what we want when one of our favorite bands finally reunite?? Thank you for staying true to what you are and giving your fans what we have missed so much over the last 20 years. I can ony hope otehr bands like (Van Halen) that plan to record a new record after decades pass follow this ingenious plan to just be who you are and not try to fit into the now......Thats why you have fans that will keep buying your records....we want to hear you sounding like you not anyone else...

Great Record and I hope to see Mr. Big on tour this summer.

TRB

Being from Buffalo, I have followed Billy Sheehans career since the days of Talas and Light Years and was very happy to see him get his just due while playing with David Lee Roth and Mr. Big. When I heard "What If" was out I couldn't wait to hear it. This is easily one of Mr. BIgs best with great hard rocking songs and their trademark songs with great hooks. Being a big Sheehan fan my favorite is "Around The World" but theirs something for everyone on this one. Great Rock and Roll from some of the best musicians ever! GET IT NOW!!!